39/40 what's the diff.....

So I go to the doctors the other day because I feel this horrible lump under my arm. Ya, it scared the shit out of me but it just appeared and really hurt so my feeling was that it wasn't too serious. However I realized that at, uhhhhh well, my tender age it's important to check out these things. So I get in the doctors office, strip off the top half of my attire, and have this strange man ( I went to a walk in. My doctor is far ) poke around my breast and then tell me that he sure that it is a muscle strain and that it's not anything to be concerned about. That was a relief. I began to get dressed with a sense of glee and calm about the outcome of the situation as well as sense of pride at my self care. But then the Doctor had to stomp on my parade. He turned to me as I was grabbing my bag and asked "How old are you!". I told him 39 and he said(and I quote). "Oh, 39/40 same difference, you should still go to get a mammogram each year from now on just for precaution" YOU HAD ME AT 39/40 same diff....... WHAT! I don't think so. I am 39 and that is all. Not a year older then that. Not for another 11 months buddy. And as for your well meaning medical advice I know being in the "almost 40 category" that mammograms start to be a 40 year old regular routine but NOT at39!

Ok, you may be thinking, here we go again with the irrational behavior but come on. When you are feeling so vulnerable about not only your age change but at the moment you health, this is not what you need to hear. Hmmmmph...I was pissed. I looked at him with hate in my eyes and in a loud onerous voice said "THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMTION SIR" and walk out. I told him and he'll think twice before giving potentially life saving information to an almost 40 year old by possibly saying something more along the lines of ....." 39...wow I thought you were much younger than that. So I was going to suggest that if you are really concerned you could ask your family doctor about a mammogram to clear your conscience. However, you do know that even though I thought you were much too young to be worrying about such things, you may want to remind you readers..... I mean yourself that once you turn 40 a regular mammogram is pretty important.". This would have been much more "patient friendly".

Anyhow, don't let anyone tell you your older then you are, especially when the next age starts with a 4 as compared to a 3. Oh, and always remember that doctors are medically trained not necessarily trained in age differentiating.

Lise