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Nancy Naigle & Kelsey Browning | The Granny Series Salutes Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Patricia Salcedo
October 22, 2014
This month we’ve all seen—and possibly worn—pink ribbons. Pink ribbons that
announce we support the many people who’ve been affected by breast cancer.
Because awareness, money, research and preventative care are the ways we fight a
disease that impacts the 220,000 women and 2150 men diagnosed with breast cancer
each year (according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation). While writing FIT TO BE TIED, the second book in The Granny
Series, Nancy and I realized our story occurs in October (in addition
to being released during the month). So what would any self-respecting,
over-fifty women like our characters Maggie, Sera and Abby Ruth do during Breast
Cancer Awareness Month?  Have mammograms, of course! Here’s a small excerpt from the—as Abby Ruth would say—Panini-press scene in FIT TO BE TIED: The tech guided Abby Ruth to the huge shiny machine. “You’ve had this done
before, right?” “Several times.” “Great, makes it much easier for me.” She led Abby Ruth through a
follow-the-leader game of up, back, down and scooch. Then positioned her with
one arm in the air and pushed her shoulder back. She stepped back and studied Abby Ruth as if she were a piece of experimental
art. “Lean toward me.” Abby Ruth craned her neck to look at Sera, waiting on the opposite side of the
glass wall separating the machine and the tech’s computer station, and said to
her, “This ought to be a cake-walk for you. I think I’ve seen you in this pose
before.” The tech tugged Abby Ruth forward a little more. “This will be slightly
uncomfortable.” “Bring it on.” She ruthlessly cranked the upper tray into place, and a screech clawed its way
out of Abby Ruth’s throat. “Lord Jesus, this thing is like ice! My girls in
Texas always put a heating pad on this sucker.” “Great idea,” the tech said. “Never thought of warming it up.” “Clearly. Careful now. Cold as that metal is, I could poke an eye out.”
Although we injected the above scene with humor, seeking preventative breast
care and having a yearly mammogram if you’re over 40 (according to the American
Cancer Society) is serious business. No, it’s not fun, but my radiology gals
here in Athens, Georgia, have done a few things to make it a more pleasant
experience. They give away goodies and sell T-shirts emblazoned with “Save the
Hooters.” I bought one last year, and I love wearing it around town. So to all the people who have fought this disease—some winning and some
losing—Maggie, Sera, Abby Ruth, Nancy, and Kelsey salute you! --- Tell us, do you have any funny or awkward mammogram stories to share with us?
Comment below to be entered to win a paperback copy of FIT TO BE TIED (US addresses only).
Comments
20 comments posted.
Re: Nancy Naigle & Kelsey Browning | The Granny Series Salutes Breast Cancer Awareness Month
I don't personally have any funny or awkward stories regarding
mammograms however I work with a woman that has had to
"reposition" several times when having a mammogram in order to
get an accurate picture. Her version "I just thought I didn't
have any before they smashed them gone."
(Amanda Ray 5:33pm October 22, 2014)
Amanda - yes - those radiology techs can find bits of boob you never knew you
had. Pretty sure they've had part of my back in there before. ;-)
Thanks for popping by!
Kelsey
(Kelsey Browning 6:08pm October 22, 2014)
I think it had to be a man who invented this machine! I'd
love to see how they'd react if they had to have their
'goodies' smushed to be sure nothing was wrong!!
(Sandy Haber 7:57pm October 22, 2014)
Totally agree, Sandy! LOL
K-
(Kelsey Browning 8:44pm October 22, 2014)
I do not personal have a story of my own. My gradmother had one. The first time she went for a mammogram. They were aking her a lot of questions. One of the was if she had surgery on her breasts, She told that she have not surgery. She said thst she might have to after they got though trying to mashing them off.
(Cynthia Cook 9:48pm October 22, 2014)
No. No good stories from me. But I do check myself and get my mammograms. Thanks for dedicating your post this way! Good job!
(Lisa Hutson 12:55pm October 23, 2014)
Thanks for popping in, y'all. So glad to know you're taking care of yourselves!
Kelsey
(Kelsey Browning 8:18am October 23, 2014)
I don't have any stories to share, but I think they need to
make post-mammogram shaped bras to fit your breasts in,
because I swear that after flattening them out, they never
fit properly into your regular bra again for a few days!!
Loved your excerpt, and know that I'll love your book!!
Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:18am October 23, 2014)
I do not have any stories but having an mammogram is an experience all by itself.
(Jean Benedict 11:35am October 23, 2014)
Peggy & Jean - I totally agree with that "it's an experience in and of itself"
thing! LOL.
And Peggy, so hope you enjoy Fit to Be Tied. We had a hoot writing it!
Kelsey
(Kelsey Browning 4:19pm October 23, 2014)
Not from me but my Mom went to get hers done and she
walks in and the lab tech is a man.. my mom is VERY
reserved. So she tells him that she does not want to
embarrass him (but really herself) and tells him that
they are just too big to fit or manipulate. He just walks
out shaking with laughter and in walks a female tech. She
just says that he is learning and was not sure what to
make of your comment. Then she looks at my mom and shouts
HOLLY COW.. Mom started crying. But I want to know
where I can get that shirt in V neck..that is an awesome
shirt.
(Tina Ullrich 12:14pm October 24, 2014)
Aw, Tina! Your poor mom. I can only imagine how embarrassing that must've
been. A male doctor delivered my son, but I do prefer a female radiology tech
- LOL. As for the shirt, I'm not sure. The picture you see is of the back. The
front just has a little logo for my diagnostic clinic. :-)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
K-
(Kelsey Browning 7:45am October 24, 2014)
nothing funny or awkward, darn it - sorry! - except that I finally had my first mammogram about two years ago (I am almost 51) - my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer back in early 2010 and had a mastectomy and radiation done - thank God she continues to do well - she is 87 years young!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 10:48am October 24, 2014)
Felicia - I LOVE hearing that story about your mom. And if she's 87 years young,
I bet she's a hoot and a half. Tell her the Grannies are giving her a big high-five!
Kels
(Kelsey Browning 2:29pm October 24, 2014)
Aren't ALL mammograms awkward?
(Karen Mikusak 3:09pm October 24, 2014)
LOL, I think so, Karen!
K-
(Kelsey Browning 4:17pm October 24, 2014)
I would love to win this book. Thank you for allowing me to enter the contest. Sounds like a great book. Thank you for allowing me to enter this contest.
(Renae Kelly 5:07pm October 24, 2014)
I don't have any funny or awkward moments to share. Please everyone who comments have a mammogram!!! I love the Grannie series so much. Thank you both for the contest.
(Nancy Wolfe 5:26pm October 24, 2014)
Kelly & Nancy - thanks to both of you for stopping by. And Nancy, SO tickled to
hear you love the series!
Kels
(Kelsey Browning 3:37pm October 25, 2014)
I've had Mammograms since Iwas 32.(a promis to my Dad.) I'm the 5th
woman in my in my family to get Breast Cancer(last year I was49 they
found it in both.) a week after I found mine my sister found a Lomp got it
tested stage 4,her secound time to get it.the day after my fourth sugery I
went to Hospital to see her,she passed that night.they told her 6-8 months
it was only two. My family are survivers and I passed my mammogram this
year.ya!! I'd like to sellabrate by byeing some of this tee shirts for all my
family how can I get some? Can you all help?Thank You ,my #(302)893-
5064.
(Micielle Carter 1:58am October 28, 2014)
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