Breast test is negative for cancer

Mammogram poem written on April 7, 2016

MAMMOGRAM

To please Dr Cynthia
I said I'd get a
mammogram, controversial
though it is.

The Mary Sachs Breast Center
right around the
corner fit me in
like a lost library
book assuming its
place on the shelf.

Judy was my dark-haired
host. The all plastic
machine was a marvel
Plexiglass shelves
lovingly bore
down on each breast.

They seem to get bigger
with time, I said, making
polite conversation, to her
no-reply

I helped her lay each
pliable fish-like
appendage on the
shelf, arm clasping
balance beam
and chin held high
like a Tolstoy princess

Then held my breath
the hardest part
one two three
one two three
until Judy, who
smelled like
Febreze bid
me go home.

...

So today, something arrives in the mail from Jefferson. 

Jefferson Health, it says, with a silhouette of Thomas Jefferson. 

We are pleased to inform you that the results of your breast imaging exam performed on 7/12/21 showed no evidence of breast cancer. 

They advised me to have annual exams.

They also said - and listen to this! - that "you do not have dense breasts... that assessment of breast density may vary from year to year.

Okay, now that we've got this health topic out of the way, we're going to discuss my jewelry. 

Where's the light? It's dark in my writing room.

Let's move along to another page.