Protecting the Girls – Power of 2 Challenge

You may have seen my sponsored instagram post last month supporting the Power of 2 Challenge hosted by my local hospital, Baylor Scott & White. While the campaign did not include a dedicated blog post, I really felt a draw to share some some information with those of you who only follow along here!

After polling my 40 and over instagram followers for the reasons they have delayed having an annual mammogram, the following surfaced multiple times. Fear (both of the actual exam and the possible results), cost and time.

For me preventative care has always been a no brainer. I honestly do not think I’ve missed a visit with my OB/Gyn a single year since I turned 18. Even though it was not breast cancer, seeing my aunt die from cancer at 34 when I was only 17 had a huge impact on me. Not only did watching her fight impact me but seeing the effect her fight and ultimately her death had on her family really just made me want to do everything in my power to take care of myself the best way I knew how.

So I rolled my eyes when people made a big deal of going for a mammogram but you know what they say about karma right? Well the day I walked in for my first mammogram all cocky was a rude awakening for me. I did zero research on the procedure and had no clue what was going to happen and I’m not going to lie, I was the most uncomfortable I’ve ever been during a medical procedure.

Here are a few tips to help you not have an anxiety riddled experience!

• Do a little research. Watch a quick video so you know what to expect. All those cartoons of the boob being smashed like a pancake are a bit of an exaggeration especially with todays 3D mammograms.
• Schedule your appointment first thing in the morning. You will not be able to wear deodorant so heading in first thing before you start your day will have you less sweaty!
• Dress in a two piece outfit. Since you will obviously have to uncover the girls, having pants on will help you feel less exposed especially if you have to wait at all.
• Know if you have breast implants you will actually be required to have double the pictures as they not only capture the entire breast but also do a retraction of natural breast tissue only.
• Follow the guidance of the tech. I have had the kindest, most calming techs every single time.
• Make it a special day! Schedule lunch with a friend after or treat yourself to something you love to reward yourself.

If fear of the actual procedure is what is delaying you, I highly encourage you to speak with friends, educate yourself and even visit the mammography site if it will help ease your worry.

Fear of the results I totally get but, honestly, the fear of cancer growing inside me and having zero clue until the diagnosis is advanced scares me more. Knowing your results will give you power! Having a baseline is so important as sometimes just the slightest change might be something to worry about but also could be normal based on your individual breast.

Never has it taken me more than 30 minutes to actually have this procedure done. The process is so efficient! I think I would argue if you don’t have time to spend 30 minutes having a mammogram, how are you going to have the endless hours it will take to fight an advanced cancer diagnosis.

The only excuse I’m really going to give some slack on is the concern over costs. While mammograms without insurance average $100-250, that is still alot for some women. While medicaid will cover participants under that program, there are also other “free” clinics which over low or no cost mammograms. Contacting local support organizations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society can help put you in touch with options.

So tell me, do you need some gentle encouragement to mark this off your list? I share because I care! Last week when one of my closet friends stopped by to tell me she just finished having her mammogram I wanted to cry! I was so proud of her for conquering her fears and making time to do something for herself and her family!

Lastly, my friend Cindy above would tell you early detection from her annual mammogram saved her life! Because she took the time, spent the money and conquered her fears she was able to celebrate her 5 year cancer anniversary with this big smile on her face!