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From the Hooters to the Tooter, Get Checked During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

From the Hooters to the Tooter, Get Them Checked During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is more than a month of falling leaves, trips to the Apple Orchards and Crock Pot meals. For me it also signals the time to put my legs in stirrups and to have my boobies mashed between two metal plates. Yep, it’s time for the annual exams for the hooters and the tooter, which also includes scheduling a colonoscopy.

I am so proud of hubby, as his chemo treatments are kicking colon cancer’s butt, so I need to make sure that my butt stays healthy as well.

2013 MAMMOGRAM

After checking both my work and home calendars I try to schedule my annual Pap Smear and Mammogram appointments on the same day. It’s so easy to get caught up with work and family, not to mention the holiday hoopla then forget to make an appointment.

get an annual breast exam

Oftentimes, I will mix the day of appointments with a day of pampering starting with the dreaded pap smear, followed by lunch, then the mammogram and finally a pedicure ~ works for me!

I don’t care how old I am, how long I’ve been having these procedures done, nor the fact that they are uncomfortable.  All three of these vital exams must be done annually…no if’s, and’s or butt’s about it!

GET YOUR BUTT CHECKED

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month however, if you haven’t scheduled an appointment this month, make it for next month, just make it! 

We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer which is more of a reason to schedule an appointment ~ no excuses.  

CANCER DON’T CARE!  

ihatecancer in memory of Rene

In loving memory of Debra Clarke, Hazel Woods and Rene McCrea


From the Hooters to the Tooter, Get Them Checked During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Wellness Wednesday

Hello friends and welcome to this week’s feature of  “Wellness Wednesday”.

October is more than a month of falling leaves, trips to the Apple Orchards and Crock Pot meals. For me it also signals the time to put my legs in stirrups and to have my boobies mashed between two metal plates.   Yep, it’s time for the annual exams for the hooters and the tooter, which means I will also be scheduling my first colonoscopy.  Hubby’s recent diagnosis and ultimate surgery for small intestinal cancer made it even more of a priority for me.

colonoscopy

After checking both my work and home calendars I try to schedule my annual Pap Smear and Mammogram appointments on the same day.  It’s so easy to get caught up with work and family, not to mention the holiday hoopla then forget to make an appointment.

2013 annual mammy

Oftentimes, I will mix the day of appointments with a day of pampering starting with the dreaded pap smear, followed by lunch, then the mammogram and finally a pedicure ~ works for me!

I don’t care how old I am how long I’ve been having these procedures done, I never look forward to either.  However, it doesn’t matter how uncomfortable they are, these vital exams must be done, no if’s, and’s or butt’s about it!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so if you haven’t made an appointment for your annual mammogram, please use this as a reminder to do so.  We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer which is more of a reason to schedule an appointment ~ no excuses.

 To get a FREE copy of the eBbook The Top Ten Superfoods for Preventing Breast Cancer, just click on this link

FREE eBook download

Have you ever taken part in a Breast Cancer Walk?

breast cancer walk I did this one in memory of my cousin Debra and Aunt Hazel.  

“Cancer Don’t Care!”

Shop For Pink Ribbon Jewelry Now To Cure Breast Cancer!

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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a mom blog community!

 

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I am not a medical professional and these posts are not designed to promote or give any medical advice.  Please check with your personal physician if you have any questions regarding your own health.


Monday Mammogram

“Good morning, please take off everything from the top, then put on this gown with the opening in the front”

Yes, that’s the phrase I hear from the friendly technician when it’s time for my annual mammogram and on Monday at 7:30 am I had my 12th.

Annual Mammogram

Annual Mammogram

Have you noticed any changes to your breasts?”

No”

Have you felt any lumps or experienced soreness in your breasts?”

No”

Do you have on any deodorant?”

No”

 Okay, are you ready?”

“Yes”

let’s start with the right side first….left arm down…grip here…move up a little closer…you’ll feel a little pressure…okay hold it…now relax.”

Next it’s from a different angle, then repeated on the left side.

  Annual Mammogram

This is the only conversation we have while having my breasts moved, lifted, adjusted then flattened between two plates to be imaged.

Annual Mammogram

For all my years of having mammograms, I can honestly say, it’s never really hurt, uncomfortable, yes, but not overly painful.  I have always scheduled my exam during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a big reminder to have it done – no excuses or memory lapses.

Annual Mammagram

Sadly, far too many women refuse to have a mammogram because of the preconceived notion that there will be unbearable pain involved, trust me, the pain of not going can be far worse.

I have lost an aunt and cousin to Breast Cancer and have several other cousins who are Breast Cancer survivors, so I know it’s better to be checked and uncomfortable for 15 minutes than not at all.  

Annual Mammogram

Have I ever been called back after a mammogram?

Annual Mammogram

Yes, and it was nerve-wracking to say the least, but nothing was found. It was just the density of the breast, the angle of the image or noticeable calcification on the x-ray, which is why you are asked not to wear deodorant before the exam.  Most deodorants/antiperspirants contain aluminum which is very similar to microcalcifiactions, which is an early indication of breast cancer. 

 

Annual Mammogram

I had my first Mammogram at the age of 40, however, it is now suggested that women, especially African American women begin at the age of 35. If you have any questions or need additional information, please check out www.cancer.org.  

Early detection is key, however, when women are not vigilant in doing monthly self breast exams or having an annual mammogram the survival rates decrease.  Triple Negative Breast Cancer is now the most dangerous form of breast cancer and is prevalent among African American women.   Treatment for it can kill or even cause another form of cancer to appear, Robin Roberts is a survivor of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Annual Mammogram at Papastavros' Associates

Annual Mammogram

Do Breast Self Exams Monthly – The Best Protection is Early Detection! 

P&G has a new Downloadable Phone app that aids in early cancer detection, so try it out today.

self exam

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Annual Mammogram

As wives, mothers and caregivers we often take care of other’s needs before taking care of our own. I missed my annual GYN appointment by 6 months, but I didn’t forget to make an orthodontist, dental and vision appointment for my sons. I received a letter to schedule my annual mammogram in May, but didn’t make the appointment until this month.

It’s hard to forget to schedule a mammogram in October because of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the pink reminders are everywhere. In my family there are 6 cousins and an aunt who had Breast Cancer and unfortunately, one cousin and the aunt succumbed to the disease – RIP Aunt Hazel and Debra! At my job there are several Breast Cancer survivors as well as a woman currently undergoing treatment after being in remission for 10 years. She like so many other brave women remains positive, and upbeat as well as looking good in their scarves and wigs.

My 11th mammogram was this morning, I started going to Papastavros Imaging in Glasgow at the age of 40. I do not like doctor’s appointments and get nervous but I manage the stress by talking. I talk constantly, stopping only to hold my breath for the x-ray, and because of this I can honestly say that I have never felt any pain.

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After entering the dressing room, and given a top gown which I never know how to tie, waiting to be called in is nerve racking and waiting for the results is even worse. There are two types of regular screenings, a “CC”, which is a straight down view and the “MLO”, a side view. If you are called back for a follow up, a Spot Paddle is used and it targets a specific area on the breast. The Spot Paddle is more painful because it pinches that targeted area. A few years ago I was called back and immediately went into a panic mode. Amy, my technician explained that a call back does not mean cancer. It can be a vein, an artery, or dense tissue seen on the x-ray, a change in your breast due to your menstrual cycle or even the technician or the machine. So don’t panic and if you have a low tolerance of pain try talking through it, you’ll be surprised how quickly it goes and the sooner you can get to your deodorant.

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