Hey Friend,
I know it’s been a month; literally a month since my last blog/vlog. I need to do better. I will do better. It’s a daily battle of getting my life as Tamar Braxton would say. My goal is to send you a blog/vlog, tips, and info 3 times a month. I’m steadily working to carve out time to write and share valuable content with you. You will see the growth and commitment I have to you and this platform as I make changes in my personal and professional life.
Just hold on and bear with me over the next 4-6 weeks. If you need daily inspiration, be sure to connect with me on Instagram. That’s where I post most days of the week and have some pretty good IG stories and live chats.
Okay back to the point. Today’s blog/vlog is about mammograms. Yep, we are talking about the boob smashing assessments that are recommended for the average woman, beginning at age 40. You’re saying, Steph you’re not 40 why are you talking about mammograms. Well friend, let me tell you, last week I had 2 mammograms and an ultrasound.
Breast cancer is not prominent in my family. However, my Midwife felt the need for me to have a mammogram after my last wellness visit, so I went, and had it done. I’ll give you a little history; I had my first mammogram when I was 27 and it sucked. My hubby found a lump in my right breast and it was one of the scariest moments in my life. After serial tests, I was released from follow up with a clear diagnosis…no cancer, no changes in the size of the lesion.
Well here we are, 8 years later with that feeling of uncertainty and fear. My vlog detailed the day of the mammogram and ultrasound. You can view it here. I will say I don’t have cancer (thank God) but I’m back to having repeat diagnostic studies for at least 1 year.
Cancer sucks, uncertainty sucks, but empowering yourself does not. Do your self-breast exams. Go to your doctor’s appointments. If finances or insurance are barriers to obtaining wellness visits, look into free or low rate clinics and into the local health department.
Your physical health matters. Your mental health matters. Self-care is a requirement. If you don’t take care of you, you can’t take care of anyone else.
Hugs and positive thoughts,
Stephanie
Below are a few tips on doing self-breast exams (disclaimer this is not medical advice; always speak with your healthcare provider).
1. Do your self-breast exam on the same day every month.
2. Visually examine your breast for changes, redness, dimpling in the mirror.
3. Repeat the mirror breast exam with your arms raised.
4. Lying down, examine your breast in a circular or up and down pattern. Your right breast is assessed with your left hand and your left breast with your right hand. Cover the entire breast including the nipple. Note any discharge from the nipple.
5. Repeat your breast exam while standing up.
6. Make an appointment with your provider if you note any lumps, changes, nodules, pain, irregularities, etc. in your breast.
