Have you ever had a task you procrastinated for months that took 15 minutes to complete? That was me and my first mammogram. Well … and a lot of other tasks, but that’s for another blog! This 15-minute task, however, might save your life.
I lost my mom to breast cancer when she was 49. She was diagnosed at age 48, and I was told as a young 23-year-old to start mammograms when I turned 38. I didn’t realize I was ever actually going to be 38, but here I am … 38, with three kids, and the clock is ticking. My birthday is in May, so guess when I got my mammogram done? April, of course, and not a moment sooner.
I had so much anxiety. How long will it take? What will it feel like? Where should I go? What am I supposed to wear? What happens if they do find something?
The answers to those questions:
- Not long at all! I parked my car outside the clinic at 9:57 am. At 10:09, I was happily back in my car and on my way.
- It feels incredibly awkward. No way around that. They do provide a pink robe that is warm from the dryer, which I believe is a universal experience across clinics.
- There are many clinics and mammogram vans. Your doctor can help set up an appointment. The important part is that you go!
- You undress from the waist up, so definitely wear pants or shorts.
- Freak out, and that is fair.
My OB/GYN, a breast cancer survivor herself, encouraged me to complete genetic testing. I’d completed this before at age 23, but our diagnostic tools are so much more advanced today. Aside from my mom, we had no family history of breast cancer, and I don’t believe we were able to discern much about what caused her cancer 21 years ago.
Today, a simple (but gross) spit test can find many genetic mutations in addition to the BRCA gene I was screened for 15 years ago. Unfortunately, I did discover I carry one of these genetic mutations. Fortunately, I have awareness now. I am so glad I took the time to learn more about my risk.
I did get a call-back on my first mammogram. I am here to tell you that it is so common, so don’t be surprised if that happens to you as well. Especially for those of us who have put our bodies “through it” with multiple pregnancies and years of breastfeeding! I got the all-clear from that follow-up appointment for the next six months.
As I move into a new stage of awareness (and anxiety, and a little residual grief), I truly feel so blessed that we have world-class cancer care here in St. Louis. I will be working with Siteman, the same place that treated my mom. I feel so confident in the care I’ll receive there.
As much as I wish all my news had been good, I can move forward with knowledge my mom never had access to. Patients with breast cancer caught early have really high success rates. It’s quick and easy to stay on top of screenings, and now I know the additional steps I’ll need to take as well. My mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Don’t wait.
Just as in motherhood, community is everything. I got my genetic results in the car with a doctor friend, who looked up the gene in question and helped me understand my results. My radiologist friend helped me understand the process of my follow-up exam. Another friend, who shares my risk, referred me to her high-risk breast doctor. My friends with no connection to medicine or cancer check in with me and encourage me. We are not meant to walk through these seasons alone!
I hope these words are an encouragement to you if you are a fellow procrastinator. Tell your friends: all the cool moms are getting their breasts compressed in plexiglass! 15 minutes can save your life.
