Breast cancer.
Two words that terrify me. How could two things on my body that provided health and nourishment to my babies potentially be my downfall?
When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer I couldn’t believe it. There was no way I was going to lose the woman in my life who was always there for me. She was everything to me.
After my mom’s treatments and mastectomy, it was discussed that I should probably go in and have a baseline mammogram taken so that I would know a little more about my chances, risks and just more information about my breasts. Family history does affect your risks – find out more in this video. Well, in true Marsha fashion… I refused. I didn’t even entertain the idea! I didn’t want to know. My thought was that if I was meant to get cancer, I would just be hit with it and fall over dead one day. I did NOT want to know. It is a scary thought to think that you might not make it to see your kids grow up.
That was almost 10 years ago. This month, I had the opportunity to go downtown to Diagnostic Imaging Centers to get my first mammogram, with the support of two other KCMB moms. Not just any plain old thing either. I got to have a 3D mammogram at the very nice Plaza location. Hear why 3D mammography is able to detect irregularities in tissue much more accurately than traditional tests.
Ladies, it was amazing! See the whole process in the video below!
Taking the Fear Out of Your First Mammogram
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're not just talking about mammograms, we're getting them! In order to take the fear out of our first mammogram, KCMB contributor Marsha 'Brown' Roth got her first screening on camera. Thanks to our partner Diagnostic Imaging Centers, P.A. for making this possible!
Posted by Kansas City Mom Collective on Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Not only was I in and out of the place in 30 minutes. And good news, the “cousins” are fine and healthy. The great thing about Diagnostic Imaging was I didn’t have to go home and wait nervously for a letter or phone call. I received my results right there before I walked out the doors.
The staff was very nice and talked me through the whole procedure, making me feel comfortable, lessening my nerves. The actual mammogram took less than five minutes, and the most uncomfortable part was when she asked me to put my right arm up and I had to remember my right from my left! The doctor answered all of my questions with patience and detail. Even the irrational ones.
Please, if you are the age where you need a mammogram, schedule it. It’s easy! Not sure? Find out what age is best to start with this important test.
Diagnostic Imaging has seven mammography locations throughout the Kansas City area plus a Mobile 3D Mammography Coach, with most locations having walk-in appointments available. If you cannot afford a mammogram or don’t have insurance, there is funding available to help! No one should live in worry or fear.
Don’t slack, check your rack!
