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Please send this to every woman you love.

October is breast cancer awareness month but women need to be aware of breast health every month. After the age of twenty, doing a monthly breast self exam is a good idea. Your doctor can show you how. There are also charts and videos all over the Internet.  When should you have your your first mammogram? That depends on where you live and your family history. If you live in the U.S. and have a family history of breast cancer, it's recommended to have a baseline mammo at age 35, otherwise at age 40. Ironically, most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of it.  In Canada, women with no cancer history normally have their first mammo at age 50. Being Canadian and adverse to the idea of X-rays, I opted to have breast ultrasounds for several years before I had my first mammo. With the advent of digital mammography, I now feel more comfortable with the idea but to be honest, I won't go every year, but I do insist on an annual breast ultrasound because I have dense, cystic breasts.

Only you can decide what feels right for you. If you've never had a mammogram or are curious to know what it's really like, then join me on my mammo adventure. There is nothing to be afraid of and it might save your life.
1) Go to certified facility, ideally one that does lots of mammos. The more experience they have the better. I go to my Hartsdale Imaging in Hartsdale, N.Y. They have a caring and very professional staff.

2) Do not have a mammo if you are pregnant or breast feeding (unless advised by your doctor).

3) If your breasts are tender at certain times of the month, don't schedule a mammo then. If you are super sensitive, take an Advil or other analgesic a hour before your appointment. You can use a Lidocaine gel as well an hour before.
4) Don't moisturize or use any lotions or powders on your breasts on the day of your mammo. They can can interfere with the  X-ray image. If you can, don't  wear deodorant either. If you have anything on, you'll be asked to remove it with
5) You'll only be asked to remove your bra and top, so wear separates and not a dress. It's not a have to, it's just easier. If you're prone to being chilly like I am, I'd rather have more clothes on than less.

6) If you're lucky, you'll have a nice private changing room like this one with a seat, a big mirror and place to hang your clothes. Chances are you'll be given one of those ridiculous paper gowns. I wish more places would use fabric ones. It's less garbage for landfills. Put on the gown with the front open and remove any necklace if you're wearing one.
7) This is the new digital machine. The technician will ask you to stand in front of it. It swings in different directions. It's not any faster but it is more accurate and digital files are more convenient.



8)This is the fun part. The technician will place one breast onto black platform. The plastic paddle above with be lowered to create a boobie sandwich. You will be asked too stay still. Yes, there is pressure and it there can be discomfort but it's fast.  The technician will scurry to a monitor and take the image. She will then scurry back, release the compression paddle and rotate the machine to get another angle of the breast and repeat the process. They want to get  images of the breast from top to bottom and side to side. Your very happy breast will be released and the same thing repeated on your other breast. My entire process took less than ten minutes.

 While a mammo is in process, a red light goes on outside the room to prevent anyone from entering.

9) You will be asked to wait in the dressing room (about 5 minutes) while the technician brings the images to the radiologist to examine. Don't get dressed yet. Abnormalities are found in only 6 to 8% of mammos and most of those are benign. Don't freak out if they find anything unusual, you will immediately be examined with either an ultrasound, a diagnostic x-ray or biopsy, but the most likely scenario is, "You can get dressed now."
10) Get dressed and pat yourself on your back for taking good care of yourself.

Want more info? http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org

My best advice is of a more spiritual nature: Love your breasts, no matter what size, shape or condition.
Christian Northrup, M.D., a visionary of mind-body wellness and co-founder of a the Women to Women Health Care Center writes:
"Energy dysfunction often arise when a woman is confused about how to use both her loving (fourth heart chakra ) and her creative (second chakra) energies optimally. The major conflict within women is that most of us still believe that in order to be loved, to receive love, and to guarantee that someone will need us, we must care for loved ones' external physical needs.

Cancer survivor, author, and one of the founders of the self-help movement, Louise L. Hay is well known for her healing affirmations. Hay on the breasts:"The breasts represent the mothering principle. When there are problems with the breasts, it usually means we are 'over mothering' either a person, a place, or a thing, or an experience.... If cancer is involved, then there is also deep resentment."

An affirmation that works for everyone: "I nourish myself with love and joy. I am safe."

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