The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
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Cancer Declassified
Mammograms aren't so bad
Alison Marable
PUBLISHED: January 10, 2008
Sure, the waiting room is boring, you need to use up a few precious hours of personal time, and everyone talks about the pain. Honestly, the discomfort of a mammogram lasts for only minutes and, for me, it may have just saved my life.
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My family history includes two previous generations with breast cancer at fairly young ages, so I thought nothing of requesting a first mammogram in my 30s, rather than the generally recommended age of 40.
With such a history, one would think there would be no argument. The first doctor who I approached with my family history and something that I thought felt "not right" dismissed my appeal for a mammogram. She insisted that even women with a strong family history could wait until they were 40. She also implied that my concerns were simply in my head and not anything real.
After immediately changing doctors, the next one insisted that I get a mammogram right away. Had I waited the extra few years to get the mammogram, I might not be here today.
My advice is to listen to what your body tells you and demand respect from medical professionals. You bypass the crushed box of cereal at the grocery store for the flawless box; doesn't your doctor deserve the same level of scrutiny as you choose one to care for your body?
My first mammogram at a satellite office required a second one at the hospital. From the moment I walked into the crowded waiting area, I could sense that all of the other women there felt the same way. Each one held the gown tightly wrapped around her chest with her arms circling herself.
I remember the day that I returned for my follow-up mammogram because of something suspicious on the initial one. The reporters on the television in the waiting area talked about the news of finding the two missing boys abducted by a pedophile. The others in the room turned to strangers, commenting on the news and commiserating with the televised parents.
Each time a woman returned from a mammogram, every face in the room turned away from the television to see her expression. Several women came out with the thumbs up and others gave words of encouragement to the waiting masses. There was a real sense of connection between people who most likely would never see each other again. They were all linked by the emotions tied to the fear of breast cancer.
It's an attachment you don't often see between strangers or even acquaintances -- drivers on the road, shoppers in a store or in the waiting room of the general physician's office. But here, individuals thought of both themselves and the others in the room, sharing looks or actual words of support to unfamiliar people.
I came out from this second procedure crying, rushing to change my clothes and find my husband who was excluded from the female-only dressing and waiting area. Their concerns from the first mammogram had been confirmed and I would soon start the flurry of appointments at the cancer center.
I am thankful every day that I fought the urge to postpone the mammogram, for the doctor who encouraged me to get one as soon as possible because of my history, and for my husband who somehow knew the right words throughout this entire ordeal.
Had I waited, the outcome would be different. So please, take the few minutes required to schedule a mammogram. Bring a friend. Get it over with. No matter what the results, the sooner you know, the sooner you can move on. Most likely you'll get an all-clear that allows you to relax and realize the discomfort wasn't so bad. Then spread the word to others that it wasn't so bad.
If the results turn out like mine, it's better to find out about cancer in the earlier stages so it's more treatable. You're never alone (unless you want to be) in the entire process, from the waiting room to the hospital appointments to your home. There are hospital social workers, caring employees, volunteers and the many resources available through the American Cancer Society.
Alison Marable is a breast cancer survivor and has a master's degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University. She can be reached at alimarabelle@yahoo.com. Comment on her column via our staff blog, "Inside the Newsroom," at heritageweststaffblog.blogspot.com under the Nov. 13 posting "Cancer touches so many lives."
Upcoming Topics
n "How to Help a Cancer Patient": Every person's preferences are unique, but for me, there were specific actions that people took that meant a great deal to me during my breast cancer treatment and recovery. The support and interaction of others brought me such great rewards, pulling me out of a dark place and providing hope to someone who never before had trouble being an optimist.
Coming Jan. 24
"Renewing the Spirit": For many years, I have gardened to heal myself. Anyone who has benefited from the restorative qualities of gardens knows what I mean. A simple walk through the yard pulls stress right from my body and lets it go.
Coming Feb. 7
"Reader Response": The night before the debut of "Cancer Declassified," I felt a sense of panic that maybe I wasn't ready to share this with the world yet. At that point, of course, it was too late to change my mind. That next morning, my inbox filled up with e-mail messages.
Coming Feb. 21
View Video
View video of Alison Marable's pinning ceremony at Eastern Michigan University. The special ceremony was held in August 2007 just for her because she missed the official ceremony so she could have her breast cancer surgery.
Heritage Newspapers encourages readers to share videos and photographs online. Do you have a video that you want to share or photographs from the Relay for Life or other fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society? Is so, please upload them at micentral.mycapture.com or click on the photo sharing button on the newspaper's home page at www.heritage.com.
Your Thoughts?
Have you been affected by cancer? Share your thoughts by adding your comments to Editor Michelle Rogers' blog entry of Nov. 13 at heritageweststaffblog.blogspot.com, which can be accessed from the newspaper's Web site in the left-hand corner.
Check the blog, "Inside the Newsroom," regularly to read what your friends and neighbors are sharing. We want to hear about your personal experiences dealing with cancer, the hardships you've endured and overcome, and advice that you have for individuals battling cancer or supporting a loved one who is going through treatment.
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