Getting Your First Mammogram

Being 40 means getting your first mammogram, especially if cancer runs in your family. I felt anxious, nervous, and quite frankly "Am I really this old?" These feelings compounded the longer I put it off. Thinking, "Well, the latest study said I can wait till I am 45. I guess I can just put it off five more years...right?" But you know in your heart you need to do this. So you get real with yourself and do what you are supposed to.

Being beautiful takes a lot of healthy self talk. Because as easy as it sounds to remind other people what they should be doing, it's a lot harder doing the hard things yourself. I am constantly around beautiful women, so I have heard the mammogram stories just way too many times not to be nervous about actually doing it for myself. Healthy self talk got me the appointment and in the door. Even though that healthy self talk came with internal self talk battles. (Seriously, sometimes if you can just get out of your own way life would be easier).

I am here ready to do this. So many have done it, why is it a big deal? I found out it's not. Let me say it again. It's NOT a big deal. It was very simple. First, they escort you to a room to remove your shirt, underwear, and deodorant. (The glass on the machine can be harmed by certain deodorants. I didn't know it, but next time I will bring my deodorant with me. (They provided spray deodorant , which was nice, but I felt like I didn't smell like me all day. I also worried it wouldn't be strong enough.)

Then they bring you in with the machine. You know, the one you see in comic strips and funny Facebook memes teasing about woman torture. Then after explaining and walking you through what will happen, they start calming you down and helping you through. Maybe five minutes later you are done. It was easy. They will answer your questions if you ask. It was an uncomfortable X-ray , but it didn't hurt or make me feel immodest or violated.

The results came the same day. All clear! All that worry, anxiety, and nervousness was for no reason. I was in my own way! It took me eight months to talk myself into it. Aging is a guarantee. We will get older. Our bodies will start to show signs of aging. Taking care of yourself is necessary. Putting off regular checkups for anything--your health, teeth ,hair, even your car--can bring you to repair instead of maintaining it in the first place. Being Beautiful means taking care of yourself no matter if you feel scared, worried, anxious, stressed, or any other feeling that is unpleasant. We are worth it. It is important not only to us, but also to those who love and watch us. You will be amazed at how many people are watching your courage to find their own. Don't just look beautiful, be beautiful! Take care of yourself. This is 2019!

(This content is part of our Vintage Collection)