This is the year that I turn the big 4-0.
I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it.
Whatever.
It's going to happen no matter what.
So what does turning forty mean?
Maybe it means I can't wear certain "younger" fashion styles.
Maybe that extra ear piercing
is not going to be a reasonable option anymore.
Maybe it means an earlier bedtime or thicker glasses.
Or maybe it means none of those things.
Maybe it's just a number.
It's a milestone reached.
Wisdom earned.
It's a new season.
Whatever the case, this new season calls for subtle changes in my life.
For example, it's the season where my doctor recommends
that I begin getting smashed!
Yep. You heard me right.
My doctor says I need to get smashed at least once a year.
So, being the obedient, rule abiding girl I am..
I did it!
And you know what?
It wasn't half bad.
I called for an appointment and I got one the very next day.
The orders were faxed in
and insurance information was given.
I was asked not to wear any lotion or perfume or deodorant.
I showed up
and when my name was called I was asked to take off everything above the waist
and put on a robe that was waiting for me.
I entered into a room
with a computer,
a large machine,
a very friendly lady,
and a few other intimidating medical paraphernalia.
She asked me a few simple questions
and I awkwardly confessed that I was nervous.
"It's okay," she said,
"Many people are, but there's nothing to worry about."
I stepped over to The {large} Machine and opened my robe.
My milk factories were placed onto The Machine in turn.
A total of six pictures were taken in all.
It was not painful in the least.
As a matter of fact, the worst part of the whole ordeal
was the fact that I had stinky pits.
{For which I apologized.}
My appointment time was 2:15 p.m.
and I was driving away in my car by 2:22 p.m.
{Finally applying the deodorant I was
so glad that I remembered to bring along.}
It wasn't as fun as shopping or going on vacation,
but neither is going to Walmart.
I'm really glad that I did it.
My mind is at ease knowing what's going on with my girls.
So, if you're forty, almost forty, or older
and you're not getting smashed every year,
make an appointment today to get it done!
You won't be sorry.
Getting a mammogram doesn't change the fact of whether or not
you do or do not have cancer.
It just puts you in control of your health and your life.
~Mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 1/3 since 1990.
~The ten-year risk for breast cancer in a 40 year old woman is 1 in 69.
~1 in 6 breast cancers occur in women aged 40-49.
~Of all the years of life saved by mammography, 40% are for women in their 40s.
~3/4 of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease and are not considered high risk.
~Even for women 50+, skipping a mammogram every other year would miss up to 30% of cancers.
~For every 1,000 women who have a screening mammogram:
*100 are recalled to get more mammography or ultrasound images
*20 are recommended for a needle biopsy
*5 are diagnosed with breast cancer
Annual mammograms can detect cancer early - when it is most treatable. In fact, mammograms show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Mammograms can also prevent the need for extensive treatment for advanced cancers and improve chances of breast conservation. Current guidelines from the American College of Radiology, the American Cancer Society, and the Society for Breast Imaging recommend that women receive annual mammograms starting at age 40 - even if they have no symptoms or family history of breast cancer.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 1Corinthians 6:19-20
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