JUST GO!

By Tamyra Kelly

It was a cold, gloomy and rainy day in Fort Wayne in January 2016. That day, I was scheduled for my annual mammogram screen with Francine’s Friends Mammography Mobile Unit. This mobile unit was about 100 yards outside my employer’s door. Due to the weather, I didn’t want to go to the appointment but something inside of me kept tugging at my heart. It was God. God spoke gently to my spirit saying, “Just Go”, so I did!

A day or so later, I received a call saying I needed to come back for another mammogram. They didn’t want to alarm me but wanted to take precautions. Again, I didn’t want to, but God said, “Just Go”, so I did. A few days afer the second mammogram I was called back to schedule a biopsy. The biopsy made it clear it was a small tumor in the right breast. Then, the unknown journey began. A lumpectomy, six rounds of chemotherapy, hair gone within the first two chemo’s, sick to my stomach on a daily basis, 45 rounds of radiation but in all that I thank God, he told me to Just Go! If I hadn’t, I probably wouldn’t be here today.

The moral of this story is ALWAYS listen to that soft gentle voice speaking to you. It’s for your good. Then, schedule your screening. The mammogram detected the tumor which in turn saved my life.

So many women I encounter are afraid of taking a mammogram, take it from me, it’s not all that bad because the alternative could be worse. That said, there are 7 things to know about getting a mammogram (according to the American Cancer Society):

1. Mammograms are the best test to find breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.

2. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that’s used to find breast changes. They are done with a machine that only looks at breast tissue.

3. You should find a center that does many mammograms in a day and stick with that center because it makes it easier for doctors to compare images from one year to the next.

4. Its best to schedule your mammogram about a week after your menstrual period, there will be less discomfort during the mammogram.

5. The breast is compressed between 2 plastic plates for a few seconds while an x-ray is taken.

6. Results should be provided within 10 days. If the doctor finds an area that looks different from the rest of your breast, you’ll likely need to get new x-rays.

7. For women who are uninsured or can’t afford the cost, free or low-cost mammogram services are available.

Since being diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 2016 and while sharing my journey, I’ve found several women who have never had a mammogram. So, I say to you, Just Go! Go get your mammogram, go get your annual screening, Just Go.. it could save your life! JUST GO!