The MAMMOGRAM isn’t really scary at all, and it might just save your life

DAR staff member Misty DeJournett was inspired this October to get her first mammogram after interviewing a local mother undergoing treatment for breast cancer for an article appearing in this Saturday's print edition on the DAR website.

Hey ladies, it doesn’t hurt! Many of us (me) have been led to believe that the mammogram process is terribly painful, preventing us from taking the necessary measures to ensure our own health.

My experience was quick and painless and I even got a goodie bag with lots of pink goodies.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the newspaper puts out a special tab every year to give survivors and those struggling with cancer a voice.

I was given the assignment to interview a young mother by the name of Jennifer Wells. Upon meeting Jennifer, my first thought was how healthy she looked. Her outward appearance was vibrant, she was wearing a smile and showed no signs of being ill.

This mother of two young girls, repeated my own words back to me during our interview, “I felt fine, I wasn’t even worried about it, they just said because I was 40 it was time.”

She continued explaining at Stage 1, she was confident a double mastectomy would be her saving grace. At that moment, I couldn’t help but think about how long I had put off this uncomfortable task.

The suggestion had come to me, as the American Cancer Society suggests, around the age of 40 also, which was two years ago. I could have had a head start if they found something, but now I am feeling like maybe I am behind.

I made an appointment with my gynecologist and told her I intended to document the process for the newspaper because I hoped to encourage and inspire others as Jennifer had me.

The procedure was quick and, surprisingly to me, completely painless.

Upon my arrival, I was asked for identification and my insurance information.

I signed a few waivers and sat with my co-worker Sam Tucker, another staff writer here, in the lobby of Bluff Imaging fearing the worst.

I was called back to a room very quickly where I was given a clean white robe and some wet wipes. I was instructed to remove any traces of deodorant that may be on my breast or underarm area. Lockers are provided with keys so that you can safely lock up your belongings during the procedure.

A few minutes later the technician returned and led me to the next room where the large mammography machine resides.

I was instructed to remove one arm from my robe, stand facing the machine and balance on one leg while touching my nose. Not really! But the positions I was asked to take were somewhat awkward, but in absolutely no way painful.

The entire procedure, start to finish, lasted less than a half hour. I couldn’t help but feel a bit silly once it was over. I put this off out of unfounded fear.

There are many reasons we as a society don’t seek the preventative health measures we should. Life is hectic. Sometimes bathroom breaks have to be scheduled. Not everyone has insurance and, of course, there are a multitude of horror stories describing the process as a painful and uncomfortable procedure.

Every year, as the temperatures drop and the leaves change to their fall colors, it is my hope that people will be reminded to “pink up.”

Keeping the lines of communication open and making this a discussion that isn’t awkward to have is imperative.

Taking these preventative measures can and has saved many lives.

Take care of business and schedule your appointment as soon as possible; do it for your kids, your spouse, your siblings, and most importantly do it for yourself.

Misty DeJournett is a staff writer at the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at mdejournett.dar@gmail.com.

Editor’s note: The Daily American Republic plans to follow up in November with additional information on Misty and Jennifer’s journeys.