My First Mammogram

Mammogram. It's a word that up until now never bothered me. I've been a strong supporter of breast cancer awareness for 10 years, between stories I would produce for CBS to raising funds through the 3 day, 60 mile Avon walk. "Monthly self breast exams" and "early detection is the key" have become ingrained in me.

Until this week, that was honestly all information for someone else--not me. But since I am turning 40 next month, it was time for me to get my first baseline mammogram. I have no cause for concern, no lumps that worry me; it's just something I need to add to my list of routine healthcare.

So I made an appointment at the Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center. With insurance it should be free, and I was in an out within an hour. The paperwork and questions were straight-forward. I tried to lighten the air with answers like this.

Nurse: "Do you have any breast implants?"

Me: "If I do, I should really get my money back because they're missing!"

Nurse: "Are you breast feeding?"

Me: "No, these girls worked for 4 years breast feeding and are taking a well earned retirement."

Another woman and I went into the dressing rooms together, but we were escorted to two different waiting rooms. My mammogram was just a "screening" one and hers was a "diagnostic" one. I don't know the specifics of how the procedures differ, but I was secretly thankful to be going into my room.

The procedure itself was awkward, not painful. It's along the lines of how dental x-rays feel when they stick that cardboard in your mouth except this time a nurse is physically smooshing your ta-ta's. They took four pictures within five minutes, and I should have the results within a week.

The one unexpected surprise during this visit was running into a dear friend, Gabrielle. She blogged about her experience here. My heart sank when she asked, "Did you find a lump TOO?" I didn't like hearing that she had to go through the diagnostic procedure, wondering what if... Thankfully, it was nothing abnormal and she's fine.

As I think back on my experience, I'm grateful we have tools today to help ease our minds or get us ready for battle. For me, I'm hoping for an "all clear." For Gabrielle, she can rest easy for now. But for hundreds of women every day, a mammogram's results will signal, "Now it's time to fight." During October, which has quickly become known as Breast Cancer Awareness month, I encourage you to seize the tools available to us so that you too can remain powerful through knowledge. And if you can participate in the 5K Race for the Cure, it's this Saturday.

If you care to share your story or link to a blog where you talked about early detection or fighting breast cancer, please leave a comment.

The First 24 hours I Have NOT Nursed my Daughter

My daughter is now 20 months old. Many will say, "What are you doing still nursing a nearly two year old?" Some will say, "You go girl!" As she is my last of three children and the only one who took to breastfeeding easily, I'm comfortable with my decision to let the weaning process play out naturally. My original goal was to make it to her second birthday.

However, last night marked the first night in her life that I had not nursed her for an entire 24 hour period. We've given up most day-time feedings and mainly nurse going to sleep and occasionally once during the night or early in the morning. Given I was away during her regular bedtime last night, she went to sleep without me.

I'm not sure whether to mourn or celebrate this milestone. A little of both I guess. I possibly have a trip coming up in a month that would close the door for good. Do I take the first extended vacation away from my kids in 7 years or do I stay to savor a little more time of this treasure of breastfeeding? Naturally, my body is winding down and she doesn't seem bothered by it. She'll likely transition just fine.

The question is: will I? Am I ready to go cold turkey and just have hubby do her bed-time routine? Having made it 24 hours, I thought about that option. Then I pondered, "But I didn't get to say good-bye! I need some sort of proper closure!" But how exactly do I get that? This isn't just weaning a child. This is weaning my last child. The last time I'll ever savor that incredible gift we have as women to nourish and love our child simultaneously.

Maybe I shouldn't be so emotional about it, but I can't help myself. How did you know the time was right to wean? How did you say good-bye? With tears in my eyes....

Should you Buy Baby Formula off Craigslist?

Tonight local reporter / anchor Tearsa Smith of WATE did a story on buying baby formula on the internet. For the full story (written or video format), go here. I was happy to assist Tearsa in finding a mother from our MOMS Club to speak on camera about formula. Lauren Cook did great!

As Coupon Katie recently had her third child, she recently posted a request for ways to save on formula. I applaud her for reaching out for ideas, since she will be undergoing treatment for MS shortly and won't be able to continue breast feeding. I've been impressed with the comments and suggestions.

Personally, I think it's wonderful women have options to feed their babies, but I strongly believe in breast feeding whenever possible. There's just too much literature supporting it to deny breast is best. But I know how hard it can be; trust me, I know! Using a shield for 4 months with one and pumping every ounce for another for 10 months, I have discovered it's not always as "natural" as I'd once envisioned. But then along came Brooke who breastfed exclusively with virtually no problem; kids are all so different.

So where do you stand on the formula issue? Would you buy it from a stranger off Craigslist? Do you trust that generic is just as good as the name brands? How do you save money on formula?