This Appointment Could Save Your Life
As a personal stylist for women, a very high percentage of my time is spent in conversation with women about a wide range of topics. I’m always interested in opportunities to increase the quality of my self care without actually increasing the number of items on my to-do list or feeling guilty for my “imperfect” time management. Being intentional with my choices without striving for perfection is a delicate balance. Few things are as thrilling as discovering or rediscovering opportunities to check something off the list AND know that I’m getting the most bang for my buck.
In my mind, a mammogram is the ideal example of this sort of major win for minimal effort. I’ve always felt this way and have tried to stay on top of yearly mammograms. (As it turns out, somehow I missed last year. So, there’s another example of real life creeping into our goals.) But the last few years have really put a spotlight on the extraordinary resource we have in mammograms and the major payoff you get with early cancer detection.
It’s Time to Schedule Your Mammogram + One More Cancer Screening that can Change Everything
During COVID, a good friend of mine, Cassie, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the fears about COVID transmission at that time, Cassie masked up and went to her get her regular mammogram. Thanks to early detection, great care and some luck, she’s cancer free now. In fact, she was a featured speaker at the In For the Hutch event last month. You can listen to her informative, funny and moving speech.
Then last year, another friend was diagnosed. I checked in with Cassie to get hot tips on the very best gifts for women going through this, especially as they headed into surgery. I sent my friend all the things and some love. Thankfully, she’s also doing great.
My husband and me at the In For the Hutch Fundraiser event this month. Cassie was a featured speaker! I got this dress last summer at Nordstrom and pulled it out of the closet for the event. It has pockets and you can adjust the neckline to be a plunge neck or just a v-neck, depending on the occasion. Sadly, it's sold out online. But the point is when you shop for items using your style words, body type and colors, and buy what you love, you'll likely have something to wear without needing to buy something new for every event:)
Earlier this year, another good friend of mine was diagnosed thanks to her mammogram. In all three cases, early detection made the difference. As far as I know, they didn’t have any symptoms of concern and were just checking their annual mammogram off of the list. This good friend, also my VERY FIRST Poplin client, is now recovering nicely. Two clients shared that they had been diagnosed in the last few months and I’m getting way too comfortable sending my cancer surgery gift packs. Although, how incredible to be sending this to help support recovery rather than having entirely different conversations around late stage diagnosis.
Yes, we’re in the middle of a very stressful election season. Keep in mind that access and quality of women’s healthcare is a big part of this election, not only nationally but your local elections, too. And yes, it can feel like there is so much to do everyday. But, please remember to schedule your mammogram. It’s recommended every 1-2 years after you turn 40, every year after you turn 50 and you may need one earlier if you have certain risk factors. You can see more here.
Have You Heard of the Galleri Test?
If you haven’t already heard, there’s a blood test that screens for a signal shared by 50+ types of cancer. It’s recommended for folks 50+ with elevated cancer risk. Really, I’m not a doctor, so if this interests you, you should check it out. You can also get it as part of the FunctionHealth screening. I did the Function Health overall screening (Galleri is an add on), and that was amazing. That’s a conversation for another day:) For now, let’s at least get your mammogram and if applicable, the Galleri test.
Top 4 Gifts for Friends Going Through Breast Cancer Treatment
Cassie gets all the credit for these. I’ll say that I’ve been giving these on repeat and they’ve been very popular.
Time.
Few things are more helpful than the gift of time. Lean into ways to make life easier for her. Specifically, can you do some housework, pick up the kids or take care of other errands for her? Or perhaps she just wants some friend time. Or maybe, she absolutely doesn’t. That’s okay, too. During Cassie’s chemo sessions, she booked a friend for each session and we ordered lunch. So while she got chemo we ate and hung out. She got quality friend time with several folks over several sessions. Genius.
This super comfortable (and hilarious) pillow
It makes is easier to sit up, lay on your side and more while in bed. It’s also super funny when it pops out of the Amazon box.
Some luxurious pajamas that open in front.
Silk, pima cotton or any fabric that feels good next to the skin makes recovery better. It’s important to choose something that has a top and bottom and opens in the front.
A great TV and/or movie playlist.
We all know that feeling awful in bed or on the couch is much better with some quality content. Making a list of shows or movies to watch is a thoughtful (and free!) gift that really has impact.
It’s easy to let fear, overwhelm or just indifference keep us from preventative care. Please remember to take care of yourself. You are MUCH more resilient when you feel better and everyone around you benefits, too. Enjoy the week.
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