I few weeks ago I wrote about some of the advantages of using thermography in place of or along with x-rays for breast cancer detection.(1)  I had my appointment this past week and I want to report back to you all. 

I knew it was a good start when the Thermography Center of Sonoma County sent me my paperwork, via email, to fill out and sign before my appointment. A large basket of Easter, pastel-colored Kisses adorned their counter as I checked in.  I'll just have a couple, thank you.  I spyed the massage chair and took advantage of the kneading, flapping, knocking, vibrating and rolling while I waited.    

I was enjoying my massage chair and yummy chocolate when white-coat attired and professional, Renee, escorted me to the treatment room.   The room was stark with just two chairs, a tripod mounted camera, a computer, some hair ties and a fan.  I was asked to take my shirt off and place my hands on my waist as my 15 minutes of "cooling" down began, thus the fan.  I started to wish I was back in the massage chair with another handful of Kisses. Thanks to a hot flash, I briefly warmed up.  

While cooling down, sans top, Renee led me through the paperwork with the requisite questions about my medical history, lots of explanation about thermography and then it was time to stand before the camera.  It's like being at a professional photoshoot but without the cool designer clothes and you're nude from the waist up.  "Turn this way, now that way, arms behind your head."  

Although my images will be sent to a doctor for review, I was able to look at them right then and there.  Renee pointed out the different colors (green/blue to yellow/red) and how they indicated hormone concentration, blood vessels and lymph nodes.  Yellow/red spots or splotches on the breast tissue could have indicated a cancer growth, but mine all look varying shades of dark blue and forest green.  Because I had the images from my last thermography three years ago, we were able to compare them to note any changes.   

What I didn't expect was their interest in educating me about "breast health", and not just about screening for cancer.  Wha? Education and prevention and not just diagnostics?  Now that's what we need more of. Jenn handed me a green sheet of paper entitled "Top 5 Breast Health Tips" and took the time to explain and discuss each item.  These included leading a less stressful, happy life, doing lymphatic breast massage, increasing your alkaline food intake and being aware of your liver, kidney and GI track health. Number 2 on the list was avoiding underwire bras.  If the wire extends up toward your armpit, it can restrict breast circulation and lymphatic fluid flow.  Who knew?  

 

Instead of having my clothes stuffed in a locker, donning the thinning gown tied in front, and then the cold metal plate smashing my beautiful breasts, I left with a handful of Kisses and an education on thermography and breast health.  

  

(1) Missed it?  Read it here.

There are lots of reasons why going to a public yoga class is not always right for you.  Maybe the class times are wrong or the location is inconvenient.  Maybe you're new to yoga and feel intimidated by a public class or you have an injury or condition that requires some individual attention.   Private or small group classes at your location at your chosen time can be the perfect answer.

 

It's fun to get friends together.  Treat your friends to Yoga and Tea rather than Food and Booze.  Inviting friends to come together for a Gentle or Restorative Yoga class is a perfect way to enjoy each other's company and do something good for yourselves.  Many yoga parties end with tea or champagne and some munchies.  Your friends will thank you!

 

Please call on me if I can help you book a private yoga class or answer any questions.  I can be reached at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.