Breast Cancer Information

My First Thermographic Experience


I had been a bit nervous all day wondering what my thermogram procedure would entail. Would I need to undress completely? Would I be given one of those paper gowns that opens in the front and barely covers me? Would there be any heat coming out of the camera? I had been avoiding a mammogram after reading the latest information about the risks associated with X-ray; knowing that I was potentially putting myself at greater risk by not taking charge of my health. It was my massage therapist who told me about thermography as an adjunctive tool for breast cancer screening and now I find myself lost in my thoughts as I am driving to my thermographic appointment.

As I entered the lobby, I noticed that the temperature was cool and refreshing. The paintings on the wall were bright and cheerful with many colors that caught my eye. I felt at ease right away.

I was quickly greeted by the thermographer. She guided me to her office and there I felt all the tension melt away. She showed me around the office explaining the need for a cool temperature and allowing me to browse her collection of literature, leaflets, handouts and brochures. It smelled like my grandmother's garden in the spring. Just a hint of orange blossom, honeysuckle, green apple all mixed with a light touch of rain forest greeted my nose. The plants were lush and healthy and soft music was playing in the background. The lights were dim and I could almost imagine myself back in grandma's Arizona room.

The thermographer asked if I had any questions and of course I said no, trying to show her that I was calm, relaxed and not a bit nervous. She smiled knowingly and asked me to please step behind the room divider and change into a robe she set out for me. The robes were soft cotton and tied in the front. She then asked that I fill out the paperwork. She explained that I would need to do my best to keep my arms away from the side of my body so I could cool down and she could get a more accurate image. She then read over my information and asked me questions about my health in general and specifically breast health. All the while, I was grateful for the full coverage of the cool, cotton robe and remembered to keep my arms away from my body.

Next, I moved to the scanning area where I was shown the six different positions required for the scan. She then asked me to sit on the stool and turn my back to her. At this point, she asked me to drop my gown. I was told to keep my hands on my waist while she took my thermal picture. I learned that it usually takes 12-15 minutes for the temperature of my skin to come to equilibrium with the temperature of the room. Once my temperature stabilized, the scanning began. During the scan, she asked that I raise my hands above my head and remain still; allowing me to rest my hands back on my waist between the different poses. The camera did not emit any heat and never touched my body. The total scan time was about 5 minutes.

Once we were done, I changed back into my clothes and thanked the technician for a soothing and comforting experience. Before I left the office, I picked up a few of the breast health brochures to share with my family, friends and colleagues.

Thermographic screening is not covered by most insurance companies but is surprisingly affordable for most people. For more information or to find a certified clinic in your area, go to www.proactivehealthonline.com.

Brenda Witt is co-owner of Proactive Health Solutions in Southern California. She is an American College of Clinical Thermology (ACCT) certified thermographer in the Orange County area.

  


MORE RESOURCES:

Reason why breast cancer survivors relapse discovered
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 43 minutes ago
By Roger Highfield, Science Editor The reason why many women with breast cancer see the disease return after apparently successful treatment has been ...
Normal Cells May Predict Cancer Virulence Washington Post
Study prompts cancer spread rethink The Press Association
all 9 news articles


Aurora Breast MRI of Beverly Hospital Provides Advanced Imaging ...
MarketWatch - 8 hours ago
"The Aurora System plays a valuable role in the diagnosis of breast cancer at our facility, and has been instrumental in the staging and treatment planning ...


HALO Breast Pap Test to Be Featured on Rachael Ray TV Show
MarketWatch - 7 hours ago
It provides a great opportunity to spread the word to women about the importance of risk assessment in the fight against breast cancer," said John Stroh, ...


Stress may raise breast cancer risk in young women
Reuters UK, UK - 40 minutes ago
By Anne Harding NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Young women who experience more than one stressful life event are at greater risk of developing breast cancer, ...


UK and Australia Fight Breast Cancer with Free Screening for Women 50+
AlterNet, CA - 2 hours ago
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with one in nine women affected at some stage in their lives. Working as a breast screen ...


FDA Grants IND for Pro-Pharmaceuticals’ DAVANAT ® to Treat Breast ...
Business Wire (press release), CA - 9 hours ago
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 180000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year and ...
Pro-Pharmaceuticals (PRW) Receives FDA IND Application for Use of ... StreetInsider.com (subscription)
all 13 news articles


Bands will raise money to battle breast cancer
San Diego Union Tribune, United States - 5 hours ago
SAN DIEGO: Rock and reggae bands will help raise money to fight breast cancer at a three-day fundraiser on Labor Day weekend. The event will be at the 710 ...


Cuyler walks to raise money for breast cancer
Mountain Mail Newspaper, CO - 3 hours ago
5-7 for the San Francisco Bay Area Breast Cancer Walk. It's one of 14 such events nationwide benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National ...
Buffs to take part in Kick for Cure Daily Camera
all 2 news articles


BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FUNDRAISER
Santa Ynez Valley Journal, ca - 3 hours ago
25, the Inn will host a Komen Foundation fundraiser from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, with all the proceeds going directly to breast cancer research. ...


Negative Events Increase Risk Of Breast Cancer, According To New Study
Five Towns Jewish Times Online, NY - 6 hours ago
Happiness and optimism may play a role against breast cancer, while adverse life events can increase the risk of developing the disease, according to a ...
Insurers Should Cover Post-Op ED Treatment Renal and Urology News
all 2 news articles

breast cancer - Google News

Article List | Index | Site Map
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved.