How do you motivate yourself to get screened?

Manda33
Manda33 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi everyone,

I'm the daughter of an ovarian cancer survivor. I'm also writing a chapter for a website about ovarian cancer, and I'm looking for tips on how to motivate yourself to get screened, particularly if you have a genetic susceptibility or strong family history of cancer. Getting yourself out the door and to the doctor's office can be hard, especially if you're scared about what he or she is going to tell you. Any suggestions?

Comments

  • JoanC
    JoanC Member Posts: 231
    #2
    Motivation
    Your chance of survival is 95% or better if they catch it early...that should be a great motivation.....knowing that you can beat it.
    Joan
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #4
    DITTO!
    Joan and Nancy said it well. Might I add that in addition to those very good reasons, I believe in being proactive regarding my health. It's no different than have your cholesterol checked, going once a year for a gynecological exam, or getting your teeth cleaned for example. Taking charge of your life and your health is simply being responsible not just for yourself, but for your family.

    Hope this helps!

    Monika
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #5
    Agree
    I agree with the rest and like my daughter says SHE DOES NOT WANT TO GO THROUGH WHAT HER MOM HAS GONE THROUGH AND IS AGAIN.

    She got her BRACA test as soon as she could after mine came back positive and she will be getting her hysterectomy when she is old enough. She said she wants to be around for the 3 children she has now.

    In His Grip,
    Libby
  • BrittanyC
    BrittanyC Member Posts: 100
    #6
    My mom said to me: I don't
    My mom said to me: I don't want you to go through this. It is hard.

    That was enough.

    I plan to check with my insurance company if they cover CA125 testing and hopefully find a place that does genetic testing. I am unsure if regular doctors can do it. If I have inherited the gene, I will get the parts taken out after I have children.

    I don't want to suffer.
  • Manda33
    Manda33 Member Posts: 2
    #7
    Thanks everyone. That really
    Thanks everyone. That really helps.
  • bluerose
    bluerose Member Posts: 1,104
    #8
    Manda33 said:

    Thanks everyone. That really
    Thanks everyone. That really helps.

    One more thing to consider is .......
    your loved ones. When we are afraid we are dealing with a very personal and selfish emotion really but if you extend your feelings during the time of fear and are worrying about what you will go through if it's a positive, God forbid, then it's easier (at least it was for me) to realize that if I don't get checked what about my kids, friends and relatives if I leave it too long? That gets me motivated to get out and see doctors I would rather ignore and discussions I don't want to have, results I don't want to see. Blessings, Bluerose
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #9
    Positive and Negative
    Because there are no really great screening methods, one of the best things a woman can do is talk to her gynecologist and express concern about the disease. If your family has a history, all the more reason to talk to them and let them know. A CA-125 test is so unreliable (especially for women who are still ovulating, or who have very low stage ovarian cancer), it's not a proven method for disclosing it in early stages.

    Despite having a transvaginal ultrasound and a CT scan prior to my diagnosis of uterine cancer, the ovarian cancer that I also had was not evident. Because I had a history of uterine fibroids (which showed in both), my symptoms could be attributed to them. I didn't know the extent of my family's history of cancer at that time, either, so I didn't pursue having a CA-125 done (really didn't even know what it was then!).

    Again, being diligent and having it found early is the key!

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