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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.
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