Jennifer Dentler has run the Spirit of Women program for more than 10 years at Allegan General Hospital. At age 40, she recently received her first mammogram and agreed to share her experience here.
A nurse for more than 18 years and a nurse practitioner for 10, she has worked at Allegan General Hospital for almost 15 years. A large part of her job as both a nurse practitioner and the Spirit of Women coordinator is to move women to take action to improve their health through education, events and initiatives.
She has been married for 18 years and has two sons, Jayden, 16, and Jakson, 14.
Dentler said she did not have a family history of breast cancer. She said she drinks lots of water, neither smokes nor drinks, but admits there have been times in her life where her diet could be improved upon and she could be more physically active.
“Sometimes my diet is nourishing and I am quite active and then there are times where both my diet and activity need improvement,” she said.
Why did you get a screening mammogram?
Dentler: One of the fun and health ACTION initiatives we did this year was called “Mammogram Party” where we offered screening mammograms, pampering and light refreshments in a calm, relaxing environment on a Saturday.
We have held two so far. At the first one, all appointment slots filled besides one. So, I found it an opportunity for myself to have my very first mammogram.
I just turned 40 this past January. Even though I had never had a mammogram I knew a little of what to expect. I knew there would be compression and views taken of my breast tissue. It literally took less than 15 minutes.
What happens during a screening mammogram?
Dentler: First, I answered a few questions, which only took a few minutes.
Then different views of both sides of my breasts were taken. My breasts were compressed but not painfully. I would describe it as a slight pressure.
The mammographer who worked with me was super sweet and very gentle. I would say the total exam with questions and all was 15 minutes.
The next day I was called after the radiologist reviewed my screening results and was told I needed additional reviews.
My heart raced; I couldn’t help to worry. What I found out is that this was because this was my baseline, very first mammogram and that it is not uncommon to be called back to get a better look at the tissue and what is being seen so in the future with repeat mammograms they can be clear on whether something new pops up or if the tissue appears the same or unchanged.
I have two small calcifications/cysts on the top of my right breast that they will compare future views to.
I left feeling much more aware of my body and motivated to keep myself healthy.
Why was important to you to do this?
Dentler: I decided to get a mammogram that day, as I wanted to have a deeper understanding of what my breast tissue is like. I have always been pretty in tune with my body—but that is somewhat limited to what I can feel and see.
A mammogram looks at what is going on inside the breast tissue. I have never noticed changes to my breasts that specifically alarmed me; however, I wanted to see if anything unfelt might be picked up on the mammogram screening.
A very good friend of mine a couple years older than me recently had a mammogram and was diagnosed with fairly aggressive breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy, has just finished six months of chemotherapy and will have radiation and breast reconstruction surgery in her future. She was definitely on my mind that day.
It’s time to party!
The final “Mammogram Party” will be Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Arnie Cook, breast health navigator and radiology supervisor at Allegan General Hospital, said, “We want to take the stress and anxiety out of having a mammogram by creating a relaxing and fun environment.
“We encourage ladies to schedule their mammogram with a girlfriend, coworker, sister or mother.”
In addition to the screenings, the event includes the aforementioned pampering, health education, music and refreshments.
A physician referral is not required to sign up; however, mammogram appointments are required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the hospital’s radiology department at (269) 686-4210.
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