#99: Have You Had Your Pap Smear and Breast Exam Lately? Going to the Doctor When You're Struggling With Weight or Body Image

Rebuilding Trust With Your Body

This is the most deeply personal episode I’ve ever created. And it just might save your life (I’m not exaggerating, and you’re going to hear why I know this is true).

Getting your pap smear and breast exam is an incredibly vulnerable experience, especially if you are struggling with weight, body image or have a history of trauma. Going to the doctor in general is sometimes so stressful and shaming that we will avoid it or put it off until later, telling ourselves we’ll get around to it when life is less busy or stressful.

It’s one thing to know you *should* go to the doctor and get your well woman exam. It’s another thing to actually go through with it. I’m going to help you understand this and strategize about it.

In this episode I’m going to be sharing:

• The life-changing lesson I learned while working at a breast cancer center
• Why so many of us put off and avoid going to the doctor…and the potential consequences this can have
• Tips for preparing for a well woman exam to make it feel safer, less stressful and more comfortable for you (as well as a game plan for afterwards)

Trigger Warning: In this episode you’ll hear me talking about trauma, cancer, weight stigma and death. It’s ok to skip this one if that’s too heavy for you right now.

Today’s Wellness Woo is soy and breast cancer.

Resources Mentioned:

Grab a copy of the Back in the Swing Cookbook (all proceeds support breast cancer survivorship research!)