F*** Cancer (and screenings you should schedule right now)

In Episode 14, Danielle and Cheryl once again bring Kennedy Elsey, from Mix 104.1’s Karson & Kennedy AM show to share her diagnosis and subsequent ass kicking of breast cancer. They talk about how she worked with her caregivers through surgery and radiation, as well as a surprising (and documented) sadness you feel when you leave your fellow warriors she saw every day in the hospital. The trio also talks about osteoporosis and Dexa scans, colonoscopies, breast MRIs for dense breasts, and all the screenings that women in middle age need to be up-to-date on (and push for, if they feel they need). 

About Kennedy Elsey:

As the girl half of Karson & Kennedy, you can hear Kennedy every weekday morning from 5:30-10am on Mix 104.1. She grew up in suburban Chicago and graduated from Drake University with a double major in Theater and Psychology. Her career brought her to Boston, by way of Tucson, AZ; Tallahassee, FL; and Memphis, TN. She lives with mental illness, including bipolar disorder, and uses her time behind a microphone to fight fiercely to stop the stigma that goes hand in hand with mental illness. She is proud to call the ‘80s her soundtrack, and Prince is her king. 

We want to hear from you! 

Because it takes a village to raise…well…ourselves, we’re ready to share a laugh, a cry and even an F bomb with you. Reach out to us on Instagram, Facebook, email, carrier pigeon, smoke signals, whatevs. 

Instagram:
Everything Hurts
Danielle
Cheryl

Facebook:
Everything Hurts Group

Email: [e-mail]

Mentioned in this episode:

Supplemental MRI Screening for Women with Extremely Dense Breast Tissue, New England Journal of Medicine 

Suggested screening ages for middle age women:

Mammogram: The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women ages 40 to 54, and then every two years for those 55 and older, according to the American Cancer Society. 

Colonoscopy: Screenings should begin at age 45. Colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years, or more frequently if needed.

Shingles vaccine: CDC recommends after age 50.

Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine: CDC recently lowered the age from 65 to 50. 

Bone Density Test (Dexa scan): For women at increased risk of osteoporosis, starting at age 50. Typically with no increased risk it is 65.