Protect the Boobies [VIDEO]

Alex Cooper
Sunday morning fat this Carlin doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo every Sunday's father's day what the f? That was pretty good, right? Hello, daddy gang. Welcome back to another episode of call her daddy. I am sitting here with my lovely, lovely, lovely best friend, Lahren.

Lauren is in town. We were hanging out tonight, and I was kind of in, like, a shitty mood. I guess you could say you were. A good sport about things. Yes, thank you.

I definitely am trying to just stay positive, but I've been dealing with some health things lately that has just been very frustrating. When I got back from my honeymoon, I started just having, like, this, like, intense pain in the area that I guess would, you would think is like, it's your. I was like, it's my pelvis. And then I'm like, okay, that's my ovaries. I scheduled an appointment with my gynecologist, and I'm someone that has, like, always done, like, my yearly checkups, but I'm also someone that, like, I haven't had the best experience with gynecologists.

I feel like I've had gynecologists that are quite.

Just, like, not loving about the way that they deliver information. Like, I remember when I got bad news, like, a couple years ago, and it was just like, yeah, so that's it. And I'm like, oh, my God. Like, this is terrifying. Like, so what do I have to do?

And, like, what procedure do I have to get? And I got, like, a really. Just, like, scary procedure that I was, like, nervous, like, is this gonna affect how I'm gonna have children? And so I feel like I've just had, like, I'm just scared now. I think I have this, like, scared taste in my mouth.

That's not a taste, but you know what I mean. And so anyways, I've just been really nervous. Daddy gang of, like, what is going on? Do I have an ovarian cystic? Like, what is happening?

And I think anytime any woman has anything when it relates to down under, anyone that has a uterus, like, it's just frustrating, obviously, because we can't see it like a dick. Like, we're like, what is inside there? What is going on? And so I've been doing tests, and I just went for many different tests today, and I had to get all this blood work, and I was doing all these things, and I was getting a ct scan. And so I came home, and Lauren was like, you know, I feel you on a whole different level because you have had your own medical journey that you have been going on for the past, what, like two years?

Lauren
A little over two years. And so today, not to make this, like, a depressing episode, I promise it's not meant to be that. But I do know how many women listen to the podcast daddy gang and Lauren and I. I feel like sometimes it's nice to hear from, like, normal people, not, like, have on a doctor specialist, which I can do after Lauren drops all this information of what's been going on in her life. But I just want.

Alex Cooper
Yeah, I think you were like, let's talk about it, and let's inform women of, like, what is going on. And so. Yeah, lair, take it away. What's been going on with you?

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What's been going on with you? I think we started talking about this because we were talking about, like, how important it is to get a good guy now. Because when I moved to Chicago, like, three years ago, but, like, maybe a year after, took me, like, a fucking year to, like, settle into, like, who do I want, like, my good doctors to be and stuff. That makes a huge difference. Totally.

Lauren
So I got a new gyno, and I went for, like, a yearly, and she was like, have you ever gotten your hormones tested? And I was like, no. And she was like, I think that would be a good thing to do just to kind of, like, see baseline where you're at. Like, I wanted to go on birth control. Cause I wasn't on it at the time.

And she was like, let's test your hormones, like, let's see where your levels are at so we can, like, make an informed decision of what. What type of birth control is best for you. And I'm like, wow, no one's ever offered to do that for. I love that. I was about to say just, like, stopping you right there, which is why I think this stuff is so scary and confusing is like, I have never had a doctor ask me to do that.

Alex Cooper
I have never. And I've had so many weird hormonal issues in the past with different birth controls. I've never done a hormone test, and I'm like, wait, should we all be doing that? What the fuck? I've never heard of that.

You told me. Yeah, she just included it in my yearly, and she was asking my family history, and she was like, do you have a family history of breast cancer? And I was like, yeah, my mom had breast cancer. My grandmother on my dad's side had breast cancer. My aunt on my dad's side had breast cancer.

Lauren
And she was like, well, have you ever considered genetic testing? And I was like, like, someone brought it up, like, in passing, like, years ago. But, like, does insurance cover that? Like, is it super expensive? Like, what is that process even?

Like, oh, what was the process even, like, what did I do for that? That's what to say. Yeah. What was the process? Really simple.

It was either blood work or pee. Cause it was just, that was just a big blood work and pee visit. She was like, peeing. All these cups will take all this blood and, like, test all these baseline things. And how did you test your hormones?

Blood got it. Okay. And so knowing, like, my grandmother and my mom and my aunt had breast cancer, like, I always knew there was a chance that, like, I could have a gene or something. But, like, my mom got tested and my mom didn't have the BRCA gene, which is a gene which is, like, the main genetic breast cancer gene that you can pass down. And if you have the BRCA gene or the BRCA mutation, you have a much higher risk of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

And I already knew my mom didn't have that. So I was like, I think I'm fine, but I'll do this genetic testing anyways. And so I do all the testing, and I go back to the doctor's office probably, like, a few weeks later, and it's like a 09:00 a.m. Doctor's appointment. I schedule it before work because I'm like, this is going to be in and out.

They're just going to read me like, you're fine. Your blood levels are fine, and I'll go home, log into work, and have a full work day. And I get to the doctor's office, and I can tell the doctors, being a little, like, too nice. She's being too nice. She asked if I want some water.

She asked if I want to sit in the relaxation chair that gives you a little back massage. And I'm like, oh. Like, I found a nice doctor's office. This is, like, a class service. Oh, my God.

Little did I know, she was, like, trying to calm me down, I think, before, like, dumping a load on me. And I agree so much with you, like, the doctor and, like, the gyno that you have, or doctors in general, makes, like, a huge difference when you have someone who's, like, empathetic and not a robot, when they're gonna read you, like, heavy results. And she called me into her office, and she was like, I know this is about to be a lot, and I'm about to give you a lot of information. Like, are you in a place right now, like, where you can receive this information? And I was like, that made me smile more, but I was like, that is so considerate.

Alex Cooper
Of course. Instead of just, like, being like, hey, so we looked at your test results, and this is this. Yeah, I've had doctors do that. You're like, wait, I didn't even. I, like, was just, like, texting my friend, and I looked up, and you just basically.

Yeah. Like, I feel like I just got. Like, right, like, whiplash. Yeah, exactly. And she was like, okay, like, let's start with the hormones.

Lauren
And she was like, you have elevated testosterone, which makes me think that maybe you have PCos. And to get a PCOS diagnosis, they typically look for two out of three things, one being elevated testosterone, which I had. A second criteria is having an irregular period in my whole life. I've never had irregular period, been irregular my entire life. So Mark checked box two, and she was like, from that alone, I think you have pcos.

And then she starts listing all these symptoms, and I didn't have any of those symptoms. The first one that really scared me, she was like, it could cause not infertility issues where I'm gonna have issues with my eggs, but difficulty getting pregnant. And that alone is just a scary thing to hear. Terrifying. And so, like, I'm already kind of, like, okay.

Like, whoa. Like, that's kind of big news. Like, I think that's everyone. I thought that, like, everyone has is, like, now. I think people, like, kind of change the way they talk about it.

Like, not when I get pregnant. Like, if I can get pregnant. We've got the third one. Oh, no. The third one is doing an ultrasound of your ovaries and seeing if you have cysts on your ovaries.

And they did that. You're like, yeah, your ovaries are covered in cysts. So I had all three. And so that was, like, the first big piece of news that was, like, a lot. Just, like, started, like, my mind started going of, like, oh, my gosh, like, what if I can't get pregnant?

And, like, spiraling, like, down that hole? And then the second piece was like, okay, like, let's go over your genetic testing. And she was like, you don't have the BRCA mutation, which is the more serious breast cancer mutation. And typically, they do recommend for that one. Like, you get a double mastectomy.

And so I had a newer mutation that when my mom got tested, like, ten years ago, they weren't even looking for this one yet. So that's why I was like, I'm safe. I'm in the clear. Like, my mom doesn't have it. Like, I'm probably good.

So they have this new one now they check for, which is called check two. And I had the check two mutation, which means when you have, like, a set of genes, you have two copies of every gene. So I'm missing one of these copies of this gene. That's a protective factor that helps me not to get breast cancer. So it's not like I have cancer in my body.

I'm missing, like, one of my protective things that helps me not to get cancer. So she hands me this big packet of information, and I open up the packet. It's, like, a 30 page booklet from the genetic testing company. It's just, like, all of this, like, all the tests they ran, all the results, it's, like, very heavy scientific language. And I open the page, and the big number, like, front and center is 68%.

And I'm just, like, looking at this huge number on the first page, and it's just, like, bold and black. 68%. And it's like, you have a 68% chance in your life you will get breast cancer, Lauren. And, like, I would have, like, thinking about, like, how I would have responded. Cause I was so nonchalant going into the process.

I even was, like, letting myself, like, toy with the idea, but, like, not really, but, like, a little bit. Like, if I have the gene, like. Like, right. Like, it's. Like, it doesn't feel real.

No. So you're like, okay. Like, not. It's not actually gonna happen. And I've never had a panic attack in my life.

Like, I. Lucky. I don't, like, really deal with anxiety a lot because I'm just dissociate.

No, but not anymore. I'm having a lot of therapy. Yeah, no, more, like, when you, like, if something goes wrong, you will reverse everything. I was really wrong. I don't panic.

I, like, freeze and, like, dissociate. Dissociate. You go back to what you know. Yeah, exactly. I say with what feels right and true to my soul.

Alex Cooper
Exactly. So in that moment, I. That was the closest in my life, like, I've ever been to, like, a panic attack. So, like, in that moment, logic left. My mind was, like, catastrophizing.

Lauren
Like, I was thinking of, like, every worst possible thing. I was like, I am gonna get cancer. I'm gonna die. I'm gonna have to get chemotherapy. I'm gonna lose all my hair.

Like, your mind goes to stuff like that. I'm gonna have to, like, not work for months. Like, how am I gonna support myself? Like, my family? I'm gonna be a burden to them.

Like, oh, and the kicker, I had just started dating my boyfriend two days ago. I forgot that part two days ago. Cause I remember you called me when you got home from the doctor. Yeah. And you were like, can you talk?

Alex Cooper
And, like, we have known each other our whole life. Oh, I remember exactly what you said. What did I say? Cause you were in an interview. Oh, yes.

I remember exactly where I was. And I was, like, late to the interview, right? No, I texted your assistant, and I was like, hey, I know Alex is going into an interview. Do not say anything. Now.

Lauren
When she gets out of the interview and she's settled and everyone's out and everything's okay, can you tell her to call me? I fucking remember this. And I remember Jordan was like, immediately after the person left the house, the studio, Jordan comes up to me and she was like, hey, Lauren needs you to call her. And her face just looked, like, so not well. And I immediately knew something was off because I'm like, Lauren needs me to.

Alex Cooper
And she reached out to you, like, what is going on? Yeah. And then I remember I walked to the backyard and I called you yeah. And I was like, definitely. So at that point, I had talked to my therapist.

Okay. Because. So I'm sitting in the office. I'm processing that. I have PCos.

Lauren
I don't fully know what that means yet. I know that there's a chance I'm gonna have maybe difficulty getting pregnant. I now know I also have this breast cancer gene, and she's kind of throwing a lot of information at me, but, like, doing a good job of, like, I know you're probably not gonna retain any of this. It's going in one ear, out the other. Like, let's set a meeting next week, and, like, I'm gonna, like, retell you all of this.

Alex Cooper
Your doctor. My doctor, yeah. And she was just, like, so amazing. Like, I didn't feel like I was, like, being rushed out of there. Like, she was like, I will sit with you.

Lauren
Like, let's ask me anything you need. Because I feel like that's, like, a major problem that I've experienced with doctors. And from what I understand, a lot of people feel that way, too, is, like, I have so much respect for doctors, but they have to understand, like, we are literal idiots when it comes to what they're saying to us. We don't know. Like, when you're talking about the brockaging, I'm like, I am so.

Alex Cooper
Like, I don't know what that. You know what I mean? Like, you don't know what these things are until you have to know what they are. And so I feel like sometimes they deliver you information, and then they just stare at you as if you're supposed to be able to comprehend anything that they're saying. Yeah.

And then when you ask, like, wait, I don't really understand that. Like, it's. A lot of doctors have a really hard time breaking it down. So someone not only can understand it in that moment, but can retain it and leave feeling okay. Like, I can't tell you the amount of times I've left a doctor's office.

And I don't know if anyone else can relate to this daddy gang, but, like, I feel almost dumb. So sometimes I avoid asking questions, and then I'll get in the car and have a fucking breakdown. Like, when I had to get that one procedure, I was freaking the fuck out when I got the news because I was like, I don't understand it, and I thought it was going to affect my motility. There is nothing worse than feeling like you're out of control in a situation that's also, like, you can't comprehend. Exactly.

And so I empathize with anyone. Like, it's really terrifying. And it's also like, most of the time, you're going to the gyno alone.

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So I empathize with you, and I'm so sorry that you had to, like, be doing that alone. Okay, so your therapist talks to you, and then you call me. So before I walk out of the doctor's office with, like, my folder in my packet, and I am, like, numb that, like, I can't even, like, really, like, even call my Uber yet. Like, I just feel kind of, like, lost and, like, confused and, like, scared. And I texted my therapist, and I was like, are you free right now.

Lauren
And that's, like, the one good thing about, like, having an expensive ass therapist. Like, you kind of have the ability. To be like, yeah. You're like, let's go on. And I've never, ever, ever texted her being like, can you talk right now?

So I think she was like, yeah, like, call me. Like, someone just actually canceled. Like, call me. I know. And I didn't even call my Uber.

I lapped around the block. The city block. I think I lapped around the city block for 45 minutes, like, on the phone, like, talking to her. And my first thing I said was, I'm near panic attack. But how do I handle the fact that I've been dating for someone for two days and, like, now I'm, like, panicking that I think I might get cancer one day?

Like, that's a really bad buzzkill. Two days into a relationship and, like, for more context, like, we moved kind of fast. Like, we met and started talking and, like, dating within two months. So, like, this wasn't, like, a long, drawn out thing where, like, we've gone through stuff before. We've had, like, difficult times.

Like, this is the first hardship or the first, like, not fun thing that we've ever dealt with together. Two days into dating. I know it's not even two months. Two days into dating this person, and you're like, oh, by the way. Well, my mind was like, oh, is he, like, is that, like, a liability?

Is he, like, not gonna want to, like, sign up to be with someone who has, like, a chance of getting cancer? Oh, my God, Lauren. I know. My therapist was like, well, if that's the case, then, like, you don't want him. And so her, I was like, do I tell him?

Or, like, do I, like, bear this on my own? And she was like, this is an adult relationship. This is real life. Like, you're getting tested early. Like, this is a test.

Like, how does he handle it? How does he show up and support you? And, like, how does he respond? Such a good point. It couldn't have been more amazing.

So I, like, lapped around 45 minutes talking to my therapist, kind of venting and just, like, letting all of my thoughts kind of go, which felt, like, nice to. I kind of say, like, all the things that I was thinking and feeling and, like, where my mind was going and, like, something that we were talking about. She was like, are you someone who feels, like, calmer if you, like, go home and Google? Or are you someone who's gonna then spiral more? And at first, I was like, no, avoid.

I wanna avoid. I don't even wanna think about this. I wanna go home. I wanna shut this folder. I don't wanna do anything.

I don't wanna think about this. And I think that was causing me more anxiety, actually, because this is now something I have to handle and something I have to be proactive about. Do something. Right? And again, like you just said, like, if.

Alex Cooper
Oddly, though, like, if you do understand something better, then you will be calmer. But I know it's terrifying to open the can of worms of, like, okay, I'm gonna open Google. Because what's also fucked up about Google is half the time, if you put in your symptoms, you have cancer. Yeah. So you're like, oh, my God.

But you're like, you know what? Like, starting there, oddly, can help you feel, like, more calm because you can get a better grasp on it. Yeah. So I spent, like, the first, like, probably, like, 10 hours, like, trying to distract myself and avoid, and I was like, okay, like, let me open, like, my laptop. Like, and, like, we were talking about how it's, like, really hard when you don't understand anything.

Lauren
And, like, luckily, like, I have, like, an undergrad, my undergrad degrees in, like, science. And, like, I've taken, like, college level genetics. So, like, I have, like, a basic understanding. So, like, I really empathize with someone who's, like, I don't even know, like, what a gene is. Literally.

Alex Cooper
Literally. So, like, that was, like, been, like, I felt like I had, like, a little bit of, like, a one up there. I was like, okay. Like, I actually, like, kind of know what I'm reading, and I felt so much better once I, like, read and, like, started to get information. And so I called a genetic counselor.

Lauren
And so, like, the company that did my genetic testing was like, we have a counselor that you can call that can help break it really down for you, explain to you what you should do and explain your options. Amazing. Well, I guess first I talked to my boyfriend. Oh, right. What did I say to you on the phone?

Um. You were like. I remember exactly. I think you were just saying. I think you were just saying, like, oh, my God.

You were like, Matt. Matt. Go find the best geneticist in LA. Go to call up all your friends at Cedars Sinai and go find the best geneticist in LA. I forgot about that.

Alex Cooper
I was like, we will get you the best doctor. Yes. Don't you worry. You're like, okay, Alex, calm down. Like, I need to first go research.

Like, what's going on? I was like, okay. But then call me. Yes. Yes.

Okay, so you talked to your boyfriend. And he was just, like, amazing, and was just like. And you're still together to this day? Still together to this day. We just moved in together last week.

Congrats. Thank you. Love that for you. Thank you. So I talked to the genetic counselor, and they were very comforting, and they were like, okay, so, like, now you need to, like, be preventative about this.

Lauren
Like, you can't just, like, sit on this information. Like, you have to be proactive. Like, this is amazing that you know this. Like, feel so fortunate that you know this. Like, most people don't have this information and don't have the ability to be preventative.

So now every six months, I have to alternate between getting a mammogram and an ultrasound on my boobs. That's one thing. On today, I would get a mammogram and an ultrasound, and then six months later, I would get an MRI on my breasts. And then six months later, and I would keep going back and forth every six months for the rest of my life, which is, like, really, like, daunting to hear that. Like, you have testing every six months for the rest of your life.

And, like, I think even at that point, it didn't really set in because they were like, oh. Like. But, like, it's so great that you have access to, like, because insurance will cover it. Amazing. And it's so great that you have access now to, like, get the MRI, because if you get an MRI and an MRI catches something and you're up to date with your testing, like, you're most likely catching it in stage zero.

So I was like, okay. Like, that's amazing. And then they were like, but you do have a decision. Like, you could get a preventative mastectomy. And I think my first thought with that was, well, I'm in a new relationship.

I can't chop my boobs off. Like, and I tell you, I think every woman can understand that. Like, it's not like you're being vain. No. Yeah.

Alex Cooper
It's hard to stop your life in these moments that are what ifs. Like. Like you said, like, it was so daunting that you saw the number 68%. Like, that made it so real. But at the same time, like, you don't have cancer yet.

And so to think to chop your boobs off at 29 years old, like, that's terrifying. And you are right. Like, you're in this relationship. Like, you want to get married one day. You want to have kids.

Like, it's. There's things to think about before just being like, yeah, rip them off. It's. And it's a huge surgery. Like, I know part of it's, like, cool.

Lauren
Like, I'll have, like, nice fake tits. But, like, it's a huge, like, surgery. They, like, have to, like, remove, like, all of, like, the ducts and all of the tissue, and, like, you have the tubes that come out and, like, it's, like, a big recovery. It's not just, like, the same as, like, getting, like, a boob job. So I think then that was kind of something that was like, oh.

Like, that is a huge decision that, like, I need to make, and I know that I want to do it because having gone now for the past two years or so, like, doing this testing every six months, it just, like, sucks. Like, the days leading up to it, like, fuck, I have to go do this. And then, like, laying on the table and, like, having them check and then sitting in the waiting room, like, waiting for them to, like, read the results, like, okay, like, do I have cancer? Like, are they about to come out and tell me I have cancer? And it's like.

And they were like, I think most people burn out and then just stop testing. Oh, wow. If, like, they just have to keep going every six months for the rest of their life and playing that out over and over. Okay, like, do I have cancer? Like, what's the result?

Alex Cooper
Like, that can't be. I mean, that's, like, so unhealthy for mental health. So I think, like, that's the biggest reason I want to do is just, like, peace of mind and, like, knowing that I'm, like, putting myself, like, kind of, like, I feel like I'm, like, back in control of this. Yeah.

Lauren
Oh, and, like, another difficult part was, like, figuring out how to, like, tell my mom because my mom had, like, really bad breast cancer when I was a freshman year in high school. She had either, like, stage three or stage four breast cancer. It was, like, really, really serious and, like, full chemo, full radiation, double mastectomy. And, like, it was scary for a while. And I know that she still lives with that fear of, like, having gone through that and, like, wondering if, like, it's ever gonna come back and, like, am I, like, safe now?

And, like, then for me to, like, call her and tell her, like, oh, now I have to deal with this. Like, I knew that would be, like, really hard for her to handle. And my therapist gave me really good advice there that I think is, like, applicable for a lot of settings. Well, one, I called her fiance first, and I told her fiance, and I was like, can you help me find a time when it's gonna be the right time for me to drop this bomb on her? And can you be home when I drop this bomb on her?

Because I can't be the person that she processes it with because I'm processing it myself. So if she needs to hang up and have someone, like, I would like you to be there to help her process it. And my therapist was like, tell her, like, what you need from her. So I, like, called her, and I was like, hey, I'm gonna tell you something, and I need you not to have a big reaction. I need you to be calm, because otherwise, that's gonna be really hard for me to bear.

If you need to process this, like, I need you to hang up and go do it with your fiance and, like, call me back. And. And it went. How did it go? Like, perfect.

Like, she was like, oh, yes. Like, absolutely. Like. Like, tell me what's going on. And, like.

And was, like, amazing. And, like, it was, like, a bonding moment for us. She was like, I completely know where your mind's going and what you're thinking, and, oh, my God. It just makes me emotional because I can imagine as a mother, like, you know your mom, you can't help but be like, oh, my God. Like, do I feel guilty?

Alex Cooper
Like, did I. Like. And it's like, no, no, that's it. It was so beautiful that you guys had this, like, moment where your mom was like, oh, I actually. I got you.

Yeah, I went through this, and I. We're gonna get through this, and you're gonna survive, and you're going to be fine. But I also think, just, like, for daddy gang, I think you're right. Like, taking that moving forward is such good advice. Even whatever you're going through to, like, half the time, I feel like people have no idea how to handle a situation because the person coming to them, especially if you're emotional.

Most time, people are like, I have no idea what this person wants me to say. Yeah. Am I supposed to freak out? Am I supposed to validate you by being, like, hysterics? Yeah.

What do you want? And that is a way, like, for a partner or a family member to be able to tell people, especially, I feel like sometimes men. Yeah. This is what I need from you. Okay.

I think it helps people. So that is such great advice, and thank you for sharing that.

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All lowercase. That's shopify.com unwell. So you told your mom and when did, how long did you think about, like, deciding for the vasectomy and everything?

Lauren
Oh, my paws. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. You don't have a penis.

Alex Cooper
Okay, how long did you wait? Like, how long did it take? Like, the two years, you think, for the mastectomy. So I haven't gotten one yet. Yeah.

Lauren
Yeah, that's me. Like, when you decided, like, I can't do this anymore. I think, like, after, like, a year and a half of, like, doing three separate, like, going to, like, get three separate tests. At first I was always like, I don't know why my mind went to, like, Angelina Jolie. Like, I remember, like, back in the day, I was like, wow, like, she, like, it was like, a statement.

Like, I feel like it was, like, before it was like, a thing. Like, she did, like, a preventative, like, mastectomy to, like. And, like, my mind went, remember that, too? Uh huh. Wait, that's so.

Alex Cooper
Because you're kind of right. When I think of that, I think of her. Me too. So, like, I was like, I think that's something, like, I want to do, but, like, a bit. I've never had a major surgery, so, like, that's just, like, daunting and scary.

Lauren
But after the third time, I was like, I don't want to do this for the rest of my life. And, like, I don't know exactly when I'm gonna decide to, like, have this surgery. Like, probably within, like, the next, like, few years, but that's the route I'm gonna go. I mean, I thank you for sharing because I can only imagine how taxing it is on your mental health. Like you said, sitting there and how isolating.

Alex Cooper
As much as someone can sit there and hold your hand, your boyfriend can be there, I can be there. It's your body. And I can't imagine how terrifying it is in those moments to be, like, please, for the love of God, to come back. I don't have cancer. I think also something that you talked about that I think is important to highlight for anyone listening today is, like, I think that most people who may.

And maybe this is, like, you know, I know this is, like, a privilege, but I do know, like, obviously, like, even planned parenthoods and stuff, like, women, I think it's, like, a terrifying thing for some reason for us to, like, go and just get checked. Yeah. And I think there's a lot. There's a lot of reasons why some women wouldn't, like whether you've been, like, whether it was, like, sexual abuse and you don't want to open yourself up to someone, like, going into your body, whether, like, you're just not. Like, you don't.

You didn't get the tools for education to, like, know you should do this. And, like, the amount of women that I've even seen sometimes being like, I've never been to the gyno is, like, it's terrifying. And anyone listening today, like, I promise you, it's more terrifying if you find something out because you avoided the gyno, then, like, go. Like you said, there's amazing doctors that will sit with you and hold your hand through the whole process, but, like, don't avoid going because it's, like, anything in life, the more you push it off, the worse something could be getting. And, like, you owe it to yourself to take care of yourself.

And, like, sure, doctors can be annoying with the way and, like, a little insensitive in moments, but not all doctors like that. And even if they're insensitive with the way that they deliver information, you can take that information and go find a new doctor. But at least you have the information and you have autonomy over your own body and your decisions rather than, like, leaving it up to fate and being like, I don't want to look. I don't want to look like, please, daddy gang, if you haven't, like, you should always be going to your yearlies. You should always be going to a doctor and, like, checking and making sure you're good.

You should do breast exams on yourself. Like, I think for a while, like, I remember I went through a period. I don't know why even having, like, a mom who had, like, breast cancer and a grandmother and an aunt. I was like, I don't, I didn't even know how to do my own self breast exam. Me either.

I never did it until the past. Like, I think honestly, since this with you. Yeah, I never would fucking do a breast exam. I think, I don't know, it feels awkward. And you're like, I don't need to do that.

Lauren
Like, wouldn't I feel like, what am I looking for? Right? Like, you'll know, but you should be doing that. So you kind of mentioned that the doctor was like, this is so incredible that, like, you found this out early. And obviously I know you.

Alex Cooper
You are like, the most, like, Laura McMullen. You are so fucking brilliant and smart. And I, anytime I'm like, oh, my God, if there was anything medical, I would obviously go to you. I'm like, tell me everything because I know you're going to read everything on it, but like you said, that's not everyone's experience. Like, do you have any advice for anyone that maybe is terrified and to even start this process and, like, is maybe avoiding it?

Lauren
I think the way that I, like, viewed it is like, this is something that I have no matter what. And just really framing it is the fact that I know is so lucky and a privilege. And now I'm the one in control and now I'm the one who has the ability to be preventative and be on top of it. And my gynecologist was telling me, and I totally get how, like, this would be some people's reactions that, like, some people, like, get this testing and they see that number? Whether it's the check two or the Baraka.

And, like, they're so paralyzed that they're just like, I can't do anything about it. And, like, I think just my advice to that would be, like, I know. Like, it sucks, and I'm so sorry, but, like. And it sounds so fucking corny, but just, like, knowledge is power. Yeah.

And, like, you have, like, the tools now to, like, save yourself. Yeah. And save your life and live. I think that you're right, Lauren. It's like, I.

Alex Cooper
Yeah. It's like, opening that can of worms is so terrifying. But, like you said, like, now you have a better understanding. And, like, when we first spoke, of course, you were, like, all over the place, as any human would be. Like, what do I do?

And what am I? What's gonna happen? And now even. I mean, I think that's also, like, a part of why we waited to even talk about this. I knew this was something you were so passionate about, where we were.

Like, we need to tell the women that listen to the show about this. Get your mammograms. Do your breast exams. If you have family history, like, do genetic testing. Even if you don't, maybe, like, just go to the gyno.

Like, start the process and make sure. Get your yearly exams, get your paps. Yeah. Because. And I appreciate you sharing the story.

Cause I know it's very personal, but unfortunately, it's very common. And I feel like maybe not enough people that aren't, like, doctors talk about it enough, which I understand, because most people would be like, I don't. I can't speak about it in a way that would, like, help people and not freak them out. But I really appreciate you because I think by you waiting to come and talk about this for, like, what, now, two years, I think it has allowed you to, like, I feel like I. Have more information now.

Yeah. And, like, I have, like, more tools of, like, what to do and how to view it and how to handle it. Yeah. And it's, like, your testament to, like you just said. You paced around the hospital for 45 minutes, like, just talking to your therapist, saying a million different things, like, worried, like, oh, my God, is the guy I'm dating gonna be, like, leaving me?

And now you're sitting here today, like, speaking to all these women, being like, no, no, I'm now making an informed decision about my body. I don't know when I'm gonna do it, but I do know I'm gonna do it because I've done my testing. I've been doing it every six months. Like, you have a plan, and that is all you can fucking do. So thank you for sharing this, daddy gang.

We didn't mean to get depressing this week, but I do think it's like, being a woman is a lot like having a uterus, and I think that there's so much, like, even just you having pcos, like, ugh. It's a whole thing. Yeah. Like, you what? You tried to go on birth control?

Lauren
I tried to go on birth control, and my body did not like that. I gained 20 pounds within four months. And, oh, that was, like, that was, like, a beast in of its own because, like, I didn't even, like, realize, like, what was happening because it was, like, winter and, like, I was working from home, so, like, I was kind of only wearing sweats and, like, I would maybe only put jeans on, like, once a week on the weekends, like, go out to dinner, and it was, like, slowly, like, my jeans are getting tighter. And then it was like, okay. Like, maybe, like, I'm just, like, I feel like I'm always bloated.

And then it got to the point where, like, none of my clothes fit me, and I was up two entire jean sizes, and, like, I had to buy an entire new wardrobe, and that was really hard to feel. Like my body wasn't my own body. And since I've gotten off the pill and gotten an IUD and, like, that's been much better for me. But, like, that was an experience of itself, of, like, just feeling like my body was just, like, out of balance and out of whack and not my own and, like, having, like, self esteem issues and just, like, when you don't feel good about yourself, like, it affects so many other things. I was like, I don't want to go do that.

I don't want to have sex. I don't want to, like, go to a place where I have to wear real clothes. And, like, I know everyone. Like, I know the classic disclaimer is, like, I know, like, I probably saw, like, a normal body type for people, but, like, it just was not mine. Yeah.

Alex Cooper
Yeah. And it wasn't what you were used to. And also, you're like, I'm not doing anything that would make me. Yeah, that was the thing. Like, I didn't change, like, my workout routine at all.

Lauren
I didn't change, like, my, like, eating regimen at all. And I was just like, what is happening to my body? I think that, like, PCOS is so common, and it's so fucking terrifying. Like, you said, like, when you're like, I'm literally doing nothing, but my body is changing before my eyes, and I have absolutely no control over this. And for you, like, birth control didn't work, but the IUD is working.

Alex Cooper
Like, again, it's. I have such empathy for all of us. Like, like I said, like, we started this conversation because I remember when I called you from the, like, other thing that I was going through for that procedure. And then, like, with this stuff, it's like, you just sit and you feel like the only people that you can connect to in these moments are women. And I love Matt so much, and he's like.

He's like, oh, I'll cancel my, like, my meetings, and he wants to come to the gyno with me. And he's like, I'll just sit in the lobby. Like, I want to be there for you. And they're so supportive, and they're amazing, but, like, no one understands this, like, women, and it's. It's terrifying.

But I think speaking about these type of things is the way that can. Hopefully we get one woman off the couch today to be like, you know what? I'm hitting my gyno up. I'm going to the gyno, and I'm going to make my first appointment in so long. Because the scariest thing is not knowing.

And it's scary for, like, a little bit to know if there's bad news. But then, like you said, lauren, then once you know, you can fucking do something about it. If you don't know, who the fuck knows what you're gonna wake up with. With the PCOS and, like, the birth control. Like, the moment, like, I had a reason.

Lauren
I was like, thank God. Cause I was like, what is happening? Right? Like, answers help your mental health process things. When you're, like, spiraling, you could be thinking it's 19 million different things.

Alex Cooper
So thank you for sharing, Lauren. I can only imagine how many people are gonna write into me. And I, obviously, you don't have social media, so I will be screenshotting and sending all the DM's. Everybody flood my DM's and send Lauren love for sharing her story. But thank you for sharing because I know this is gonna help so many women, and it's, like, me even saying that is, like, underrated, probably what this is gonna do.

So thank you. I love you. Of course. Love your daddy, gang. Check your boobs.

Check the boobs to save the boobies. Bye.

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Protect the Boobies [VIDEO]

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Episode Summary

Main Takeaways

Episode Chapters

1: Introduction

2: Lauren's Health Journey

3: Dealing with Diagnosis

4: Support Systems

5: Navigating Solutions

Actionable Advice

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