This quick, hope-filled Saddle Up distills my full conversation with my surgeon, Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary, into practical steps you can take this week. Early detection saves lives. Courage + a simple plan = peace.

What You’ll Learn

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• Why early detection changes everything
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• The 25-year-old high-risk assessment every woman should know about
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• What to do if you have dense breasts (better imaging options)
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• Lifestyle levers that actually move the needle (movement, stress, alcohol, steady nutrition)
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• A simple prayer + mindset script to calm anxiety
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Time-Stamped Guide (approx.)

00:00 — Why this episode matters (hope > fear)

01:00 — Appointments to make + when to start

02:00 — High-risk assessment at 25: what it is, who needs it

03:30 — Dense breasts: mammogram + MRI/ultrasound strategy

04:30 — Lifestyle that helps: movement, steady nutrition, stress, alcohol

06:00 — Mindset + prayer to carry you through

The Saddle Up Checklist (pick 1–3)

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3. Book your mammogram (start at 40; sooner if high-risk).
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7. Forward this to a 25–35 year-old you love and nudge a high-risk assessment.
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11. Dense breasts? Message your provider about alternating mammogram + MRI based on your risk.
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15. Choose one lever: add a 20-minute walk, swap one drink for sparkling water, or add protein + plants to lunch.
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19. Write & carry this prayer:
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“God, I’m placing my health in Your hands. Lead me to the right steps and the right people. Give me courage to act and peace to rest.”Key Takeaways

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• Early > easy. Catch it early and treatment is often simpler—and curative.
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• No family history? Still go. ~80% of women diagnosed have no family history.
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• Personalize it. Dense breasts and/or higher risk may mean different imaging.
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• Small habits help. Aim toward ~300 min/week of movement, include strength, keep nutrition steady, reduce alcohol, and prioritize sleep + stress care.
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• Peace is possible. You don’t need perfect—just the next faithful step.
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Favorite Quote
“Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s acting with peace anyway.”
About Our Guest

Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary is a breast surgeon and founder of Lady Slipper Breast Center with locations in St. Paul, St. Louis Park, and Edina. Trained at the University of Minnesota and Johns Hopkins, she’s passionate about personalized, whole-person care—before, during, and after treatment.

• https://www.elizabetholearymd.com

Connect with Lesa

lesakoski.com

• Podcast: Doing Life Different

Disclaimers

This episode is for education + encouragement and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your unique situation.