The Space Between Scans

A few months ago, I shared why I decided to add thermography to my wellness routine. If you haven’t read that post yet, I encourage you to start there because I explain what thermography is, why I chose it, and how it differs from traditional imaging.

This blog isn’t about the technology.

It’s about the experience.

Whenever we schedule any type of health appointment, there’s usually a little uncertainty. Even when we’re making a proactive choice for our health, it’s easy to wonder what to expect or whether we’ll understand the results. I walked into Coastal Thermography with plenty of curiosity, but I walked out feeling completely at ease—and that had everything to do with Bonnie.

From the moment I arrived, I never felt like I was being rushed from one appointment to the next. Bonnie welcomed me, sat down with me, answered every question I had, and explained exactly how the appointment would unfold before we ever started taking images. It wasn’t a quick “sign here and step this way” experience. She genuinely took the time to make sure I felt comfortable.

As I learned more about Bonnie, I discovered that she's also a breast cancer survivor. Knowing that gave me an even greater appreciation for the work she does. This isn't just a profession for her - it's deeply personal. It reminded me that the person guiding me through my appointment understands the importance of early awareness from a perspective many practitioners never will. That knowledge gave me even more confidence that I was in the right place.

One thing that really stood out to me was how intentional she was about the imaging process itself.

Your body needs time to acclimate to the room so the images accurately reflect your body’s thermal patterns. Bonnie wasn’t watching the clock—she was watching the process. She made sure my body had enough time to cool naturally before beginning the scan, which gave me confidence that the images were being captured the way they were intended.

That attention to detail meant a lot.

When my first report came back, I was impressed at how comprehensive it was. Within about 7-10 days, I received a detailed report that included full-color thermographic images along with a thorough analysis completed by a physician. Rather than simply handing me pictures, the report explained the findings and identified areas that would be beneficial to monitor over time.

In my case, there were a few areas they wanted to keep an eye on. The report showed increased heat in my left breast extending toward the nipple, along with a few other areas of inflammation throughout my body. Nothing about the report was presented in a way that created fear. Instead, it gave me valuable information - another piece of the puzzle that I could use alongside the rest of my wellness journey.

The recommendation was simple: make the lifestyle changes I felt were appropriate for me and return in three months for another scan.

So that’s exactly what I did.

Over those next few months, I became more curious than anything else.

Would the choices I was making actually show up in the images?

I started dry brushing more consistently. I took a long vacation and gave myself permission to truly slow down. Life had also changed in a very significant way. After losing my beloved pet, my role as a full-time caregiver had come to an end. While that loss was incredibly painful, it also gave me something I hadn’t had in a very long time—the opportunity to care for myself.

For the first time in a while, I could prioritize rest.

I could breathe.

I could spend more time outdoors.

I could simply exist without constantly caring for someone else.

Looking back, I honestly believe that reduction in stress may have been one of the biggest changes I made.

When I returned for my follow-up appointment three months later, Bonnie was exactly the same warm, calming presence I remembered. She once again took the time to explain everything, answer my questions, and make sure I felt comfortable throughout the process.

The results were encouraging.

There weren’t any dramatic changes, but there was less inflammation than before and some of the areas of increased heat had improved. That was exactly what I had hoped to see—not perfection overnight, but progress.

Instead of recommending another three-month follow-up, they suggested returning in six months to continue monitoring the areas we’d been watching.

That felt like a win.

One of the things I appreciate most about thermography is that it’s completely non-invasive. There are no injections, no compression, and no exposure to radiation. For me, it’s another tool that allows me to gather information about my body in a way that aligns with my personal wellness philosophy. It’s not about replacing conventional medicine. It’s about being informed, paying attention to my body, and using multiple pieces of information to make thoughtful decisions alongside my healthcare providers.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this experience wasn’t what showed up on the images.

It was being reminded that healing isn’t always about finding one magic answer.

Sometimes it’s about creating enough space in your life for your body to begin responding differently.

Less stress.

More rest.

More self-care.

More listening.

I’m grateful I chose to begin this journey, and I’m especially grateful that it began with Bonnie. Her professionalism, kindness, patience, and genuine care made what could have been an intimidating experience feel peaceful from beginning to end.

If you’re in Southern California and you’ve been curious about thermography, I can’t recommend Bonnie at Coastal Thermography enough. She’s one of those people who doesn’t just perform a service—she creates an experience where you feel heard, cared for, and supported every step of the way.

Sometimes that’s just as healing as the information itself.

If you're considering thermography, Bonnie is a wonderful place to start. Her knowledge, kindness, and genuine care made the experience feel welcoming and empowering.

Contact: Bonnie Finn

Website: www.coastal-thermography.com