I’m no stranger to Cancer.
My Nana was a 5-time survivor.
(Note I didn’t say 6-time.)
And so I’ve been careful. I’ve gone for my annual exams.
I’ve done breast exams.
But only once in a while. Maybe even fewer than that.
NOT GOOD.
A couple of weeks ago my Aunt found a lump during a self-exam.
It was cancerous.
She’s scheduled for a partial mastectomy.
She’s scared.
I’m scared.
I’m praying/hoping/wishing for the best possible outcome.
And I’m taking this as my wake-up call.
It’s time to be more vigilant about self-examination.
I need to remember to check myself monthly.
My doctor once told me:
“Once a month,
Pay your bills.
Check you boobs.”
Easy enough, right?
I vow to remember and do a monthly self-examine.
Will you please too?
Thank you for the reminder. I know self-exam is not something I am good at remembering. My grandmother had breast cancer, too, so you would think I would be better about it. I think it’s the whole idea that “it couldn’t happen to me.” I did, however, have a scare earlier this year with a lump in a different part of my body. Thank goodness it turned out to be okay. Again, thank you for the reminder. This is an important message to share.
Karen recently posted..Between
I’m horrible at remembering, but I plan to change that!
a few years ago I found a lump. My doctor confirmed the lump and referred me to a surgeon who assured me there was nothing. My doctor was displeased with said surgeon, examined me again and called for a colleague to examine me. He confirmed there was a lump and referred me to a different surgeon. Surgeon did a biopsy and everything was fine.
For a total of 5 months I was yoyo’d back and forth.
a total of $7,000 of uninsured ridiculousness later- I don’t ever want another breast exam.
Misty recently posted..On missing someone…
Wow. It’s a shame you were messed around like that, and I can understand the hesitance.
I’m not as careful about checking as I should be, either. Thanks for the reminder!
Shell recently posted..Pour Your Heart Out: When Mom Misses Something Important
Me too, I took my Aunt’s diagnosis as I HUGE wake-up call.
Thank you for the reminder! All of the things I remember to do in the course of a month, and I miss this one frequently. Appreciate it!
Ilene recently posted..I Am A Runner
Me too!
Thanks for the reminders!
Stopping by from Shell’s PYHO
Julie recently posted..PYHO: How a friendship should be!
I hope you remember!
I am so sorry to hear about your aunt! We have a ton of breast cancer scattered throughout my family- much of it found by self-exams. Such an important reminder- thank you, and the best of luck to your aunt!
Ashley {@} My Front Porch Swing recently posted..Space to Breathe
Thanks, I hope the outcome is good.
Thanks for the reminder, it’s one of those things I never remember, and you’re right it is very important.
(visiting from Shell’s)
BonnyBard recently posted..The hours go slow, but the years they go so fast
I hope the “motto” will help you (and me) to remember.
I hope everything turns out ok for your aunt. I need to be more responsible about this!
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
I think everyone does.
If only I remembered more often. I’m not as regular as I should be. Thank you for the reminder.
Tiffany recently posted..PYHO: Neighbors
I’m not as regular at checking as I should be too!
Carolyn recently posted..Pay Your Bills, Check Your Boobs
Such an important message…thanks for the reminder. so sorry to hear about your aunt and hoping for the best possible outcome.
Robbie recently posted..There’s No Crying at the Park
Thank you.
Same here. I do a self-test occasionally but it’s been years since they’ve been properly tested…and I’ve already had a tumor removed in my early 20s. :(
:(
I hope you never find another one.
I wish I were more vigilant. I need to be! I love how you’re suggesting here. That makes it simple and easy to remember. Thanks, Carolyn.
Missy | Literal Mom recently posted..How to Have an Old-Fashioned Summer
Thanks, I hope a few more of us do remember.
In this area one in seven women get breast cancer – incredible! Yes good reminder to check, too many of my friends have had it – one even after a proper check in the hospital, scary
Jody Brettkelly recently posted..Embrace the Chaos
Scary stat.
I hope your friend is doing better.
Good reminder, thank you. I do hope your Aunt is okay.
Jessie A. recently posted..Chronicles of Dirt
Thanks.
{Melinda} I am so sorry about your aunt. My mother died of ovarian cancer nine years and so the cancer cause is close to my heart as well. I have to remember to be vigilant about regular GYN visits. And I’m actually overdue for my checkup, so thank you for the reminder. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in taking care of everyone else that we forget about ourselves.
Mothering From Scratch recently posted..“This-Has-To-Change” Mom Moments
Oh, I’m sorry to read this.
It’s true, we do get wrapped up in life that we forget… let’s try not to forget.
Great reminder! A self exam is how I found my breast cancer. It’s a great idea to do self exams no matter what age you are, so that you know your body and then can realize if any changes occur. :)
Ginny Marie recently posted..What a Month June Will Be!
Wow, thanks for letting me (us) know. I hope you are doing well!
Thank you for this post – it is so important to remember to stay vigilant on this!! I’ll check myself today!!
Rebecca Rider recently posted..Self-esteem comes first – weight loss will follow
It is isn’t it? And yet, we are not :(
I’m sorry your life has taught you so much about cancer. Best wishes for your aunt.
I love that line from your doctor. I’ll remember that one. Thanks for passing along your wake-up call.
Stopping by from SITS. Have a great weekend.
misssrobin recently posted..Confronting My Therapist
Isn’t it a great line? I think it will help me remember better.
My mom was diagnosed last year with Breast Cancer – it was the biggest wake up call that I ever received – i talked to my doctors, went for genetic testing (my grandmother was a survivor), but honestly, since that time, I have been a little lax. THANK YOU for this reminder. I am going to favorite this, and read it often, because it is a great reminder.
I look forward to reading more often – grateful for your SITS day and the introduction!
Oh, I hope everything is fine with your mother and with you.
I’ve been too much of a slacker on this, but I’m not anymore.
And thank you for your kind words.
Carolyn recently posted..Welcome to My World
This should be a wake up call to everybody to take self examination seriously. I really hope that all goes well for your aunt.
Many thanks.
Thank you for the reminder. I am sorry to hear about your Aunt. I too, unfortunately am no stranger to cancer….it has dug its nasty claws in far too many in my family. And yet, I am not diligent about checking myself when I very much should. – well we all should regardless of whether or not it is in our family genes. All the best to you…and your aunt!
Kim recently posted..Ladybug Art
Thank you. I should be better about checking esp. since I’ve been surrounded by Cancer.
Carolyn recently posted..Welcome to My World