Is it time for your yearly mammogram? Today was the day for me to get mine done. I promised myself that I would be more diligent in doing it every year especially since my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. My paternal and maternal grandmother's were also diagnosed with breast cancer. So, you can see that I need to be cautious but not neurotic about it! You can't worry your life away. That's one thing I learned from my mother, You live your life to the fullest and help others along the way. She was an inspiration to me and I'm so grateful for her example.
I often think of my mother when I hear people talking about breast cancer because I was just 9 years old when she was diagnosed! I vividly remember my Dad gathering us kids around to tell us that my Mom had breast cancer. I also remember asking my dad, "Does that mean she's going to die?" I know my Dad reassured us the best he could. The year I turned 35 I remember thinking. . .WOW!. . .that's way too young. . .I wonder how I would be dealing with it? I know women of any age can get breast cancer and that's why it's so important to be pro-active in doing your monthly self-exams and yearly doctor exams along with yearly mammograms.
I don't mean to be preachy but, our family was reminded that cancer takes the lives of many and it affects families everywhere. My own sister-in-law, Lori died TWO years ago today, May 5, 2007 at the age of 46 leaving a husband and three boys without a mother. I can't believe it's been two years already. What makes it hit home too, is that she was my age and would have been 48 years old this past September. We will remember these wonderful women and pay tribute to their legacies! Year before last I was involved in "The Relay for Life" which is a yearly fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. It's held annually in many States and provides funds for the fight against Cancer. For more information you can go to the "American Cancer Society" or "The Susan G. Komen" website (breast cancer).BTW: My surprise is almost ready. I took pictures today! I'm just working on the pattern and it should be ready to post tomorrow. . . I'm hoping!
11 comments:
Thank you for this post. I've wondered when I should start getting mammograms. I turn 34 this year. I have a physical coming up and I think I will ask my dr about it.
I get mine each year as my mother had breast cancer and it then spread and she died of breast and stomach cancer. It is a nasty disease and I am glad they are making some strides in research on it now....but it's not happening fast enough.
Bless your heart for reminding all our Blogging friends. My Mom died also of breast cancer. I sat with her the nite she passed and she had me promise I would do my yearly and see to it that my daughters also go.My Grandson is a Boy Scout and every year they have a relay for life week-end camp out with a lot of organizations there to remind all women. The cure will come, just not soon enough for some
Thank you for the very important reminder. I understand why you are especially careful. Our family hasn't lost anyone to breast cancer, but we have lost 2 to Melanoma.
Boy what a startling, sad reminder Kim. Thanks for the reminder -- it's a great one for us all to hear!
That is a very important message. I put it off until I found the lump myself a year and a half ago. By then it had spread. I am spending a very long time getting through that ordeal. Thank you for reminding everyone.
I am looking forward to your surprise.
Thankyou for this post Kim. ooxx`jodi
This is a great reminder, Kim. Cancer can be so devastating and have such far reaching affects.
Take care-
Jo-Anne
**LOVE your quilt! :)
Don't forget to visit the Artful Bra Exhibit at www.Quiltersof sc.org.
I got my little reminder card in the mail yesterday that it was time for my mammogram. I was 8 when my Mom's doctor found her lump. I wasn't told. I just went and spent a week with my grandmother. Mom was 33 at the time. When I was 15 she had a masectomy and was given only 5 years to live. She lived for 10 years instead (I'm so thankful) and she died when she was 53.
A lot of people don't get mamograms because they think they hurt. When you compare the discomfort of mamograms to the pain of cancer, there's no comparison at all.
Thanks for sharing your story with us about your family. It's so sad about your sister in law.
I'll be busy this weekend with my garage sale and soccer tournaments, so I may not have time to "stop by". I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day. We were blessed with great women as mothers.
I go for my mammogram every spring and for an MRI every fall. I lost my mom to cancer 4 years ago and she was only 55. Her sister died at age 29 from breast cancer. Their other sister was 33 when she first got cancer and then 43 when it came back again. She has been cancer free for the past 10 years!
It's such a scary disease that affects so many people.
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