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!
