My friend Anna at My Only Photo asked me to pass along this pink penguin in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I'm happy to oblige.Last month I had a mammogram. No, they are not fun but they're not torture either. My only advice is Don't Look Down until it's over. I will say I don't believe that such a device would ever have been invented for the detection of testicular cancer. Squish a boob...you can handle it ladies. Buck up! It only last for a few seconds. Squish a nut...um, no way! I can see brothers around the world crossing their legs in anticipated agony now.
But a mammogram is our best defense until a new breakthrough makes it easier and more comfortable. And when the odds are so against us and there is so much to lose, we have to be diligent about early detection of cancer. No excuse is good enough for neglecting this important test.
I consider myself extremely blessed that no one I love has died from the terrible disease. We've had close encounters among my family and friends - lumpectomies, exploratory procedures, biopsies. That was enough to drive home the point that early detection and self-examination are mandatory.
Look at it this way. Most of us go to the dentist twice a year because we want to look good and keep our teeth. We aren't going to die if we get cavities but we go. Women faithfully keep weekly manicure and hair appointments. We spend thousands of dollars to puff up our body parts and look good on the outside. Yet we don't value our internal selves enough to go for a simple test once a year. For women over 40 ignoring a yearly mammogram could be a death sentence but on our way out we'll have nice skin, pretty toes and a flat stomachs from all those crunches. I hate to sound so dramatic but it's true.
Please take care of yourselves, ladies. Live to raise your children. Live to see your grandchild graduate from college. Live long enough to realize your dreams. One test, a mammogram, can greatly increase your odds of growing old in your honey's arms.
Do it..because you love yourself or at least because someone loves you.
But a mammogram is our best defense until a new breakthrough makes it easier and more comfortable. And when the odds are so against us and there is so much to lose, we have to be diligent about early detection of cancer. No excuse is good enough for neglecting this important test.
I consider myself extremely blessed that no one I love has died from the terrible disease. We've had close encounters among my family and friends - lumpectomies, exploratory procedures, biopsies. That was enough to drive home the point that early detection and self-examination are mandatory.
Look at it this way. Most of us go to the dentist twice a year because we want to look good and keep our teeth. We aren't going to die if we get cavities but we go. Women faithfully keep weekly manicure and hair appointments. We spend thousands of dollars to puff up our body parts and look good on the outside. Yet we don't value our internal selves enough to go for a simple test once a year. For women over 40 ignoring a yearly mammogram could be a death sentence but on our way out we'll have nice skin, pretty toes and a flat stomachs from all those crunches. I hate to sound so dramatic but it's true.
Please take care of yourselves, ladies. Live to raise your children. Live to see your grandchild graduate from college. Live long enough to realize your dreams. One test, a mammogram, can greatly increase your odds of growing old in your honey's arms.
Do it..because you love yourself or at least because someone loves you.
12 comments:
Beautiful post!!! :D
Hugs, JJ
Thanks JJ,
It was also breast cancer awarness day at my daughter and son's middle school. They wore pink..actually, she wore pink, he wore a pink bracelet.
I think it's great that they are getting involved so young. Now she will know what to do when the time comes and he will know how to help take care of the woman in his life.
Hugs to you too!
Lisa
When my sister was thirty she woke with a nagging sense that "something was wrong." She lived in a rural area and kept demanding a mammogram. The doctor put her off: no worries at her age.
Six months later, though, when she returned, and again insisted--she can be very stubborn--a baseline test was approved. (If you check out my blog you can read her story; it's listed on a sidebar under Don't Miss These.) Yes, she had breast cancer. Yes, she underwent a mastectomy and chemo while caring for her 2- and 6-year old boys. BUT, she's alive today, almost ten years later, and strong and healthy.
Kathleen,
That is quite a story. I'm so glad your sister is okay now. And it is a testement that we should listen to our intuitions, our gut instincts. Good thing your sister was aggressive about her care. Doctors don't always know best.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Sincerely,
Lisa
Thank you for this post. Early detection is SO important. No one wants to hear "if we had caught this earlier, maybe there is something we could have done."
Save 2nd base!!!
I still need to send you that photo!
Heather,
I'm still waiting..lol. When you're ready I'll give you my email address.
I thought of you and the very first entry I read on your blog when I wrote this post.
Hugs,
Lisa
Lisa thank you for your support, really appreciated for passing it on. Thanks, Anna :)
Anna,
I was happy to help out. I hope it helped in some way.
Peace,
Lisa
Great post :) Very cute ending thought - I am always trying to get my "honey" to be healthier because I want him to live a long time. Sometimes we just need others to help us look out for ourselves.
ChrissyJo,
My husband and I always joke that we will celebrate our 100th birthdays together. I hope it's a reality and not a joke..:)
Peace,
Lisa
Hi, I’m the creator of the Pink Ribbon Penguin… I’m so glad to see it being shared here! Thank you so much for posting! :D
You can find the original at MyJGD.com
I’d love to hear from anyone who loves the penguin - stop by and say hi!
JGoode,
I am so sorry. I accidentally rejected your comment. I reposted it but the links no longer work. Could you send them again if you see this?
Sorry for my faux pas,
Lisa
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