Breast Cancer Awareness Month

[Joy]

Ok everyone, October has come around again and this is the Breast Cancer Awareness month. I just had my 35th year high school reunion and found out that a couple of years ago, one of my friends from High School had died of Breast Cancer. Remember those that have fought and lost to this disease and remember those that are fighting it now and those that have fought and won.

I would like to share my story again in hopes that it would reach someone to think about getting a mammogram.

Three years ago, my doctor "blackmailed" me into coming in and having a physical. He had been trying for several years and I kept putting him off saying that I would make an appointment. Finally, he told me that he would not refill one of my prescriptions until I come in and have a physical. I owe that man my life.

I had not had a mammogram in about 5 or 6 years. After the technician had taken the x-rays, I was waiting for the radiologist to come back in and tell me that they were good and I could get dressed and leave. That did not happen though and I will never forget the words that she said to me. She came in and said that there was an "area of concern" and if my doctor did not call me in the next few days, to call him. Do not wait. She then asked me if I had any questions. I just sat there looking at her like she had 3 heads. Questions? I was still back on the words that there was an "area of concern", let alone have any questions for her. I went outside and sat down in front of the hospital and just started crying, almost hysterically. Then, once I calmed downed, I called my doctor and had an appointment with him that afternoon. (this was on a Monday). I had an appointment with a surgeon the following Friday. It was six weeks from the day I heard those words, "an area of concern" until I was in surgery having a mastectomy done. It all happened so fast that I really didn't get much of a chance to think about anything until it was all over.

Fortunately, the cancer was caught in the early stages. In fact, the lump was so small, it was hardly detectable if it had not been for the mammogram.

This coming December 15th, I will be celebrating my 3-year mark of being cancer free, but I can assure you, I do not miss having a yearly mammogram any more. Mammograms saves lives. Please, if you have not had one done in a while, learn from my story and do not put it off.

[Irena]

Originally Posted by Joy

Ok everyone, October has come around again and this is the Breast Cancer Awareness month. I just had my 35th year high school reunion and found out that a couple of years ago, one of my friends from High School had died of Breast Cancer. Remember those that have fought and lost to this disease and remember those that are fighting it now and those that have fought and won.

I would like to share my story again in hopes that it would reach someone to think about getting a mammogram.

Three years ago, my doctor "blackmailed" me into coming in and having a physical. He had been trying for several years and I kept putting him off saying that I would make an appointment. Finally, he told me that he would not refill one of my prescriptions until I come in and have a physical. I owe that man my life.

I had not had a mammogram in about 5 or 6 years. After the technician had taken the x-rays, I was waiting for the radiologist to come back in and tell me that they were good and I could get dressed and leave. That did not happen though and I will never forget the words that she said to me. She came in and said that there was an "area of concern" and if my doctor did not call me in the next few days, to call him. Do not wait. She then asked me if I had any questions. I just sat there looking at her like she had 3 heads. Questions? I was still back on the words that there was an "area of concern", let alone have any questions for her. I went outside and sat down in front of the hospital and just started crying, almost hysterically. Then, once I calmed downed, I called my doctor and had an appointment with him that afternoon. (this was on a Monday). I had an appointment with a surgeon the following Friday. It was six weeks from the day I heard those words, "an area of concern" until I was in surgery having a mastectomy done. It all happened so fast that I really didn't get much of a chance to think about anything until it was all over.

Fortunately, the cancer was caught in the early stages. In fact, the lump was so small, it was hardly detectable if it had not been for the mammogram.

This coming December 15th, I will be celebrating my 3-year mark of being cancer free, but I can assure you, I do not miss having a yearly mammogram any more. Mammograms saves lives. Please, if you have not had one done in a while, learn from my story and do not put it off.

All women must be very careful and do not avoid doctors!