You know the story by now. My mom had a bruise on her breast that refused to heal. She didn’t go to the doctor, because she was too tough to go and she put it off.
I don’t have a mom. My kids don’t have a grandmother.
My mammogram is scheduled for next Wednesday. It is stressful to go every year, because every time I make an appointment, it reminds me that I don’t have a mom. It’s scary. However, if you are a woman over 40, have history of breast cancer in the family, or have a genetic predisposition to it, you need to get an annual mammogram.
This is your nudge. If you’ve been putting this off for whatever reason, make the appointment today.
Don’t be scared Ilona. My mother also died from breast cancer. Ironically she found out she had cancer because her doctor had asked her to participate in a study about smokers who didn’t have cancer, otherwise she never would have been checked out. I get my mammogram done every year also and so far I’m clear but I know what you mean about the anxiety, but don’t let your fear stop you from going. Mammograms really do save lives. (My mother did live another 15 years after her first diagnosis so I know what I’m talkin’ ’bout)
Cheers
Consider me nudged.
Thank you for the nudge, Ilona. For me it’s not just about the mammogram. I’m supposed to have a bi-annual MRI to monitor a brain cyst as well. It was due last year, but I forgot. Two of my close relatives died of brain cancer which is partly why they are monitoring it; growth and location are also factors. Now I’ve made appointments for both tests.
So people, if you have serious tests that you should be taking, here’s a related nudge from me!
I’ll add my nudge to Ilona’s. I was overdue for a screening mammogram last summer and when I went to my family doctor for an unrelated problem her office made the appointment for me. The mammogram led to an ultrasound, which led a biopsy, which led to a diagnosis of breast cancer. Made a believer out of me since I have known other women whose breast cancer didn’t show up on a mammogram.
A mammogram in 2016 saved my life. I have no family history or genetic predisposition to breast cancer. I had missed the previous 2 years mamos due to many foolish (and not so foolish) reasons. But Thank God I went in 2016! Everyone needs to go get their annual mammogram.
This same thing happenedto me, Ilona. My mom had a bruise that became a divot and lump and wouldn’t go to the doctor until I came home from college and forced her. Now she’s gone and I’m approaching the age when she passed, and it scares me. I’ve been getting a mammogram every year since then-20+years. Don’t skip this screening! My condolences to you.?
I didn’t think there was breast cancer in my family. After I was diagnosed, I found out I have 2 aunts that survived it. I had a lumpectomy and will be getting chemo and radiation. Two lumps I named Ryan and Mcturtle. Get checked sometimes tumours can’t be felt. Tell people. It’s not for sympathy, it’s information.
Thankyou iilona. Good luck on Wednesday.
It is my Christmas present to my self. I go every year, ‘cause how can you forget Christmas!
I got lucky and my mom went to see a doctor early enough. Her mother had breast cancer too. I’m 33 and have cysts in both breasts since nearly 10 years – they are only full of water but my heart nearly stopped, when I felt the first one. So I get an ultrasound, sometimes two, a year – at this age they don’t like to make a mammogram. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom and thankful for such an important post as this one.
I had breast cancer twice before the age of 35 and neither were due to genetics. Because of the chemo and radiation, I now live with chronic heart failure. If you even suspect that you have a lump or any weird issue with your breasts, get it checked. You are not weak by going to the doctor! Early detection is key.
I’m 20 years old, and last year instead of starting my freshmen year of college I spent my time taking care of my mom, who had stage three breast cancer. I’m very lucky that she’s still here today. Reading and rereading Kate Daniels and Hidden Legacy was such an important escape for me during everything. Your books just make me happy!! Thank u for putting ur words out into the world, and for making blogposts like this.
I know I am overdue for mine, and I plan to take care of that ASAP. But can I add – if you smoke, PLEASE stop. I lost my mom to lung cancer that had spread to her brain before she bothered to go to the doctor. It was short but awful. Diagnosed in December and died in April. And if you stop buying cigarettes you’ll have more money left to buy Ilona and Gordon’s books!
Good luck on your boob squishing.
Thanks for the reminder. I didn’t get around to it last year and that’s bad cause I grow benign tumors. One day they might not be benign.
I have no history of cancer and found a lump myself at the age of 38. Feel around those breasts! Doesn’t just have to be mammograms! My kiddo was one year old at the time. Glad to still be his mama:) ( and now I make paint angels and donate that money to breast cancer charities! Woo life!)