How long has it been since your last mammogram? Do you make it a point to schedule these appointments on a regular basis or do you try to worm your way out of them due to your busy schedule? I have to admit that I don’t like the thought of mammogram appointments and yearly physicals, but I do make sure that I set aside time for them each year as needed. Since children do not need to attend these appointments, I make sure that I schedule them while my kids are in school or when I know that there will be someone around that can watch them while I am gone to my appointment.
My mother was just 42 when she died of breast cancer and just 40 when she found out that she first found out that she had cancer. I was in high school at the time and couldn’t really grasp the concept that she would be leaving us. I knew she was sick, but never realized how sick she was until she went into the hospital and never came back out. It was that last trip to the hospital, when I finally realized that it was time for me to begin praying that my mom pass on. Praying for her to finally have peace because she was in such horrible pain. Everything happened so fast, and now as I sit here, I can put myself in her place. In one year, I too will be 40 and can’t imagine being told that I have breast cancer. I can’t imagine leaving my children behind at such young ages.
I can remember my mom telling me that she had a lump in her breast that was scaring her. I don’t know how long she waited to tell me and I don’t know how long she waited before she went to the doctor to have it checked, but she waited TOO long! This has been a hard life lesson, but one I will always take seriously. Don’t ever bee too afraid to see the doctor. They can’t help you if you don’t get yourself checked out. Make it a point to educate yourself on breast cancer information and facts. If you don’t do it for yourself, please do it for your family.
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