In regards to breast health, it is a known fact that early detection is most helpful for a better prognosis for the diagnosis of breast cancer. This fact is so poignant to me because the month of October is the one year anniversary of my mother in law’s death from breast cancer.

She had known she had breast cancer for 7 or more years, yet never went to the doctor or had any treatment until it was well past the point of any hope for recovery.

The reason I am discussing this is because I look back and wish that I had asked her if she was being assessed through a mammogram, and going to the doctor for a clinical exam. I had assumed she was taking care of herself by at least getting her yearly checkups.

I was so wrong. I can’t change the past.

I can’t help but wonder if things would be different if each year I had just asked, “Mom, have you had your annual mammogram?”

I have since discovered that there are women who do not keep up with that aspect of self-care. They shall remain nameless.

So, I suggest that each of us make the time to be a good friend to ourselves, and get our minds in gear and go for what is the minimum for early detection. That would include breast self-exam, clinical exam by our health care provider, and mammogram if we are over forty.

In taking it one step further, who would you like to encourage to do the same? Take a moment and think through your list of sisters, mother, daughters, friends, aunts, cousins and co-workers. Can you take a moment to ask them if you can express your caring and encourage them to take a small step towards what is best for them, and also best for all those around them?

Make that call today!

Love,
Lorraine

This entry was posted by Lorraine Calhoun on October 8th, 2007 under Mid-Life with keywords .

Subscribe to this topic's feed.