My trump card - playing it again...

[eminenz2]

I would like to encourage everyone out there in internet-land to please remember to do you monthy breast self-exam.

On September 11, 2005 I found what was diagnosed later that week as Stage 3 breast cancer. What followed was a flurry of doctor appointments, tests, forms to fill out, tears, soul-searching, more tests, information overload, desperately trying to maintain a grip and pay attention while the doctors explained how breasts work and survival rates, and outright fear. Oh, and did I mention the tests?

Survival rates?

Am I gonna die?

And that was just the first ten days.



Talk about your paradigm shifts...

NOTHING is as important as your health. Nothing puts your priorities in order quicker than a threat to your health.

I know this because I have been through it.

BSE will not prevent cancer but it will improve your chances of survival if you do it regularly, and are diagnosed with one of the most treatable cancers around. As the saying goes - early detection is your best protection.

Or my personal favorite (with or without the wink):
Check yourself on the front and pat yourself on the back!

Take care of you! Go do it - you too, men! Now!!!


Go on, git!







What, are you still here?

Susan G.

 

[pwmatt]

Thanks Susan for the wake up call! I will show this message to my daughters too! You are an inspiration!

Phyllis http://www.rykat.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/arrowhead.png


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[RunninTeach]

Thanks, Susan. Bumping this important message!

[font face="heather" font color=brick red size=+2]~Cathy [/font face] http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/4.gif
"Out on the roads there is fitness and self-discovery and the persons we were destined to be." -George Sheehan

 

[lederr]

Susan,

What an important reminder to share. Thank you.

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[geojill]

Thanks Susan! The news station that I watch has something called Buddy Check 9 and on the 9th of the month they remind you to do your BSE and to remind your loved ones. They also have an email reminder that you can sign up for.

 

[usamarsha]

Good reminder Susan! Thanks!!

 

[fit_fairy]

Thanks Susan!! You are one tough cookie!!!

[font color= purple size=+3]Catherine[/font]

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http://www.picturetrail.com/fit_fairy

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[Serena]

Susan,

You really are an inspiration to me and many others, I'm sure.

I'd also like to remind people to stay current with any recommended mammogram schedules as well. Last December, at the age of 50, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. Mine was found on a routine mammogram.

I'm usually just a lurker on this forum, but I wanted to mention that many members of my medical team mentioned that being "so fit" would help me get through the treatments easily. For example, when I mentioned to my oncologist that my husband thought I was addicted to exercise videos, he said that was great! The radiation oncologist explained that active, fit people handle radiation much better. The physical therapist seemed impressed as well, since she usually has the challenge of trying to motivate patients to begin an exercise program.

I was very fortunate to have been diagnosed at an early stage. I never thought of fitness as a way to prepare for dealing with cancer, but it really helped both physically and mentally.

I wish you the best, Susan, and thanks for sending out this important reminder.

Serena

 

[nkhansen1]

Thanks for this, Susan. I have breast cancer in my family, and so I do my self exam every month. In case I should ever consider not doing my exam, I think of my aunt who endured 12 years of breast cancer treatments and a mastectomy. She lifts her shirt every time I see her to show me what can happen if I don't do my exam to catch anything early. She is a passionate crusader against this disease. You should remind us every month!