October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

Tumors can be too small to be felt or in a place where they can’t be felt during a physical or self exam.

Mammograms are not fun but can locate these tumors early.

My extremely small tumor could not be felt but had already moved to a lymph node when it was discovered.  I would be in a very bad place if it weren’t for a mammogram.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so spread the news on the importance of mammograms!

If your mammogram is suspicious remember that:

Enlist family and friends for support!

 

 

 

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Mammograms and Thank You to My Friends

 

Mammograms are described as a noninvasive medical test. I think the word noninvasive needs to be re-evaluated. Having your breasts squished several times while you are instructed to stand still and hold your breath is invasive.

X-ray images today are digital files and the radiologist can easily compare past mammograms with a recent test.

Mammograms are an important tool in detecting cancer early. Early detection of cancer may help you avoid aggressive treatments like surgery or chemotherapy.

Avoiding tests like mammograms and colonoscopies and ignoring symptoms is foolish.  This is how I lost my husband.  (I am not experiencing any symptoms, just medical test avoidance syndrome.)

My friend Sandy and other friends are helping me deal with just moving on and getting all my health obligations back in line.  Thanks to them I have picked out a new doctor, had a physical, an eye exam, a mammogram, have scheduled a dental appointment and some much needed physical therapy, and last but not least, Sandy has offered to take me to my colonoscopy!

I do need to go back for more tests after my recent mammogram.  Wish me luck!

Please don’t delay these simple tests, I am feeling pretty liberated now that I am getting over my reluctance of medical stuff.

Thank you Sandy and all my friends who are being patient with my avoidance of anything medical right now.  (I thought I was going to be happy if I never saw the inside of another medical building.) I appreciate your sticking with me!