Sheryl Crow Breast Cancer Check-up Reminder

[Paula]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reading Kimmifunn's post about Sheryl Crow and her dog made me want to post this. Sheryl Crow's early diagnosis of her breast cancer is an excellent reminder to all women on this board to be sure to get their mammograms (and to remind the people they love to get their mammograms). I've been amazed that 3 of my close friends were diagnosed with breast cancer in their 40's. All are fine (as will most women with breast cancer be given how far the treatments have come). The one who had it diagnosed earliest had the least invasive treatment (minor surgery, radiation, no chemo). The one who had it diagnosed latest had the hardest go of it in terms of surgery and chemo, etc. All are working mom's with busy lives and they and their families got through it all just fine (with a little help from friends and family, of course).

And if your doctor says that something looks a little suspicious and you should wait a few months, be assertive and ask that it be checked right away (my friend who had the earliest diagnosis was asked to wait 6 months but she said she wanted it checked immediately and she was right).

So, that's my "stay well" thought for the day!

 

[dbuck]

Thanks Paula for the reminder. Early detection is key to a positive outcome.

 

[Sheila]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reading Kimmifunn's post about Sheryl Crow and her dog made me want to post this. Sheryl Crow's early diagnosis of her breast cancer is an excellent reminder to all women on this board to be sure to get their mammograms (and to remind the people they love to get their mammograms). I've been amazed that 3 of my close friends were diagnosed with breast cancer in their 40's. All are fine (as will most women with breast cancer be given how far the treatments have come). The one who had it diagnosed earliest had the least invasive treatment (minor surgery, radiation, no chemo). The one who had it diagnosed latest had the hardest go of it in terms of surgery and chemo, etc. All are working mom's with busy lives and they and their families got through it all just fine (with a little help from friends and family, of course).



And if your doctor says that something looks a little suspicious and you should wait a few months, be assertive and ask that it be checked right away (my friend who had the earliest diagnosis was asked to wait 6 months but she said she wanted it checked immediately and she was right).

So, that's my "stay well" thought for the day!

Well said Paula. As a 2 time breast cancer survivor, early detection can mean everything! Paula's right, take the time. Make yourself a priority. The difference it could make is huge.

 

[kathydwells]

Thank You Paula for the reminder. I get my mammo every year because my mother and aunt both had breast cancer. One of my best friends, also in her 40's had a mastectomy last year. It is important no matter what age you are to get yours!!!!!

 

[Paula]

Dbuck, Gotothebeachmom and Kathy:

Thanks for supporting this thread! It is important. I think most people's families are affected by cancer sooner or later -- at least it seems that way. We have had family members with different kinds of cancer as well. Early detection for everyone is a mission we all can share. So, off for your mammograms all of you who haven't found time to do it in the past year. Colonoscopy, too, if you're 50 (or late 40s depending on what your doctor says)!

It's easy to be so busy to forget to take care of yourself (which is what happened with the friend of mine who had the most advanced case of breast cancer). It's helpful to think of the office visit as a good chance to sit quietly while waiting and catch up with a good (or bad) magazine. Or bring your laptop and catch up on SoWal.com. Not quite a spa, but at least a few moments alone before facing that nasty mammogram machine! And, men, please remind your wives, daughters, and other relatives to get their check-ups because you love them.

Also, breast cancer -- thanks to all the money that has gone into research -- is one of those cancers that is highly treatable, so a diagnosis is not as frightening as it used to be. Same with colon cancer, especially if found early (thanks, in part, to brave Katie Couric). We give a percentage of our cottage rental income every year to cancer research. We have chosen to give that donation to breast cancer research for the past 3 years because our daughter does the October breast cancer walk so we donate through her. We figure advances in research on one form of cancer benefits other cancer research as well.

Hey, Kurt, maybe this message board can help save a life or two... Never underestimate the power of a community, even an online community!

 

[seagrovelover]

This is a great reminder.....I had a mammogram in my early thirties and had to have a lump removed, you just never know! ;-)