March 5, 2010 – Mammogram Day
This morning I went in for my yearly mammogram. It was a simple, quick procedure, fully paid for by my insurance company. It took me just one hour, from when I left my house to when I left the medical building. My sister was first diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 42 , she opted for a full mastectomy. She is a survivor, now 56 years old. Ever since her diagnosis, I have been diligent about getting my yearly mammogram.
In the past three years I have had three close friends diagnosed with breast cancer, they all underwent various different surgeries, chemo, and hair loss, but so far, all have survived. All three women were under the age 50. I hope that this means that women are not getting cancer at an early age, but that they are being vigilant about getting their yearly mammograms, and that we are catching the cancer earlier, when there is still time to fight it and win the battle.
I generally reward myself on Mammogram Day by taking myself out to lunch. Today’s appointment was early in the day, so I stopped off at the local food store, and treated myself to some of my favorite comfort foods! That works for me.
We all need to learn to take as much care of ourselves as we do the rest of our families. So if you haven’t done so yet this year, make your appointment today.
Happy Quilting,
Betty Dietz