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| Ithemba Walkathon 2011 |
I would like to answer these questions as well, because breast cancer is something that you can do something about. Before it is too late!
The Questions:
When did you have your first mammogram?
I went for a test in my twenties when a van came to our workplace. Never again after that!
Does anyone in your family suffer from cancer?
Luckily, no! But my teen gave us a scare about two years back when she discovered a big lump in her breast. It is called a fibroadenoma, but she now has to have it checked every six months!
See: 18-year olds can get breast cancer
Why have you not gone for a mammogram?
I should have done it earlier... Guilty!
But I went in support of my teen for a sonar in July (also because the doctor insisted), and as soon as I stop breastfeeding I will go for the mammogram!
What were your mammogram results?
The sonar was fine! (A mammogram does not show the correct results when still breastfeeding.)
How bad is “going for a mammogram” on a scale of 1 to 10?
I can't remember that it felt that bad. I would give it a 3
When is your next appointment?
Three months after I stop breastfeeding. Don't know when that is going to happen!
Do you know anyone who has had breast cancer?
Yes, I have a colleague who went through a harrowing experience having to remove both breasts but now are declared 100% healthy. She caught it even before it developed into breast cancer! It is through her that I got the referral for my teen. We now feel very safe knowing that Dr Benn (Specialist in her field) will give us the right advice!
What is my point?
Do not accept the advice of doctors when they tell you to not come back again, or that you should wait until the diagnosis is cancer. NOOOO!
We were told not to come back for a regular check-up by a gynecologist...
My colleague was told that she should have her breasts regularly checked until the cancer is finally confirmed... (Scary!)
If you feel uneasy about a decision or opinion, get a second opinion!
It is your health and your life!
Thanks for passing this forward. I think now that October is wrapping up, we should bookmark this "awareness = action" thing and do it again in January once everyone has got over the madness of end of the year.
ReplyDeleteOn another note -- how much do I love your header photo ... a great deal!!!
I have also been pretty bad at going...I haven't gone for the past 5 years...must make an appointment. LOL, I feel guilty now.
ReplyDelete