Breast cancer awareness

Ithemba Walkathon 2011

I saw this on Laura's blog at Harassed Mom, from where she was tagged by Celeste over at Reluctant Mom.

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!

iThemba Walkathon 2011

The slogan: "Early detection saves lives!"

It was the yearly iThemba Walkaton against breast cancer today. There were even more pink people (literally) walking today than last year. We had great fun.Walking and watching all the people dressed to the "pink" passing us on the road.

We got involved from last year when the Teen discovered a lump in her breast. It turned out to be a fibroadenoma, but she still has to have it check every 6 months. Lesson: do not let anyone tell you to let it be... It can turn serious!

I also have a colleague who were told to leave her pre-cancerous breasts until it becomes cancer! NO!
Luckily she did not accept that advice as well! She went to see an expert in breast cancer. Se had to go through the whole traumatic decision of having her breasts removed, but she did it. Last week she got a clean bill of health! She is cancer free, and she can continue with her life!

I registered us for the 8 km walk, although we said we would  turn at the 5 km turn when we feels it is too much! There never came a 5 km turn because they joined us at some stage, so we did the 8 km again! (Pat on back! We got in some serious exercise today!)

The Toddler enjoyed the walk as well! Luckily we could still push her for most of the way!

Getting sleepy

Sleeping

Riding backwards and standing

On Dad's neck

Walking

"Avon Justine iThemba Crusade of Hope raises funds for breast cancer education and awareness in South Africa.
A donation will be made to Bosom Buddies and Look Good...Feel Better."

Related posts:

18-year olds can get breast cancer
The merry ways of Retha Buys: "Happy birthday dear Silliboobs..."
iThemba Walk against breast cancer 

iThemba Walk against Breast Cancer

We walked a full 8 kilometers today for the iThemba Walk against Breast Cancer from the Marks Park Sports Complex in Greenside, Johannesburg. Everyone was pink, and we had a whole lot of fun!

We pushed the toddler, and for the most part she was happy to sit for the ride.

I had registered us for 5 km, but when we got our numbers back it was indicated we were up for the 8 km.  When we came to the split during the walk, we decided on the longer route. It was a good exercise as well. I am proud of us!

I am glad that we were able to contribute in a very small way in the crusade against breast cancer. It is a wake-up call every time I see people walking “in-loving-memory-of”!

The motto to remember” “Early detection saves lives!”

The teen and I had a bit of a scare last year when she did a breast examination and she found a lump. It turned out to be a fibroadenoma, and the gynaecologist confirmed this year that it is nothing to be worried about...
But we had a big scare! I can just imagine when you realize the lump is SOMETHING to worry about...

iThemba raises funds for breast cancer education and awareness in South Africa. A donation is also made to the Bosom Buddies breast cancer support group.