Friday, November 7. 2008
Out of the clear blue...
...just like real life.
A year ago today, I was recovering from the lumpectomy which was performed on me a year ago yesterday.
If you want, you can read about it HERE. (There are multiple posts about the experience, you might have to click on the "November 2007" link in the archives.)
My story had a happy ending. On November 9, I was told that the biopsy came back negative for a negative result: I was then and remain cancer-free.
I'm writing today as a reminder for you to check your breasts and the breasts of your partner, too.
Yup, even guys. ANYONE who has breasts is potentially vulnerable. Men are vulnerable to breast cancer, too. It's not as common, but because it's not as common, it tends to be more deadly. One of my professors died of breast cancer. He didn't live to see his final exhibit, which was about the humilliation he felt about dying from a disease he wasn't "supposed" to get.
YouTube considers breast self-exam and testicle self-exam videos to be for 18+ only audiences, which is ridiculous. So here's a link to a family GP's website with videos showing how to do both clinical checks. I love his grandfatherly delivery. I recommend them whether you've had the instruction or not!
I know it's a grim subject, but rather than hiding our heads in the sand, it's far better to go searching for the thing that isn't there for reassurance. Then, on the day we might find an irregularity, we are better prepared to face that battle. You know. Kind of like all those fire drills in grade school.
You know you're not alone, right?
yours, vigilant in health and health awareness,
rebecca.
A year ago today, I was recovering from the lumpectomy which was performed on me a year ago yesterday.
If you want, you can read about it HERE. (There are multiple posts about the experience, you might have to click on the "November 2007" link in the archives.)
My story had a happy ending. On November 9, I was told that the biopsy came back negative for a negative result: I was then and remain cancer-free.
I'm writing today as a reminder for you to check your breasts and the breasts of your partner, too.
Yup, even guys. ANYONE who has breasts is potentially vulnerable. Men are vulnerable to breast cancer, too. It's not as common, but because it's not as common, it tends to be more deadly. One of my professors died of breast cancer. He didn't live to see his final exhibit, which was about the humilliation he felt about dying from a disease he wasn't "supposed" to get.
YouTube considers breast self-exam and testicle self-exam videos to be for 18+ only audiences, which is ridiculous. So here's a link to a family GP's website with videos showing how to do both clinical checks. I love his grandfatherly delivery. I recommend them whether you've had the instruction or not!
I know it's a grim subject, but rather than hiding our heads in the sand, it's far better to go searching for the thing that isn't there for reassurance. Then, on the day we might find an irregularity, we are better prepared to face that battle. You know. Kind of like all those fire drills in grade school.
You know you're not alone, right?
yours, vigilant in health and health awareness,
rebecca.
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My mother found a lump in her breast 7 years ago, and it was dismissed by 3 doctors as 'just a lump', since she was in her 40s, it was considered just typical. She had numerous tests done, with no detection of cancer. Her family doctor, after my mom persisted for further testing, decided to do a lumpectomy despite not finding cancer. It wasn't until she was IN SURGERY that cancer was detected.
She did her chemo for 6 months and treatment for 5 years, and she's fully recovered, thankfully.
So please please please please check your brains out.
I also agree with you, be ever vigilant. Too many have died from not checking or not going to their DR as soon as they find a lump.
Don't make that mistake!
Angel
Yearly is best and I'm here to remind others also.
Thank you for a very good and thoughtful posting.
Sincerely, Lady Euphoria
My husband's uncle had breast cancer as well and thankfully is cancer-free now.
I recently found your Anticraft book. (which led me here) I think I'm finally learning to knit. Excellent instruction!
The interesting thing about this was just a few weeks ago, I overheard a man in a deli talking about his experience with breast cancer. It struck me as the first time I'd heard that perspective.