Cancer – one of the very worst words you can ever hear uttered! Hopefully with education and early detection it doesn’t have to be though…I heard those words in October of 2006 for the very first time…well obviously not for the very first time but for the first time when I knew in my heart of hearts it would forever effect me. It’s like your insides are getting ripped out and your heart just stops for a bit. If you have never heard those words in such an intimate way you just don’t understand to the depth that I ‘m trying to explain it. You are forever changed. There’s no going back.
Most of you know my sweet mom and true bff lost a battle to cancer in 2007. I heard the news Oct. 2nd, 2006 and she took her last breath April 1, 2007. It went SOOO quickly and it hurt so deeply. I will never be the same that’s for sure. Every award my son gets hurts in a way…every volleyball match my daughter wins has some pain in it because I can’t share it with my mom. She would be so incredibly PROUD of my kids! She adored them and I’m so blessed that they knew her even though they were much younger.
Although my mom didn’t pass away to Breast Cancer I’m happy to support ANY kind of cancer to be honest. So I’m here today to discuss breast cancer as it is breast cancer awareness month. First be sure to do your part in your monthly self exams. If you have any history of breast cancer talk to your doctor. I have put together a little list to help you get out and make your mammogram appointment:
Top 10 reasons to get a mammogram:
10. Early detection is the BEST defense
9. Mammograms work!! They do what they are suppose to do and you can get results – in fact they get results about 1.7 years sooner than a physical exam would do.
8. Risks increase with age…I’m 43 and started getting these mammos when I turned 40 as recommended by the American Cancer Society.
7. You only have to do it ONCE a year…it takes about 20 minutes or less out of your life and could SAVE your life!
6. You will look great in the pink robe they provide. Ok so that one is a little vain. :o)
5. You will immediately feel older and wiser – so you might not want to feel older but you will be wiser! Tell your friends that you had one done and encourage them to do the same. It’s so easy!
4. A mammogram is safe and reliable. All mammograms are safe – the exposure to radiation is equal to dental xray exposure. Which is so minimal and the results are fast and efficient.
3. You want to keep your breasts and hair!!! If a simple mammogram can keep your breasts intact and hair in place without pain and devastation why not?!?!
2. Statistics alone!!! I took stats in college…ugh! But these stats are brutal 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer.
1. You want to save your life! Also spread the word and save the lives of your friends and loved ones. So you get your ta ta’s squished a bit big deal. I promise that is much better than the alternative!
This past fall during my regular well woman appointment my doctor found some ‘dense’ tissue in my breast that was a bit tender to the touch. She suggested I get an ultrasound as I had recently just had my mammo in December. Everything went well and I was all clear but still why wouldn’t I want to be proactive in a situation like this?
Quick, no pain and …..you’re done before you know it!
I am teaming up with my sweet friend Katie Knight from Teacher to the Core on our mission to inform all of our wonderful friends about breast cancer awareness! Here is one of her awesome tips:
{ click picture to visit her awesome blog }
So smart and just so simple – why didn’t I think of that?!?! Thank you Katie!
So ~ join our mission to save the TA-TA’s. Spread the word by sharing our blog post or facebook post. Also enter to win some great PINK swag to better support the cause below:
A HUGE thank you to Michelle’s Place in Temecula for donating these items for our giveaway. Check out their facebook page by liking them below.
Here’s a close up of the silver cuff:
My sister had breast cancer in her 30's so it is very important for women in their 20's on up to check monthly for lumps!
Wow so sorry to hear that Lori, so young. Proves it doesn't discriminate! :o( xoxo
I get mine every year…As an "elder"..I have been getting mammo's for …ummm..a few years now! 🙂 It is EASY PEASY! The week of my BIRTHDAY I schedule a physical ( YES..exam, pap, blood work, THE WHOLE thing, & my mammo) That way I always remember to do it! ( Kinda like changing the batteries is the smoke detector)…if you do it at the same time EVERY Year…you don't FORGET! Very important to take care of YOURSELF! If you are not well…..NO ONE AROUND YOU IS HAPPY! Thanks Ladies! Wendy 1stgradefireworks 1stgradefireworks
good girl! :o)
Great post Vicky. Cancer has taken so many wonderful people. Looking forward to a day when that never happens again. Hugs 🙂
Thanks my love! <3
Vicky- you inspire me to be a better mama and woman all the time! Now, you are touching my heart and making me be more aware of not only breast cancer, but the prevention that is needed. Now that I am over 40, I make sure I have my annual mammo boobie smush! It is so important! I sna't thank you enough for sharing your story and helping others knock out this ugly mean horrible disease. Blessings all over you and your sweet family!
Val – you are the sweetest – thank you! xoxox
Hi friend! Great post! Thanks for sharing this info and inspiring ladies to do their monthly breast exam, get their annual mammogram and share with friends! Early detection is key! Breast cancer is 98% curable if found early! So get your mammogram! Hugs!
Thank YOU for all you do for helping ladies in our valley. xoxox
Thanks so much for reminding everyone to get checked! My mom had metatastic breast cancer but fought it bravely to live for 17 more years after her diagnosis and mastectomy. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago and I have my mom's brave example to follow!
Aww Kathy – thank you for sharing…cancer touches so many! You do have your mom's brave example what a legacy that is…God bless! xoxo
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Cancer is a terrible, horrible thing! Thank you for reminding me how important it is for me to stay of top of things!
Yes indeed Nicole….so glad you stopped in! :o)
You are awesome for being a Breast Cancer Awareness Hero! Thank you for the reminder and for your bravery in sharing your story.
WigglingScholars
Aww thank you Casey Jane! Thank you for stopping in and taking the time to read it. xoxo
Your pink robe is the best! I wish I had one of those instead of the paper vest we have…nevertheless, I go willingly because it's the smart thing to do and it's relatively quick and painless! Thanks so much for sharing your story of your beloved mom.
Ha ha I guess I got lucky Karyn with the pink robe. :o)
Oh my gosh. I am in tears. What a touching, moving story. HUGS to you!
…and I am living proof that a mammogram can save your life! Was diagnosed almost 10 years ago (that doesn't seem possible!) So thankful for every day. Trust me, a mammogram is nothing compared to what I've (and many, many others) have been through. Did I mention that it could save your life? <3
Cyndie – I didn't realize! Wow – YOU are so brave! I'm so glad to hear that you are in fact living proof. Praise God! Thank you for sharing your story. xoxo
Thank you for this beautiful post, Vicky! Your mom was such a blessing and I know she is watching from above and is so delighted to see all her lovely daughter is doing! 3>
Peggy at Primary Flourish
Thank you sweet Peggy! xoxox
My good friend and my aunt both had have double mastectomies. i go every year in December for mammogram. I like to start the new year knowing I'm healthy.
Wow Tiffani – I'm sorry to hear that. I go in December too – I totally agree that it is a great way to start the new year and I don't forget it because I know it's near the holidays when I go. Hugs,
Vicky
Awesome post, Vicky! I lost my dad to cancer 16 years ago and I still think about him almost every single day. And like you, I feel sad about all the milestones in his grandsons' lives that he's missed 🙁 BTW, you're lucky you get such cute robes. Here in Victoria it's just "take off your top" so you're standing there in jeans and nothing else. haha! But it's still quick and easy:)
I just had my first mammogram this summer. It wasn't bad at all!
Karen Rowland
Adventures With Firsties
karenrowland112677@yahoo.com
I've had mammograms every year as long as I can remember! I believe in being proactive also. My aunt died from breast cancer & my mom also had it (although it's not what she died from). I know I need to keep an eye on this with a family history. Thanks for doing this!
((hugs)) I started this year getting them every year, I am happy to be proactive with my health! (at least in one area!! lol)
Jennifer
Hi Vicky 🙂 Thank you for stopping by my new blog. I LOVE your cross too. I have been reading your blog for a while now and you may have been the one who inspired me to ask Tenille to add it to my design…I am not sure when I decided but it was one thing I knew for sure during the design process. We have a lot in common. I also lost my mom at much too young of an age, I lived all of my life in CA until 2 years ago, so grateful to God for all his blessings, and I am married to a coach (makes life pretty fun!!) I look forward to reading more about you and your class and family! Take care, Christina 🙂
Mammograms are a few minutes of discomfort, but the peace of mind is amazing (especially when you know someone with cancer). Thank you for today's post!
Thank you gals so much for your reminders and kind words! So important.
Deirdre
A Burst of First
I had my first mammogram in my late 30s because something wasn't looking right. Luckily, it turned out to be OK. Don't let the fear of a mammogram stop you from going. I realized it's really "no big deal". Thanks for this post!
Great post Vicky! Your post hits very close to home for me. My mom's one year anniversary of her death is November 4th. She died from metastasized breast cancer. You inspired my newest blog post, to share my mom's story. Here is the link if you would like to read it The Picture Book Teacher's Edition.
Hugs to you!!
Shawna
Oh Shawna, I 'm so glad you stopped by…I knew it was getting close. I will be honored to swing by and read your post. xoxo
Vicky
Wear separates – leave your bottoms on and take off your top! lorinademello@hotmail.com