Breast Cancer Cookies
I’ve told this story before, so I’ll try to keep it short – shorter than I’ve told it before. A few years ago, during a routine visit to my ob/gyn, my doctor felt a tiny lump in my right breast. Although she said she wasn’t worried, she was concerned enough to get me an appointment for a mammogram right away. Well, I didn’t get the appointment right away; I had to wait about one week before going in to get my chest squeezed in a most uncomfortable way to check for any tumors, any irregularities. Before my appointment, however, my husband and I went on a great weekend trip through Southern California wine country where we tasted some great wines, ate at the Hitching Post restaurant (of “Sideways” fame) and saw scenery that at times felt like it might be prettier than Heaven. It was a nice way to pass the time, get my mind off of possibly being diagnosed with this awful disease.
Luckily, the mammogram showed nothing, and I went home feeling tremendous relief. But there are plenty of women who don’t get out of a screening center so easily, so happily. The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2009, there were 192,370 women diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1,910 men were newly diagnosed. Also, 40,170 women died from breast cancer, and 440 men died of the same cause.
I know women who skip their annual mammogram because the mere idea of being uncomfortable for a few seconds upsets them. I also know women who don’t have health insurance who skip mammograms and other regular check-ups. Look, whatever your reason is, don’t skip it. Please. And if your doctor doesn’t think you need a mammogram yet, get into the habit of doing self-exams. Don’t know how and what to look for? Here’s a nice little tutorial from the American Cancer Society. Hey, you might just have fun feeling yourself. Ha!
For more information on National Breast Cancer Awareness month, please visit this site.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I always have my annual exam! Thanks for the informative post and hope your doing well.
Glad everything turned out well for you.
Paz
I LOVE these cookies! I am so happy you wrote this. It is so true, early detection is key in terms of survival of this dreaded disease & yes it is uncomfortable but I think the more women get involved in their health care the better things will be in terms of technology used for screening too.
Your joke at the end made me LOL.
Thanks mari!
Rhonda, Yay! I’m glad you go every year and that you’re healthy.
Thanks Paz! Now go get a mammogram.
Lily, Actually, those cookies are a bit old. NO, they’re not sitting around my house. The photo dates back a few years (nice to have a sizable portfolio). And glad I could make you laugh!