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Today starts Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
We have come so far in the ability to stop this disease if we catch it early
enough. But that is the key.
As most people know, everyone is at risk, male and female. Age is
really no longer a factor. Whereas it had previously been of concern for
women over 40 and women with a history of cancer in the family, now no one is
safe. Including women in their early 20's.
I just turned 32 and am currently facing my own scare. I had my first
mammogram last week, which I was terrified to have. I had heard it is
painful and even more so for smaller breasted women like me.
I had to have a mammogram, ultrasound and meet with a surgeon. When I
say I was nervous, that is an understatement. I was in great fear of the
mammogram itself if not more than what the results might be.
I did my research so, I knew what I would most likely hear based on my
symptoms. So, I was less fearful of the results because I had an idea of
what I would be told. But the mammogram? I had no idea of what kind
of pain to expect.
I knew I had to do it. I told myself millions of women do this all the
time. It's better than if I wait and it turns out to be something
bad. If women can go through mastectomies and radiation, I can handle a
mammogram.
We all know women who have been touched by breast cancer, but I never
expected to have to face that idea at my age. I am doing a 3 part series
about my experience at my blog this week and will follow up with what happens
later.
Please remember to do your self-exams and contact your doctor if you have
any lumps, tenderness or discharge from your nipple. The earlier you
detect any abnormality, the better the outcome.
~Kelly
http://www.30somethingandsearching.today.com/
