October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

[Beaverhausen]

In honor of Stacey, OMC's beloved wife, in honor of all those we have lost, and in honor of all women who fight the fight every day against this disease, someone in the lounge suggested that we change our avatars to the pink ribbon, so I'm posting that suggestion here, too.

[Beaverhausen]

1. and why not visit the Breast Cancer site, too

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

one click a day helps pay from free mammograms for uninsured women.

[Lucinda]

2. Thanks for that link. I'll definitely click.

k&r

[Contrary1]

3. I will take this opportunity to preach again

Do not rely strictly on mammograms. Most breast cancers are found by self exam. Every single month, no matter how old you are. All men reading this, the message is for you too. Though uncommon, men can get breast cancer too, especially if there is a family history of the disease.

What will a tumor feel like? Push your tongue against the side of your mouth. Press lightly with two fingers. If a cancer is large enough to be felt, it will be much the same.

Ask to see the films, also get a copy of the report. Do not settle for one of those "You're ok, see ya next year" postcards. You, as a patient have a right to see these. Ask questions, as many as you need to. My tumor showed up on the mammogram film. It had been circled, an arrow drawn to it with a question mark. For whatever reason, it was not included in the report. I got the postcard instead. Five months later, I found it myself.

Do not allow a doctor to tell you that you are too young to have breast cancer. There are women in their early 20's who have been members of my online support group. I have heard of a couple cases when it was found in girls in their early teens.

Educate yourself. It is the best weapon you have.

Rest in peace, Sweetie.


Friends in Need Breast Cancer Support www.friendsinneed.com

[Beaverhausen]

4. Great post and excellent points

My gyn found a lump last month that fortunatly turned out to be a cyst - we think. Nothing showed up on the mammogram or ultrasound.

Keeping an eye on it from now on.