The idea of breast cancer, well really any type of cancer, has always been an “it’ll never happen to me” situation in my own head. I try to maintain a healthy diet, a healthy attitude, and a healthy body (Studio Barre is a clear representation of that positive lifestyle!), so I just never even considered it an obstacle I might have to deal with at an early age.
And then it happened, and it happened to me. Blindsided is an understatement, but I’m sure no different of a feeling than any other person who suddenly gets the same news from their doctor. The whole world begins to spin a little faster on its axis, and you search for a way to get off the ride as quickly as possible. All of a sudden, October being Breast Cancer Awareness month truly has a personal meaning. Breast Cancer has presented itself in my life front and center, and I’ve begun documenting my own journey on a new Facebook page called “Fight Like a Girl.” Why? Well it’s funny that friends and family tell me that they can’t believe I’m smiling ear-to-ear in pictures while getting chemo treatments, spending time in the ER, or even exiting the shower with handfuls of hair. But what’s the better option? And what’s the use of having to fight like hell, but not be able to help anyone else in the process? That’s not how I’m programmed. I can spend the entire time crying and feeling sorry for myself, but that won’t help me or anyone else for that matter. I’m HERE, my cancer has been DETECTED, my chemo is ONGOING, the tumor is SHRINKING, and my prognosis is POSITIVE! Every day is a celebration in my opinion, and because I’m clearly not the only one saddled with this burden, I want to offer my love and support to all those around me; the more you give, the more you get.
So to that VERY IMPORTANT end, it’s time to discuss the importance of steps we can take to promote early detection of breast cancer. Yup! This is a lecture about giving your boobies a good feel, because EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY!
The whole idea behind early detection is to get screenings often enough that a potential cancerous threat never has the opportunity to settle in and create symptoms (like a lump in your breast).
Have you heard enough? Have I inspired you to schedule your next doctor’s appointment or mammogram? Are you online looking for additional resources and information? Are you pulling your spouse/daughter/mother/best friend aside and asking them the same? I’ve done my job in this post if you’re personally taking steps, or encouraging others to take steps, in support of early detection. Heck, I’ve done my job if after reading this, you give yourself a good feel…up!
I love each and every one of you. Together we are strength defined!
Happy Tucking (and feeling and squeezing and early detecting)!
JShannon