October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. About 25 plus years ago, my mom had breast cancer. She was off work for about six weeks. They say everything happens for a reason. She had a lumpectomy and radiation. I remember this being in the winter. After her surgery, she was able to spend half her sick leave in Arizona with my grandparents who wintered there. A couple short years later, my grandma (her mom) tragically died in a car crash. My mom got to spend extra time with my grandma not knowing what the future had in store. I imagine they relaxed and most importantly did their favorite thing and went shopping!
I always get my yearly mammogram. Started earlier because my mom had the history of breast cancer. I have learned from her experience and my own. Do not jump to conclusions and keep in mind that clinic processes change. I had a 3D mammogram a few years ago, and the doctor saw something on there. I had my mammogram late in the day, so I had to come back the next day to do it again. In the end, I was just fine. There was nothing, but I remember sitting thinking to myself, this could be the last normal day of my life.
This summer, I had a close family member that found a lump. I asked if she had a mammogram before. She had not. I said just keep calm and do not over think anything until you hear back. A few weeks went by. We had talked numerous times, but nothing mentioned about the results. I asked what she found out. It was just fatty tissue. Thank goodness! So, all you ladies out there. Do not be afraid. Get your mammogram!
As each year goes by, more and more people I know are diagnosed with cancer. I don’t want to live in fear, but understand the importance of paying attention to details, warning signs and symptoms, and to go with your gut feeling. If you think something is wrong, go ahead and have it checked out. Sometimes we all need a little reminder. It’s important to take care of yourself first, so you can take care of your family. I am 48 and overdue for my first colonoscopy. I finally scheduled it for October.
Memo from MotoProz…
Haydays was the weekend after Labor Day and Arctic Cat announced their new Catalyst snowmobile platform. The all-new Arctic Cat snowmobile will be released for 2024 with a 600 motor. For more details, check it out on the Arctic Cat website or stop in to MotoProz.
