My Upcoming Date With Mr. Squishy

"The patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his or her own life. Don't take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop."

-Quentin Regestein

I can't believe it has almost been a year! But it has. Time for me to go back for my annual Mammogram. Do you remember how spooked I was last year? I had just found an unusual lump in my breast, that hadn't been there a month before when I did my breast exam. It scared me. And Good that! I was over 40, and had never had a Mammogram before. I had never put much thought into it. Sometimes in life, things creep up on you. Time goes by really quick, whether you are having fun or not! I had been asked by my regular physician to schedule an appointment for myself, and somehow I had managed to avoid doing so. Sigh. Not too wise. You can bet, when I discovered that lump, I found the time! I went in, whining a good bit all the way, and lucky for me, it was a lump that could be dealt with. It wasn't cancer, but over 200,000 women every year aren't as lucky as I was, including one of my favorite singers, Sheryl Crow.

"I encourage all women everywhere to advocate for themselves and for their future. See your doctor and be proactive about your health."

-Sheryl Crow

I read earlier this week, that there has been a decline of the number of American women who are getting this important annual test. What's up with that girls? I no longer believe that anything is more important then getting myself checked. Nothing. So what might be holding you back? If you are one of my regular female readers, or if you have a lady in your life that you love dearly who hasn't gotten her exam for the year, I want to encourage you to make that appointment! The test doesn't hurt, and it is vital to early detection. I found out a lot of useful information about Breast Cancer, and I learned why I am at a slightly higher risk then most to get it. I learn factors for keeping myself well, and what to watch for as far as symptoms of the disease are. I am being proactive with my own health...I hope you are as well.

According to the CDC, one reason many women skip getting this exam is complacency. After taking the test, year after year, and being given a clean bill of health, many believe that their chances of contracting the disease are so low, that the yearly exam is no longer needed. Wrong! Ladies we must care enough about ourselves, to continue getting this test. So what do you say? Anyone care to take my challenge, by getting your yearly mammogram in the month of February along with me? Don't make me go to the appointment alone. Come on, schedule the appointment on Monday, and come back here and let me know when it will be, by leaving me a message in the comment thread for this entry. Better yet, share your experiences at the doctor in your blog. I will link on my sidebar, to anyone who helps spread awareness about breast cancer, by getting a mammogram and sharing their story.

There are everyday things we can do to take care of ourselves. I was reading my latest issue of the MayoClinic Newsletter this past week, and they always have wonderful easy to do tips for living better, more healthy lives. Also, each issue has some yummy recipes. In the last issue, there were recipes for, Balsamic Roast Chicken, and Melon Fool. Too tasty for words. If you haven't visited their website, do so, and sign up for their weekly newsletter, you will be glad you did! Come on ladies, make me proud! Go be proactive for your health! I like my friends, and I want to know you a long time! :) Make those appointments!

For More Information on Breast Cancer...

Susan G. Komen - For The Cure

Toll-Free Breast Cancer Care Helpline
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST

1-800 I'm- Aware (1-800-462-9273)

My Appointment Date
Thursday, February 8th.

-OndineMonet
"My Date With Mr. Squishy"
February, 2006
Late Afternoon
Hayward, California