SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 - SURVIVOR? IT'S NOT A GAME
SURVIVING CANCER...IT'S NOT LIKE IN THE
MOVIES...
Seven. To some, seven is their lucky number. To me, seven marks the number of years it has been since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. September 26, 2005. I remember the exact day that my surgeon told me, because it was my parents anniversary. "Hey, y'all. Happy anniversary. Oh, btw...I have cancer." Not really on the list for 45+ year gifts. But my husband and I were very positive, as we had faith in God, in the surgeon, our faith family, and in my over health and ability to fight. My doctors all said that having faith and a strong support team were some of the best medicines. After two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, I was given a clean bill of health and told that the 5-year and 10-year marks were the ones to celebrate.
To mark seven fortunate years of survival, I have made it my goal to raise awareness for our friends in the Southeast Missouri area. I don't just mean the women...men are affected by breast cancer too. Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women, and is the number two killer. One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and more and more cases of men are occurring. It is becoming critical that we take control of our own health.
Here are some facts (thanks to St. Francis' Womancare insert in the SE Missourian):
Seven. To some, seven is their lucky number. To me, seven marks the number of years it has been since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. September 26, 2005. I remember the exact day that my surgeon told me, because it was my parents anniversary. "Hey, y'all. Happy anniversary. Oh, btw...I have cancer." Not really on the list for 45+ year gifts. But my husband and I were very positive, as we had faith in God, in the surgeon, our faith family, and in my over health and ability to fight. My doctors all said that having faith and a strong support team were some of the best medicines. After two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, I was given a clean bill of health and told that the 5-year and 10-year marks were the ones to celebrate.
To mark seven fortunate years of survival, I have made it my goal to raise awareness for our friends in the Southeast Missouri area. I don't just mean the women...men are affected by breast cancer too. Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women, and is the number two killer. One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and more and more cases of men are occurring. It is becoming critical that we take control of our own health.
Here are some facts (thanks to St. Francis' Womancare insert in the SE Missourian):
- Early screenings and treatment
can reduce breast cancer deaths
- More than 2.5 million women
have beaten breast cancer in the United States
- Today, only 51 percent of women
get their annual mammograms
- Women 40 and older should
schedule a yearly screening for early detection
- Women in their 20s and 30s
should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years
Stay tuned for more in October...
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