a first for everything...
Today I got my first Mammogram.
(Do you actually think I would post a real image of this procedure?)
It really wasn't at all as bad as I had expected and had heard from people. Besides experiencing some discomfort, it was pretty painless. And quick, too. The whole thing lasted probably 10 or 15 minutes. You can do anything for 10 or 15 minutes, right? Now, I don't want anyone to worry, this was not a diagnostic mammogram, just a routine screening. I've been feeling for sometime now, because of my family history (mom diagnosed in her 30's, and grandma in her 50's), that I needed to take preventative measures. I know that mammograms don't prevent the onset of cancer, but they do help in early detection, which really, is everything. I still remember (like it was yesterday) the day mom told us that her cancer had come back. [This was 2 years after her mastectomy. The cancer had metastasised. It was found throughout her entire body. Tumors in her brain. On her spine. Liver. Blood. Everywhere. The doctors gave her not an ounce of hope. This malicious disease would take her life. Be it in two years, or two months (and it actually was two months), she would not survive this.] I know that she was confused, heartbroken, terrified...but really more that anything, the thing that she couldn't bear the thought of, was having to leave her 7 "babies" (as she called us then...and I'm sure she still does now).
Now that I have a baby of my own, I understand somewhat (on a much smaller scale though, because I only have one), what she must've been feeling. I can't stand even the thought of being called home, and being required to leave my precious little Ruby (or John for that matter). So, I will have a mammogram every year, starting now, until the day I die. Not only that, but I want to live a healthy lifestyle, of exercise, and good nutrition. I want to take care of this machine that the Lord has lent to me (after all don't our bodies really belong to Him?). The Lord will call me home when He sees fit to call me home (as He did with mom). I would never forgive myself though, if I had to go before my time, simply because I didn't take care of this precious and magnificent gift that the Lord has blessed me with...my body...my earthly tabernacle.
8 comments:
AMEN!!!! You said it perfectly, Nicole. It made my whole day to hear that you went in for a mammogram. I'm constantly telling other women to start getting mammograms done every year. It's hard to explain other women, especially women in their 20s how important it is to start making a habit of this... I pray often that Heavenly Father will equip me with the right words to say to these women to convince them. I don't want any other child to lose their mother to cancer, nor do I want another wife or mother or friend to have to leave her loved ones simply because she didn't know or, as you put it, just didn't bother to be proactive. Such a simple procedure, a mammogram is...
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for posting this on your blog. I know you, more than anyone else, can understand how important PREVENTION is especially when it comes to breast cancer.
God bless you, Nicole, and the rest of the Eagleston crew. May He keep you all safe and healthy, and under His watchful care.
PS: It sounds like your mother went through a similar experience that my mother did. When her cancer came back, it was everywhere. She passed away exactly two weeks after the doctors told her the cancer had returned and consumed her entire body. She, too, was in her 30s. It's hard to believe that I am almost 30. Anyway, thanks for your post Nicole!
When exactly did you have time to do that? Good job!
I actually had my first mammogram when I was 28 but I haven't had one since. I totally agree with everything that you said and feel a renewed commitment to my health. At the Huntsman's Cancer Institute you can make an appointment with a family prevention specialist and they walk through your family history and then tell you what preventative tests you should have and how often. I have been meaning to make an appointment for some time but am going to do it tomorrow.
what a great insight on health! i'm inspired to take better care of myself. i need to bookmark this post, so when i start slacking i can re-read it. thanks nicole!
I feel the same way about our bodies, which is part of the reason I majored in nutrition in college (though sadly, just because I now know more about what happens once food enters our mouths, it hasn't changed how good the bad-for-you foods taste). Good for you for being so committed.
Thank you for that post! I am grateful that you are doing what you can! Also, I love your mom. I am so grateful That I know her. I remember visiting her before she passed. She was so cute. Showing me her little hats and fussing about how she looked, yet she had a smile larger than life! She is truly amazing! That is a trait you have absolutely inherited!
I am relieved that you had your mammogram. I also have a new resolution to take better care of myself after reading your blog.
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