Eleven years ago, at 42, when I finally got a job with health insurance and my husband bugged me enough, I got a GYN checkup after TEN years! I had cervical cancer that had JUST become invasive and had a hysterectomy with no other treatment except HRT.What luck!
At the same time I got a baseline mammogram. ELEVEN months later another mammo and biopsy showed ductal and lobular carcinoma insitu on the left side. I opted for bilateral mastectomy because I was so afraid it would come back.
It had not become invasive, but the pathology report showed the same thing - salt and peppered (more than 20) on each side! I would have been back and I am sure the third time would not have been the charm for me! Instead, no other treatments.
Now, ten years cancer free, I get a breast MRI and pap every other year, just in case. An ounce of prevention IS worth a pound of cure!
EARLY DETECTION SAVED MY LIFE!
Don't be stupid! Mammograms and paps are free for those who cannot afford it! In this day and age, there is no excuse for not getting a mammogram or pap.
Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and all your men ~ remind each other that we love and need each other to be around! I know my three daughter, three grandaughters, three sisters, and three sisters-in-law will be reminded and don't forget to click here everyday!
No sugar coating here! "Git it done!!!" If not for yourself, do it for your family!
Meriden, CT