I went to my best friend’s wedding this weekend, which was absolutely lovely.
Before the actual ceremony began, she lit a candle for her mum, who had died of breast cancer when she was just nine years old. Every Mother’s day it’s a loss that she feels keenly, like it only happened yesterday – much like me and Father’s Day.
There’s many a year I’ve held her in my arms whilst she mourned the loss of her mother. It’s something that she’ll never ever really get over, nor does she want to.
Every mother should be there to watch their children get married.
I was watching the video of the ceremony earlier this evening, and it reminded me how fleeting life can be.
So what did I do? I lay down on my bed, and I checked for lumps in my breast. I didn’t find anything of course, but I’ve now put reminders in my diary to check every two weeks. Better to be safe than sorry huh?
I urge every one of you gals to go do the same today. Please.
Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. As Kylie Minogue found out, it can happen to anyone.
R.I.P Belinda Emmett.
huniii
November 13
11:17 pm
Thanks. Your right about the fragility of life that we take for granted. Its not just breast cancer either. Everyone, men and women should be vigilant. Any change in your health shoukd be checked out by a doctor, and if they dont listen to you, go to another one. You know your body better than anyone, if you think somethings not right, it probably isnt. Even when you feel fine, something can sneak up. Im 26 and have lung cancer. Listen to that voice in your head, and even when its silent, take advantage of the screening programs available. It IS better to be safe than sorry.
Anonymous
November 14
12:17 am
The sad thing about Belinda is that it took her 2 years before she had her lump checked out (if newspapers are to be believed). Apparently, doctors are expecting a spike in mammogram requests this week, which can only be a good thing. It’s too bad they’re only routinely done for older women – I do think they should be regularly done for all women once they hit puberty. My doctor does manual checks, though, which is good.
On a more humourous note, I heard someone talking about an initiative to educate husbands and partners on manual breast checks. Needless to say, Hubby’s ears perked up immediately.
Stacy~
November 14
12:01 pm
Great reminder Karen. I know sometimes we all feel like we’ll live forever and nothing will happen to us – not true. We need to take responsibility for our own health. I want to be here for my family. I try to check at least once a week, but it never hurts to be reminded.
Hugs, Hunii.