Why it's good to be a "Frequent Fondler"

In October I had the wonderful experience of participating in Denver's Race for the Cure (I walked :)...running is NOT my thing!) I was touched not only by the THOUSANDS of women who turned out, but by the women in the hot pink survivor shirts. One gal stands out not only in my mind but my friend Stephanie's as well. She had a sign that said in a few days she'd be 1 year cancer free and she could NOT have been over 30!

In November, I was doing my own self check that I wouldn't say I do as a routine, but I do it regularly (and after that walk it's something I started making a conscious effort to remember). I know the landscape of my tissues, and in this self exam I realized something out of the ordinary was there. After about a week of it not going away, I decided I should get my doctor's opinion. He agreed, there was something different and we should have a deeper precautionary look. After my first mammogram and ultrasound revealed that I was right- something new had formed there, I was then scheduled for a biopsy (that I had today). Not so bad....the mammogram didn't really bother me, the ultrasound of course was fine and even the biopsy today wasn't so bad (although there will be more uncomfortable moments to come). Managing my fears and nerves has been the biggest challenge. And without my friends and family would be even more difficult.

Now we sit and wait....by Thursday evening, I'll know what this is inside my body and regardless of the result I'll be able to start planning how to move forward. Yes, it could be nothing and of course that's what everyone is praying for. But what if it is something else? How thankful I am that I do know what feels "right" and what doesn't under my skin. The key is to catch it early and I want to remember nomatter today's outcome, it's important to remember to keep doing these self checks and to encourage other women to do the same.

I don't know today what to expect, but I know the planner in me has thought out the "what if this...then this..." planning. I'm thinking about what's important- where do I want to spend my time and with whom. I'm SO thankful for the valuable friendships I have in my life- friends that know when to be there and to say what when... so special. Besides Kaileigh, God's greatest gift through out my life has been the perfect friendships at the perfect times. Some have grown apart with distance and life paths, but their special spirits touched me at a time with memories I would never trade.

Before I get all sappy...my biggest point is this-- don't forget to do your own exams. Know what you feel like so you can recognize if something is there that doesn't belong! And don't be scared to talk about it. Unfortunately we're seeing more and more young and not-so-young women diagnosed with this disease that is hard to understand. And it's been eye-opening to me that although I found SOMETHING...there are quite a few things it could be.... and as I said, we'll know on Thursday...

Until then.....

*** Just recieved the news early (and boy was I working hard NOT to worry so I'm so glad it came early!!) that although I do have a tumor (a fibro atenoma) it's benign so we can leave it alone for now! This will mean more frequent Dr visits and keeping an eye on it, but Praise God it's not cancer and I won't lose my hair! I have many more thoughts on this, but I'm at work and need to log off my blog-- so... DO YOUR SELF CHECKS! I'm a proud "Frequent Fondler" as I happily shared with my Dr at my initial visit to check this think out.... :)

I Love my Ladies and I Love their Girls! :)