Janelle's Blog

During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the news is filled with reminders of early detection. Why is this so important? Every one of us is touched by breast cancer, whether personally or by a friend, loved one, or acquaintance. When I had breast cancer 29 years ago, it was 1 in 11 women who had breast cancer in her lifetime. Now it is 1 in 8.

At National Breast Cancer Foundation, we are saving lives. We provide mammograms for women who cannot afford them. We work with hospitals nationwide to supply the needs of underserved women desperately wanting to get mammograms.

I have spoken with a number of women this month about getting mammograms. Here are a few of the responses:

"I am afraid of what they will find."

"I am too busy."

"I don't have the money to get one."

"I heard mammograms are painful."

"I don't want to have scars."

"If I have to have a mastectomy, I will lose my femininity."  [BREAK]

These seem to be valid reasons, but I don't think women know how important a mammogram really is. Fear seems to be a strong response from women. Sure, just the thought of breast cancer can scare you, but I keep reminding myself that fear is not my master. I can stand up to breast cancer and put a bright spotlight on it. Somehow, bringing it out of the dark shadows into the light with breast cancer education gives you new perspective and drives the fear away.

Most of the lumps women find are not malignant, so their fears are unfounded. We cannot deal with health issues unless we know what they are.

I am absolutely convinced that you are who you are from the inside out. Should you have a mastectomy, first of all remember that you are saving your own life. That is foremost. If you embrace life with passion and love for others, you can present yourself with confidence to those around you. People are desperately looking for role models, for someone with values and strength. By the time they get through that filter, who cares about the scars? They will see you for who you are.

Twenty-nine years after having a mastectomy, my femininity has increased. By learning to live my life honestly and openly, I have been able to face other unrelated issues of life with clear perspective and hope. There are many beautiful layers of femininity that I keep uncovering every day. That is what living life is about.

Here is a blog I wrote on mammograms—"Mammograms Keep Saving My Life".

It is time now to get that mammogram scheduled.

Thought for Today:

"Who ever thought up the word "Mammogram"? Every time I hear it, I think I'm supposed to put my breast in an envelope and send it to someone."—Jan King

Seriously, ladies, go get your mammograms!

Live Life,

Janelle