Oct 6, 2008 1:25 am US/Eastern
The Lesson Of The Keychain
I used to have this really terrific keychain. A friend had given it to me and it was made of six different beads of varying sizes. Those pink beads represented breast cancer tumors, and they were hard, like real tumors. All of my keys hung on this key chain. So when I started my car I was reminded to check for tumors by doing a self breast exam.
When I got home at the end of the day and used my key to open my house, I was reminded to do a self breast exam. Unfortunately this key chain didn't last forever. But the lesson that simple keychain taught me has lasted.
It's certainly not something you anxiously look forward to doing every month - a self breast exam. But the more regularly you do it, the more you will learn about your breasts, and the easier it will be to tell if something is really wrong. Some people even suggest keeping a journal so that you can keep notes on irregularities you might feel. That way the following month when you do your self breast exam, you can remember what you felt the previous month.
We make time for so many things in our lives. Our loved ones, our work, our homes, our bills, our hobbies, even our favorite television shows. Make time for yourself. Not by pampering yourself (which is good too), but by doing something that could save your life. Remember, once a month, take a few minutes time in the shower to see if you feel any odd bumps. And also examine your breasts in the mirror. Pick one day a month and mark it on the calendar for the entire year so you'll remember. It's important. Because YOU are important. We include recommendations from our friends at the Susan G. Komen For The Cure in every newsletter, scroll down a little and you will find them. Take a moment and become aware... it may save your life.
PS: We have many special events in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month including the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Bayfront Park on October 18. Please be sure to scroll all the way down!
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