Be Vigilant

Early detection has caught two very serious forms of cancer (and pre-cancer) in my family in the past month, and I am feeling incredibly blessed that both were caught early and are extremely treatable, so we can get on to living and enjoying life. I am also learning not to mess around when it comes to my health and the health of my family.

My cousin-in-law Darcy is running in a marathon this weekend to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in honor of her sister Megan, who was diagnosed with Leukemia the day after Olivia was born in 2006. To experience such happiness and horror at the same time was incredibly intense for our family and we are blessed that Megan's Leukemia continues to be in remission.

In recent days, my friend lost one of her dearest friends to breast cancer and to see such grief and know how deeply this woman is missed...it's heartbreaking. And yet breast cancer is considered one of the most "curable" cancers around if caught and treated early. My Mother's surgeon praised her mammogram for finding her tumor before it grew too big, or spread, and remarked that her case is an example of early detection at it's best. I am grateful to advanced technology for saving my Mom's life and I'm grateful that she took the initiative to get her yearly mammogram.

So I ask you this:

Have you done a self-exam recently?

Have you kept an eye on your moles or seen a dermatologist recently?

Have you had an annual physical or other annual male/female test?

Has something been bothering you lately and you keep putting off a doctor's visit?

Please don't hesitate and please be vigilant about all health concerns. As much as ignorance is bliss, ignorance can also be deadly.

I am grateful for vigilance these days. I am simply grateful.