Self-examination

[Marie]

Have you checked a breast today? Yours? Your partner's?

 

Today was my yearly breast screening. Lucky me, I get the annual boob squish with a side order of manual check up. Oh ~joy~  

 

I do a self-examination faithfully on the 15th of every month. And guys, it's not just for women any more. Men get breast cancer too. The mammogram tech and nurse, cold hands/warm hearts, say they only do about 6 men a year. Not enough in their opinion. My husband, the cunning son-of-a-bitch lazy male, leaves it to me to perform his. *rolls eyes*

 

And don't forget to check the family jewels; if you have them that is. *another eye roll*

 

For Prostate health and Pap Smears, it's time to consult a professional. Talk to your doctor. My husband goes next month and is convinced Doc T perfected his technique by digging the last pickle out of a pickle jar. I swear Doc stores the speculums in a fridge. 

 

Getting old ain't exciting and needs an active sense of humour - but lets make sure we have the breast* odds of getting there.

 

* Bad... bad Marie. *final eye roll*

[NatureJunkie]

I am quite bad about self exams. Usually I do them just before a doctor appointment, so that in case I have a lump I can bring it to the doctor's attention. On the flip side, I'm pretty conscientious about all my annual screenings. I don't know why I procrastinate about the self exams. They're easy, private, and absolutely free.

 

My younger brother had testicular cancer at the age of 27. Of course, risk increases at middle age and beyond, but for men as for women, self exams are important as soon as people reach puberty.

 

Now, how do I learn to practice what I preach?

[Marie]

*snort* I'm bad about flossing. I floss daily after a dental checkup and then sorta peter out until about 2 weeks before my next cleaning. I'm a manic about brushing though. ;-)

 

Cancer shocks me most when it has no respect for age; like with your brother. Not just puberty, but any period of rapid growth or hormonal change. You get old, your odds go up, but at least you've lived a life, had experiences, loved, lost, etc... 

 

Genetic cancer has decimated my husband's family. Mine is susceptible to breast cancer and those triggered by environmental factors. Every minute that you can get a head start in treatment is important. LOL Our family has a 'chain of nag' which we go through regularly. We all check in with each other to make sure everyone is doing their self-examinations. We've seen too much to be 'delicate' anymore. 

 

So... NatureJunkie, nag your sister and niece... they'll nag you back. Everyone wins. 

 

[BlancheNoE]

I keep forgetting to tell you that my husband read this blog and now he's convinced that daily checks are necessary.

[Marie]

Aw... the selfless sacrifice of Mr. Pendragon...  Has he offered yet to be your living bra? 

[NatureJunkie]

^ Dang--if only we had Comm-E Awards here at the Ark!