Speaking of experiences, check out my rather fetching heart monitor and matching pouch! Sexy, huh? Last week I had a 7 day ECG monitor fitted. It wasn't my best ever accessory but I can also tell you it wasn't my worst either! As a child in the 80's and early 90's I must say the large, round, multi-coloured specs my Mum made me wear, still rank at number 1! Cheers Mum, although, she still defends "they were the fashion!"
This morning I had the immense satisfaction of taking that bad boy off and handing it back to the Cardiac Department...which may I add is a bloody long trek through the hospital. Most definitely an ill placed department considering that most of the people who have to get there probably have a dodgy ticker!
After my morning visit, and after lunch, it was back to Basildon hospital for my 2nd visit of the day. This time the Breast Care Clinic! I have to go every year for screening due to family history of Breast Cancer.
Back in November 1991 at the age of 42, my Mum decided to go for a Breast reduction, after the operation an appointment was made for her to go back 3 weeks later.
So, with her perky new friends and a follow-up appointment made, she traveled back home from London. After 3 weeks of admiring her new figure, she went back feeling so happy and with no clue that the world she was currently on top of, was about to come crashing down!
"There's no easy way to tell you this! So I am just going to tell you!" the doctor at the follow-up appointment did not look as pleased as my Mum did! He carried on "During the operation I sliced through a mass, deep in the breast tissue. I removed the whole mass and sent it away for testing! We have been trying to get hold of you for 3 weeks! I am very sorry, you have Breast Cancer!"
4 words! That's all it took! My Mum went through so many tests and a Mastectomy and has been Cancer free for over 24 years now and still going strong!
In 2012 one of my sisters was in between her yearly screening appointments when she found a lump! And again she heard the words those horrific 4 words that no one wants to hear! Sadly she was not as lucky. In February last year, she got her angel wings and I am positive she is up there looking over people and protecting them! So since my Mum and sister have both had cancer me and other sister now have yearly screening.
At this point I have to stress, even if you are in your 20's and think you're too young. Or if you have yearly screening... Check your boobies!!! Get to know them, get to know how they feel and look. Don't just look for a lump... look for changes! The more you check, the more you will notice when something is not right for your body! And secondly, don't wait! Don't wait to see if it changes again, goes away or gets worse!
What to check for
So, after having the wonderful Dr 'Boob' having a good check of the girls I was free to go for another year. (But still checking in the shower & mirror monthly)
Next week I am free of hospital appointments, but only for next week. Monday 1st I am back for a Renal appointment. Next week I shall be enjoying catching up with some friends and a lovely cuppa!
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