Girl Talk
Okay, a moment of girl talk. I had my annual mammogram recently, five months late, after canceling it five times before I finally went to the appointment. It’s a test that scans for early detection of breast cancer, and is a smart thing to do. I forget the age at which you’re supposed to start doing it, if it is 40 or 50, and if you have no problems, it is generally done once a year. And more often, if you’ve had some kind of problem, or a family history of breast cancer.
I canceled the appointment five times because I am so terrified to go, and always afraid that this time I will be struck by lightning, and my luck will run out, although I have no family history of problems in that area. At the place where I go, they are extremely kind and do everything to put you at ease. In spite of that, I am too terrified to go, and cancel often, but I do manage to do it once a year, because it’s smart and responsible to do it. But it is an agony getting there (the test is painless, although there are many jokes about it). Getting that test reminds me of my frailty, my humanity, of how vulnerable we all are, of how quickly lives can change in a single devastating instant. No one is exempt from those dangers. And I’ve had enough friends who have had bad news and discovered they had breast cancer, to seriously worry about it, each and every time. For me, there is nothing more humbling than this annual test, where no matter how successful you are, how happy or sad your life, how ‘famous’ people say you are, in the flick of an eyelash, you are just another woman being checked for breast cancer and praying you won’t get bad news. The moments after the test, while they read the scans, and you hold your breath waiting to hear the verdict (of a clean bill of health, or a gray area they don’t like), are among the worst moments I have all year. But as I have every year so far, I’m so glad I did it, and don’t have to worry about it for another year.
You are probably braver and smarter than I am, and I hope you do it regularly if you’re of the age to do so. The test itself is nothing to be afraid of. And I guess the results are in destiny’s hands, and whatever forces you believe in.
I wish you luck with this. I just wanted to share with you that I understand, how scary it is, and how hard to make yourself go there. It is my most vulnerable moment of the year. And good luck when you go to get yours, if you do. I’ll be sending you all my good thoughts.
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How timely! I have my appointment one hour from now. Thought I was the only one who was scared to take the test every year, as my Mother died from from the disease many years ago.
As always, Danielle, thanks for sharing.
I believe this is the case with any test that you have to take. I am 21, will be 22 November 19, 2009. I’ve never had to have a breast exam but almost 2 years ago I found lumps under my arms and I put off my check-up for months. The lumps usually appeared whenever I would sweat. Finally when I went, the doctor said I had swollen lymph nodes. I was relieved. I was so glad that it wasn’t cancer. I think there has been one woman in my family who died to breast cancer. It’s a scary thought at any age I believe because I know that at 40 or 50, I have bigger risk of getting it. It’s a scary thought for any woman and I’m glad you had the courage to talk about it. Thanks for sharing!!!
Thank you for sharing this, I too, went last week, and, age 56, you do dread it, and my mom and grandma had breast cancer. But I to am free from worrying about that for another year thank God. But it is soooooooooo important. I recently spoke to an 88 yr. old woman, perfect health, never had a problem except for cataracts, and she stopped going for her mammos 4 years ago. Unfortunately, self discovery alerted her to a problem, and she has cancer, that may have spread, but if only she had gone 4 years ago. It’s scary but important. Good luck to everyone!
I HAVE BEEN READING THAT WE OVER DO THESE TESTS. YOU MAY WANT TO READ UP AND SEE HOW OFTEN YOU REALLY HAVE TO HAVE ONE AND I SAW ON OPRAH THAT THEY ARE MAKING MISTAKES. JUST CHECK IT OUT TO BE SURE AND HOW OFTEN YOU REALLY NEED IT. OF COURSE I BELIEVE THAT IF WE KEEP THE STRESS OUT OF OUR LIVES AS BEST WE CAN THAT CONCLUDES A LOT OF THESE TESTS. IF THERE IS NO HISTORY GET A NOTE OFF TO DR. OZ ON OPRAH AND ASK HIM JUST HOW MANY TIMES YOU HAVE TO HAVE THIS DONE. I AM DUE FOR A COLON SCOPE AND I HAVE A BAD HISTORY AND HAVE HAD SURGERY BUT I JUST HAVE BECOME ANTI CHECK AS I ALWAYS HAVE THEM TELLING ME I NEED THIS OR THAT. THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THE BLUE ZONES WHERE PEOPLE LIVE FOREVER AND HAVE NO MEDICAL AVAIL TO THEM. THEY LIVE ON HEALTHY FOOD AND GOOD FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
You are so funny. As I wright my final term paper for comp 2 on my favorite literary writer, (close enough), I find that I too have not had my mamo and have cancelled over five times. You have totally pumped me, and I now am ready to go! I think its 40ish, by the way. I am 49, and yes I too am always terriffied, It doesn’t run in my family either, so it must be a girl thing. Thanks for the inspiration, and many hours of escaping life to the wonderful books you have written. God Bless, Sincerely, Michelle
I believe you start receiving breast exams beginning at age 20 — every 3 years, then at age 40, yearly. And, of course monthly exams are a big part of breat cancer awareness–prevention. So glad you posted this most important reminder and can breathe easier.
x0
I’ve put mine off for the last two years. Not because I am afraid of the test or the results, (I’ve had good ones all along, thank God.)but I just don’t have the time to go. Your blog has put a little nudge in me and will make the appointment on Monday to go. Will let you know the results when I get them. Thanks for the nudge. Love ya. J
My good friend and I discovered that we go for our tests around the same time each year…so next year we plan to make appointments together and make a day of it! Test first then a day of fun. We are so lucky we have this test. Another good friend put hers off and on her first time being tested they found cancer. She has enjoyed three years of cancer free living since her treatment. She has three beautiful daughters and a loving husband who thank god that she went for that simple little test. Blessings to all.
Luckily, where I live, in Uganda, we never worry about breast cancer. I dont say there no victims but normally, you will not find people talking about that posibility. If you are one, it’s just fate.
But thank you for describing how you felt, I really saw what death means to all of us. It never differetiates! Although, I was reminded by the HIV tests we go through every time you are pregant; there a must! The trauma is smillar.
What a life we have? It never gives gaurantees; in the end, we all have no options.
I love your books. I have the whole collections except for the book of poems. I too hate going for my annual mamograms. My mom did not have cancer but, to prevent it she had two mascetomnies. I had a hard time trying to spell it. I always get real nervous when it comes time for me to take the test and really get nervous just waiting for the results. Looking forward to reading the next book. I just moved and the whole collection came with me.Keep up the great work. I just love reading your novels.
I hate going for my mamogram every year. Iget nervous befdre the test and and more relieved when the results come back normal. I think it is so important when a woman reaches a certain age should get one. I love reading your books. I have your whole collection except the book of poems. Looking forward to the next one.
It’s great to hear you don’t have any problems! =) stay healthy and creat more books for us!!
Best wishes,
Ziyoda
I, too, did my duty and got tested each and every year and I never put it off. Five years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Surgeries, radiation, chemo and more chemo, bills, bills, bills have been a huge part of my life since. My husband doesn’t know what to do–my 13 year old daughter is scared and confused but trying to be normal and we are struggling financially now that I can no longer work – it hurts a lot to see the perfect credit score we maintained for 25 years tank and the embarrassing experience of being hounded by collection agencies makes one feel like a criminal. Thank goodness for your books. When I rest, I pick up one of your books and escape for a little while and sometimes reading how others handled adversity gives me new courage when I need it most. Thank you Ms. Steele
Hi Danielle
I just wanted to tell you what a FAN of yours I am My passion for your books is crazy! I devour them sometimes 2 a day! Just read the one about Nick. I feel so sorry and understand your feelings as I had a daughter pass away at age 13. Nothing in the world worse & you NEVER forget!!! As far as mammograms I had breast cancer and mastectomies ( both) and am doing ok for years. So please DO keep yours up and remember if the “big C” word pokes it’s ugly head up…there are things that can be done & one can SURVIVE! Love to you & yours
Grace