It's not that I'm obsessed with your chest, it's only that I care. *G*

[stoney321]

I did 15 training miles on Saturday and 18 miles yesterday. Today is an off day for walking (only strength training to build up my knees) and then I'm going for an hour and a half long massage. Ooooooh, bliss. Later, I'll hit the county courthouse for early voting. \o/ Seriously: if there's any way you can vote early, do. It's going to be a

Comments

[midnightsjane]

Thanks for the reminder.
I have a mammogram every year; here in BC there is a screening mammogram program that is free for all women. I just got my appointment reminder the other day, must go make it.
My Mom found a malignant lump in her breast when she was in her early '70's, by doing a breast self exam. She was lucky; a lumpectomy was successful, and she lived another 20 years, cancer free.

[stoney321]

GOOD FOR YOU! I'm that's terrific that women in BC can get mammograms so easily. It's possible to do that here in the US, too, but a lot of women don't KNOW that!

What a wonderful story - I'm so happy about your mom! ANd what a great object lesson for this post, eh? <3

[stoney321]

Aww, ANNE!! *loves you even more, so there!*

I'm glad they're closing the schools for you - they should do that here. Most of the local voting sites are AT schools, and it's such a madhouse...

[stoney321]

It's been that way since we moved to the 'burbs. Very weird. We always voted at the fire station down the street. Now I just do early voting at the court house and avoid the nightmare that is all the voters + volunteers + school children...

[botias]

I hate to say it, but many big, respected studies have shown that women that do breast exams are not less likely to die of the big C than those that don't; they are just more likely to undergo unnecessary biopsies. :( If we love our boobs and our bodies we should exercise \o/, eat our five servings of fruits and veggies every day, and maintain a healthy weight. Oh, and having kids before you are thirty and breastfeeding doesn't hurt, but many people understandably don't want to go quite that far.

I love what you are doing BTW. :)

[stoney321]

Well, I'm going to give you a stern face and say that women that give themselves BSEs are more likely to pay attention to their health and are more likely to SEE a doctor for a more comprehensive exam. Studies have shown this.

Can you diagnose yourself? Of course not. Should you take steps to be more in charge of your own health? Absolutely, and this includes self-examination, eating healthy foods, and exercise.

I'm grateful for the donation you made and for your support, but enough women don't care for themselves as it is - I don't want to encourage them to continue that mindset!

[botias]

Perhaps so. It just worry that it gives women the idea that this ritual actually protects them so they aren't demanding things that actually do work, or paying adequate attention to the things they can do that will actually make them less likely to die of cancer. It makes me sad when I go in for my yearly exam and my practitioner asks me if I do this woman power ritual, but doesn't ask about my diet, or my extra twenty pounds, things which might actually save my life. :(

[stoney321]

That may be an issue with your doctor, then.

I need you to understand that this is a post of positive reinforcement that is encouraging MORE than just a BSE, if you read carefully. I'm finding the negativity in your comments to be upsetting. I'm trying to encourage women to pay attention to their bodies AND go to a doctor. I routinely encourage my flisters to pay attention to what they eat, get regular exercise, etc.

This post is on a particular focus.

[secondalto]

The women on my father's side of the family were affected by breast cancer. His mother was the first to beat it. Breast cancer is my charity of choice and I have been checking my girls ever since I developed them. Thank you for encouraging others to do so and for participating in the walk/run for the cure!

[stoney321]

Oh, what a good mom you are!! And I'm happy to provide reminders. I mentioned in a previous post that the last time I did the 3-Day, I reminded everyone to get in the habit of self-examination, and one person found a lump, went to her doctor, and within A WEEK had a double mastectomy. (She made it through with flying colors.)

It really helps for people to be aware of their bodies and to be pro-active with their help.

Thank you for your support!

[entrenous88]

So exciting that you're up to the 18-mile training! It's such a fantastic thing you're doing -- I'm wishing you non-blister-y feet, a spring in your step, and lots of energy as you near the end of the preparation for your walk.

[stoney321]

Aww, you're such a good cheerleader! I loved getting text messages from you the last time, too. :D (Hahahaha, how'd you like that hint? HEE.)

Thank you thank you, and I hope I stay blister free, too!