Guest Author - Cathy Brownfield

Women are so busy that they often run out of everything before they get around to taking care of themselves. But the most important thing for a family is taking care of Mom because she is the caretaker of everyone. As we reach our golden years, it’s even more important to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our elderly parents, be there to mentor our children who are parenting our grandchildren.

A young mother, working from sun-up to sundown and more, looks forward to the day when the demands of her young children are behind them. She barely has time enough to turn around. She decides “her” time will come “someday.” Someday the children will leave the nest and she will be able to do her thing. Except, when the children are gone, it’s time to look after elderly parents and help them to remain independent for as long as possible, and prepare for assisted living to continue quality of life.

It’s important for Mom to get her time. At the very least, Mom should be insuring her good health, including a baseline mammogram screening around age 40, earlier if there is more risk for breast cancer at a younger age in a woman’s family.

At age 40, you might have an insurance provider who contacts you, “We want you to have a mammogram on us for your good health and well-being.”

It’s easy to think, “I don’t have time.” Or, “I’ve heard how much mammograms hurt.” Or even, “I don’t want a technician to touch me there.”

To dispel the rumors: It takes a minimal amount of time to have the mammogram. The technician explains each step, each thing you need to do. She is gentle and compassionate. There is no need to fear having the test done.

Chloe’s doctor sent her to have a mammogram. She had one about 12 years ago but had blown them off ever since. She didn’t feel sick. She didn’t want to take the time. But she did it. She wasn’t expecting a telephone call from her doctor’s office: Some little something showed up, the nurse advised. The doctor ordered an ultrasound.

It felt as if the earth had moved from under her feet. She thought someone must have kicked her in the stomach to knock the wind out of her. “OK,” she said.

Several days after the ultrasound, during which she had seen the questionable spot, she got a call from the doctor himself. “I didn’t want you to worry all weekend. The spot is just a cyst and nothing to worry about.” Relief washed over her, and gratitude. She knows that every woman isn’t so fortunate to get the same kind of call.

The American Cancer Society has estimated that 212,920 women will be diagnosed with and 40,970 women will die of cancer of the breast in 2006, approximately 129 out of every 100,000 women.

October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But you don’t have to wait until next October to have a mammogram. If you don’t have insurance coverage and can’t afford one, contact your local health department to see where you can go for assistance to have a mammogram. The life you save may be your own. Isn’t it better to know than not know?