Now starts a new week! Lots happening this week including heading to Emlenton for a presentation tonight and then Townville on Thursday for a presentation there. Of course we have primaries this week and I always say, get out there and vote and if you don't, don't complain. It is not uncommon to hear people complain about what is happening in our country and yet you find out that they don't vote and I often hear people that won't get their mammograms because it hurts and yet when asked, I find they have had 3,4,or 5 children. I am a believer in mammograms, that is why I am here today. I know for some women that mammograms are uncomfortable and I am not trying to be stoic and will say it can cause some discomfort but I feel I can withstand a few seconds of discomfort for an accurate and up to date outcome and truly the least intervention at that point to get some answers. I understand that it is important for me to recognize those patients concerns and help by caring, teaching and listening, to encourage them to follow through and get their mammograms and do self breast checks. Early intervention is the key and we accomplish that through education. Many times when I am talking to a group, I hear I know how to do it and then on demonstration, I find that I can help improve their technique. I also find that there are people that just flat out refuse to do it and some that say they would rather not know. I have a hard time with that one as if I had ignored my needs, I may not be here writing to you, six years after my diagnosis of breast cancer. You do deserve to be your own best advocate and be able to find answers and learn what the newest information is out there. I do believe that a desire to live life fully could and should outweigh the apathy towards getting information and answers and that apathy is not going to give you the best outcome in the long run. I am not denying that it can be scarey but there is little alternative if you don't pursue caring about yourself to do what you need to do and seek answers and care and do the interventional testing. Therefore, three cheers for me, as off for a colonoscopy.... anyone care to join in? Talk to your doctor and find out what things you need to do to keep healthy and how to and what to have done in way of screenings and immunizations to promote a healthy lifestyle. Making it a great day as I sit here drinking clear liquids for my upcoming procedure. S
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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