Good News and Bad News

I realize that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is just about over but perhaps every month should be Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I just found out the other day that a friend of mine has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I have known Lori since she was in high school and worked as an aide in my classroom. Then some years later, I team taught with her. I had her kids in school. And to hear this was pretty upsetting. The same day another close friend disclosed that she had a suspicious lump in her breast and had to have a diagnostic mammogram and an ultra sound. I totally understood her panic as this is exactly what I went through last spring. I found out yesterday that her outcome was like mine--negative. Thank goodness!! And I totally understood her elation and relief at hearing the news. But it got me thinking that maybe I needed to put my pink bracelet back on again. I wore it for 9 months when my friend, Jan, was going through chemo and recovery. She has been cancer free for 2 years now--thank goodness. We were able to share our trip to Ireland together this past summer. I also have a bracelet which reminds me often of my friend, Tootie's daughter Becky. Becky has been suffering from this horrible disease for several years now.

Ladies--and yes, guys too!! Do those monthly self exams. Get yearly mammograms. Do whatever you can to protect yourself. Wouldn't it be wonderful if for once and for all, they could eradicate this disease? And let's make every month Breast Cancer Awareness Month.