October is~

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month~

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In my family,
Breast Cancer has touched all of us and
changed all of our lives forever.
In many ways it changed the lives of our own children,
in the way in which we raised them.
I still have trouble talking about that time in my life,
even after so many years have passed by.
When my Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, she was 46 years old.
When she lost her battle with Breast Cancer, she was only 47 years old.
My sisters and my brother have all out lived her, myself included.
I have 2 nieces,
her grand-daughters,
who are approaching that symbolic year in their lives.
My mom had 5 daughters, 9 grand-daughters and
4 great grand-daughters and
we all have been Breast Cancer free....
My mom was able to spend time with 3 of her grand-daughters before she passed away.
I was in high school when my mom lost her battle with Breast Cancer.
She passed away in April on my 16th birthday.
That was almost 40 years ago.

My mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the 70's.
Back then when you were diagnosed with Breast Cancer,
you were basically given a death sentence.
Breast Cancer Research and
Breast Cancer Awareness has changed the way people think and
what they know about Breast Cancer.
There has been huge advancements in technology and in research.
Mammograms and self-examination has saved lives.
I have been getting a yearly mammogram since I was 30 years old.
If you have never had a mammogram, talk to your Doctor.
Depending on your age and family history,
your Doctor can best advise you as to when you should get a mammogram.
Most Insurance plans and
Medicare cover the cost of a yearly mammogram and
there are also free mammograms and
low cost mammograms available.

If my mom would have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer today,
I am positive she would have had a fighting chance and
maybe she could have had a long and happy life.
I am dedicating this post to my Mom and
to All the Brave Women who are fighting their own battles with Breast Cancer.