Save Your Own Life

1/22/12

With all the concern over Jean and her cancer, I FORGOT to go for my own annual mammogram.  Can you believe that?  I usually go every fall.  Even when I had no insurance coverage, I arranged to have a mammogram with the Hope Clinic that provides low cost health care for everyone in the county.  I am employed now and have good insurance coverage so no excuses for me now.  Hallelujah!

My doctor arranged for me to get into the imaging center on Friday.  Side note:  Jean also was a regular mammogram scheduler but as fate would have it, she discovered the lump herself.  So self-examination is still the best way to detect breast care.  My opinion.  Talk to your physician to formulate your plans.

I stepped up to the machine and followed the technicians' instructions and within less than 30 minutes all the images where finished.  The results would be called to me in four days if anything was found.  If the results were termed normal, a letter would be sent to me a few days later. 

The actual imaging is marginally uncomfortable but my no means painful.  This could save your life.  Get screened every year after you reach 50 or whatever schedule your doctor feels is best for you.

Arrange something fun to reward yourself with after you have finished your mammogram.  For me, good food is always a good reward.  I researched my area for grilled salmon.  I love grilled salmon and it should be in my diet every week.  So I found the best deal in town.  Cheddar's had a lunch size portion with two sides for $7.99.  So Walter and I met there after my mammogram and enjoyed a delicious and inexpensive salmon dinner.  I am all about eating out!  I am also all about being a good steward to the money God has given our family.  I do not waste food or money, if it can be avoided.  I take food home from restaurants if I do not clean my plate.  But that was not neccesary at this meal.  I ate it all.

To continue the reward, after the early dinner, we drove to Michael's for some NASCAR party decorations!  We have asked three couples to join us in watching the Daytona race February 26, 2012.  Both of us enjoyed finding a black and white check vinyl table covering backed with flannel.  This was $9.99 but was 60% off, so three yards was just $10.47 with tax.  Terrific!  We will be able to use it again and again,.  So much smarter than a throw-away one time use plastic table cloth.

So take charge of your own health care and reward yourself for being so wise.  It is a very loving thing to do for your family.


Note:  After I found employment, I gave $100 to the Hope Clinic so some other woman could have the great treatment that I was able to have.