Hey Everyone!  I hope that all of you had an awesome day today.  The weather here, in NEPA, has been beautiful.  I hope that each one of you are enjoying it.

I decided to write about being your own best advocate today.  No one knows you better than you.  If you don’t know enough to be your own advocate, find someone who can be your voice for you.  I’ve been hearing too many stories, recently, about young women getting swept under the rug with regards to lumps in their breasts.  Breast cancer strikes 1 in 8 women and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, etc.  Since beginning this journey, I’ve spoken with at least half a dozen women with stories similar to mine.  If something doesn’t seem right to you, please continue to pursue it.  Be persistent.  Don’t take no for an answer.  Because you know you best, if you think something is wrong it most likely is.  Women of mammogram age (between the ages of 35 and 40), GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!!!  See your OB-GYN on a regular basis.  Visit your family doctor yearly.  Get your blood work.  Take care of yourself.  You have too much to live for.

Also, our health care providers need to be aware of the fact that breast cancer can affect young, even pregnant, women.  This isn’t something to mess around with.  If a patient comes to you with a lump, follow up with this.  Women are putting their faith and trust in you.  This matter can’t be taken lightly.  Refer your patients out to breast care specialists even if you don’t feel as though it’s something serious.  You can never be too sure.  Specialists are specialists for a reason.  I wouldn’t trust an orthodontist to perform heart surgery nor would I trust a dermatologist to perform brain surgery!  Be a good quarterback.

Thanks to each of you for posting all of your comments.  I love reading what you write and appreciate your love and support.  Have a great start to the weekend!

LIVESTRONG and God Bless!