This has been a busy month and I’ve had little time to keep my blogs up to date. The good news is that I will soon start a new job. I’m going to be doing data entry for a company that tracks implanted medical devices such as pacemakers. The wages are good and I’ll have benefits. And, better yet, I won’t have to talk on the phone!
However, I am going to try to keep my Walmart job for awhile to pay off some bills. I’m a little worried about being able to handle it physically, so will probably devote all my spare time to sleeping. Thus my blogs will get even less attention, which makes me sad. But, we have to do what is necessary to survive.
I also had a little scare during a routine breast exam. I am a breast cancer survivor of 7 years, and my recent mammogram was good. I was very fortunate to be able to get a free mammogram through my health care clinic, because I had neglected that area of my health due to not having insurance. My experience at the Breast Center that provided the mammogram was extremely positive, as they had relaxing music playing in the exam room and very friendly and compassionate technicians.
So when I got the results stating there was no sign of cancer, I felt relieved, until I was referred to a surgeon for what was described as a “routine follow-up.” However, when I got there I found out that my previous mammogram, taken two years ago, showed some suspicious spots. He recommended a sonogram and then decided to do a fine needle aspiration.
Needless to say, I was in tears, for I dreaded the thought of going through the whole process again. I didn’t get the results for several days, and it felt like I was standing under a boulder, just waiting to find out if the boulder was going to drop or if I was going to be fine. It turned that everything was fine, but it brought home the fact that once you have had breast cancer, there is always the possibility it could reappear.
I have never really been fond of those pink ribbons that many people wear to indicate support for Breast Cancer Awareness, not because I don't like them, but because I don't like to be part of a crowd. However I decided it was time to buy a pin to wear in celebration of the good news and to encourage other women to have regular check-ups. I put off my check-up for too long because I was not aware that free mammograms are available if you don’t have insurance or the money to pay for it. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers free or low-cost screening and post-screening diagnostic services to women who can't afford them. In its ten years, the program has screened more than one million women. For information on getting a free mammogram in your state, call the CDC at 888-842-6355. For more information about mammograms, visit the website Healthy Me.
I also recommend visiting the website Susan G. Komen for the Cure which has a wealth of information and offers support. Their mission statement is "To save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures."
As a postscript I want to add that in 2001 when I was first diagnosed with cancer, I learned that another Wiccan was also diagnosed. She decided to rely solely on magickal workings and alternative treatments to combat her illness, while I chose a combination of modern medical treatment along with magickal workings to add healing energy to the process. I am sad to report that she did not survive. I fully believe in the power of magick, but also believe in science. The two work together, and I also believe that magick is science that hasn't been discovered yet.
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