One in Eight. Today I am that One Woman

 

Olivia Newton-John made me  do it. 

If not for this summer's  tributes to Olivia Newton-John, reminding me of her tireless efforts toward Breast Cancer early detection, I may not have made that mammogram appointment. Squished boobs and other indignities seemed like a fair trade for some wonderful music and memories.

Like many, I had Pandemic-delayed a lot of things like mammograms  and dental appointments.  I might have stayed in that space if not for this unlikely nudge. 

Soon I had completed a mammogram and a subsequent  "probably nothing" second screening. Then a "just to be on the safe side" biopsy.

Then.  In August I received the diagnosis that I had Breast Cancer.  One out of 8 women will get this news.  It's a stupid big club.  

I'm confident my story will have a happy ending.  Detected early, I have the most treatable of all breast cancers, an excellent care team and an appreciation that I am a lucky, lucky gal.

I'll go through surgery like a boss, follow up with radiation and drug- therapy for a while.  I'll be a bit side-lined.  A pain, for sure, but on the other side, there's loads of adventure, artwork and love left in me! 

If a pop singer dancing around in shiny black latex and 80's hair doesn't do it for, you, I hope my story will urge you to make that mammogram appointment.  Bribe yourself with a shopping trip or a frozen yogurt afterward.  Your family, your friends, Olivia Newton-John and I will be SO glad you did.  

Full steam ahead and much love, Jean

Have You Ever Been Mellow  (I'm feeling pretty darned mellow right now, but between diagnosis and surgery consult has meant almost 2 months of anguish.  I've relied on family and friends--many who have walked this path--to reassure me.  If you need someone to talk to while in that miserable in-between ditch, please contact me.  My friends taught me how to be a good listener and we'll get to use all the profanity we want.  It's encouraged)