The morning anchor-woman on our regular TV channel, is having a birthday this week. She is having people share with her, positive adoration about turning 40. (is that because 40 is so difficult?) I have been watching this and wondered if I am the only person who wants to scream….40? I LOVED being 40! Just wait till you turn 67 that’s when you need positive vibes!!!!

Today’s happy birthday episode was about mammograms. She has a family history and I am so glad that she did this segment. She had a successful mammogram and with a happy, high five ending that it was all clear. No cancer! BUT. She forgot the second half of the story. The part that happens after the radiologist sees a spot on your mammogram.

About one out of eight ladies are diagnosed with breast cancer. I wish that TV News Girl would have forgotten the 40 year old baseline mammo tripe and shown what happens when the radiologist sees something on your mammogram. It happens at all ages…..

I have had so many mammograms I cannot count them….the ones where the radiologist finds something suspicious…. numbers two. But it is what happens AFTER that is what is important. I wish someone had shown me what happens AFTER the suspicious mammogram. It would have been wonderful to know what exactly was ahead of me. I have had breast cancer twice. A different cancer in a different breast, 7 years apart. (2012, stage two-2029 stage one-early detection)

I know the routine now. Every woman should know the routine, because if it happens to you, you do not have time to think…and if it happens to one of your friends, you have an idea of what is going on and you can support your friend.

I really loved being 40. It was wonderful…and yes. I love being 67 too. (I guess)

Oh yes….GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM. Early detection saves lives. It saved mine twice.

To the 40 year old news person out there. Happy Birthday! Larry and I send our love.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me