It affects us all, CANCER!

      Four weeks ago, my family buried my great aunt, who was 93 years old. I was sad, but the feeling I got in knowing that she had lived a long, vibrant and energetic life gave me a peace of solace. Friday, I received a call that my aunt's daughter, my cousin passed away from cancer. The last time I saw my cousin was at my aunt's funeral. I knew in my mind, that cancer was winning but never did I feel that seeing her at the funeral would be my last time. When I received the news, sadness struck me like lightening. I'm thinking it is because so many people in my life, close to me has been affected by the disease. Although some family members are currently winning the battle, it scares me to think, when I will receive the next call. I constantly remind myself daily, that life is short! LIVE every moment like it is your last. So with that being said, I have decided to stop putting off what I have dreaded to do, which is to get a mammogram. I am now at that age where I need to have yearly check ups and a part of me is scared. Scared of what may occur or not occur and honestly, facing the reality of the deadly disease. For the most part, I am a positive person, so I know I will be able to handle anything that comes my way and with GOD I know all things are possible!

     Continue to REST IN PARADISE

Yvonne Peebles (my aunt)

Willie Honeywell (my aunt)

Anjie Soares (my sista/friend)

Paul Bentley (my grandaddy)

Nellie Wimberly (my cousin)

Viola Hicks (my Godmother)

 

I LOVE YOU ALL DEARLY!!!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Check your Tatas!!!



      October is Breast Cancer Month and in honor of one of my best friends, Anjie Soares I am dedicating this post to her! I make it my business to check my tatas on a regular basis. Ladies, it is very important to check your tatas monthly. Secretly, I think I am obsessed with checking them daily in fear of missing a lump. I had a scare myself 7 years ago and immediately I went to the doctor. Thanking God, as I type, it was left over milk that curdled and hardened in my breast from an earlier pregnancy. So be proactive, take care of yourself and check your tatas regularly! Just in case you are not sure on what to do, I have provided some information for you below.

How can I detect breast cancer?
Regular mammograms. Annual mammograms begin at age 40 years.
See your doctor for regular breast exams. At least every three years from age 20 to 39 and every year beginning at age 40.
Practice monthly self-breast exam.

• It is important to get an idea of what your breasts feel like normally as this will enable you to be more aware of changes if they develop. You are the best authority on your own breasts. Doing self breast exam every month helps you become that authority.
• It's a good idea to ask you health care provider to learn about doing self-breast exam and explain to you what you are feeling in the breast tissue so you are aware of what's normal. That way you can learn more about the difference in feel between normal breast tissue and lumps that may be of concern.
• If you are still menstruating, it is best to wait at least two to three days after your period ends to do the self-breast exam when your breasts are less likely to be swollen and tender.

How do I perform a breast exam?
Visual Inspection

• Stand in front of a mirror with your upper body unclothed and pressing both hands behind your head.
• Look for changes in the shape and size of your breasts.
• Check for dimples of the skin or "pulling in" of the nipples.
• Check for scaling or a rash on your beasts and nipples.
• Next, place your hands on your hips and press firmly inward, tightening your chest muscles, while looking at your breasts for any change in their usual appearance. Perform leaning slightly forward and again while standing upright.

How should I feel my breasts?
In fact, there are three different methods that can be used, all equally effective. It is important that you choose the method that you are most comfortable with and use the same method each month.

Circular method

• Use the hand opposite the breast you are examining, beginning at the outermost top of your breast.
• Press the flat portions of the second, third and fourth fingertips into your breast.
• Move in small circles slowly around your breast, working toward the nipple.
• Press gently to feel tissues under the skin and more firmly to feel deep tissues.
• Cover all areas of the breast.
• Repeat for the opposite breast.

"Wheel Spokes" Method

• Imagine your breast is divided into sections, like spokes dividing a wheel.
• Begin at the outermost top of the breast.
• Press the flat portions of the fingertips into your left breast, moving first toward the nipple, then away from the nipple.
• When you complete that section, slide your fingers slightly to the next area and repeat the process, gradually moving around your entire breast.
• Repeat for your opposite breast.

Grid Method

• Begin at the innermost portion of the breast, near the breastbone.
• With the flat portions of the fingertips, move down your breast, pressing firmly and gently.
• Slide your fingers slightly and move up your breast, then down, and so forth until the entire breast area has been examined.
• Repeat for the opposite breast.

Lying down
Masses in the lower part of the breast may be more easily felt lying down.

• To examine your left breast, lie flat on your back with a pillow or folded towel under your left shoulder.
• Raise your left arm over your head.
• Use the flat portions of the second, third and fourth fingertips of your right hand to examine your left breast with one of the above methods.
• Press gently to feel tissues under the skin and then more firmly for deep tissues.
• Repeat for the right breast.

Standing up
Masses in the upper part of the breast are easier to detect while standing upright.

• Place your left hand behind your head, and with the flat portions of the second, third and fourth fingertips of the right hand, examine your entire left breast by one of the methods described.
• Repeat for your right breast.

Nipple area

• Gently squeeze your left nipple between your right index finger and thumb and look for any discharge.
• Repeat for right nipple.

Additional areas

• Check the area between the upper outer breast and your armpit, as well as the armpit itself.
• Check the area just above your collarbones for enlarged lymph nodes.

Anjie, you are gone but never forgotten! I know I will forever have an angel around me!!! I love you!

October is BREAST CANCER MONTH!

      Three years ago, I lost one of my very best friends to breast cancer. She received her angel wings on the same day as my daughter's birthday. So now when I celebrate my Princess' birthday, I celebrate the life and memory of Anjie Soares, as well. She will be forever LOVED AND MISSED! Today and every day this month, I will dedicate this space to her. Women, it is so very important to have a yearly breast examination completed. It is better to be safe than sorry! I ask all of my BLOGGER FRIENDS AND FAMILY, TO PLEASE WEAR A LITTLE PINK FOR ALL BREAST CANCER VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS for the month of OCTOBER!!!

This poem is dedictated to Anjie Soares

Our Hero

So tender and so gentle, as only she could be
For all that she believed in, as far as we could see
Was living life and having fun and don’t forget her love
For “angel” does describe her best along with her white dove.

She said to laugh and cry with joy, and don’t forget to sing
All the songs she’d taught us, like the wind beneath my wings.
That was her favorite song you know, so sing it out my dear
But don’t regret that she is gone, she hears you loud and clear!

Today we learned what hero means, she’d be so very proud
To see her name so brightly lit from atop her great white cloud.
She watches closely over us and guides us through each day
So please remember Anjie, each and every time you pray!

Not one of us would disagree, she left us way to soon
The only time we see her now is through the big bright moon.
Her legacy lives on today and those who knew her boast
That life and love and laughter too, are what she loved the most.

Thank you for being my friend! We miss you STILL...!

Love,

Me, the Prince and the Princess