Having lost my Mother to breast cancer almost 40 years ago (1987) at the tender age of 26, she was only 45, and still there being no cure despite zillions of dollars being raised, I am numb to wearing pink and joining the annual October breast cancer frenzy. Please don't invite me. I am admittedly a cynic who believes that in a capitalistic society, there is little incentive for a cure as there is less money, fewer capital gains, in a cure...
No matter, breast cancer is real and Black Women are reportedly disproportionately affected. Recently, I even lost a Black male friend to breast cancer. Like it or not, the disease is real and poses a serious threat to our community.
Be it October or any other month, please be proactive and be sure to get your annual mammogram. Request an accompanying ultrasound if you have a history. Ultrasounds seem automatic in some other countries. While in Panama a few years back, I paid a whopping $40 for a mammogram with an ultrasound. I did not request the ultrasound, it was standard procedure notwithstanding one's history. Good luck even seeing the doctor for $40 in the US. Yes, I'm a cynic...
Between annual mammograms, actively conduct self exams. Be assertive with your doctors. Educate yourself and be knowledgeable about your condition, or detection thereof. Don't shy away from getting second, or even third opinions. Be open to exploring non-traditional approaches. Tell your doctor to treat you medically as s/he would treat their own Mom. We know that we are seen in the medical field as less human, and more dispensible.
Unapologetically advocate for you and your loved ones. If she is too tired or overwhelmed, do it for her. If not you, who? Daughters, be prepared to do a role reversal. Mom will thank you later.
Most important, be a source of support to all women dealing with the reality of the disease. I have a very dear friend on this journey right now... Loan your Sis a shoulder, be her sounding board, allow her tears to flow, catch them and then build her up because despite there still being no cure, there have been advances in treatment and survival is not as elusive as it was in 1987. I am a hopeful cynic...
Breast cancer awareness is important year round. Be aware and take care of you from October thru September!
Miss Higgi Says
Edited repost: October 25, 2023
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