I would like to throw my two cents in here. My mom had breast cancer in 1984, had a mastectomy, radiation and chemo. Seven years later, it came back in her other breast. She had another mastectomy, but luckily, had no follow-up treatment. She often thought about reconstructive surgery, but, being a widow and the surgery a somewhat “new” thing, she declined. When I turned 30, I was told to get a mammogram every 5 years until I was 40. Then, it was every year. Five years ago, this past December 11th, I had a mastectomy at the ripe old age of 46. I’m one of the few and very lucky ones. I needed no chemo or radiation. I feel for those who experience pain when getting a mammogram, however, my only discomfort was when they tried to get my arm around the machine, and the corner of it stuck in my armpit. It was then I knew a man had to design such a contraption. As for my mom, my best friend, cancer didn’t kill her, she ended up with sepsis, from a stone that was lodged by her liver. They didn’t discover it until it was too late. For anyone who has fear, reservations about getting this test done — if you don’t do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones. Even though I never had to go through any follow-up treatment, I can’t imagine the pain of having a mammogram being worse than that.

Please, let’s try to put the sarcasm and cattiness away. I know everyone here is capable of having an “adult” conversation.

Hi Linda, Same to you. I haven’t seen your beautiful avatar in a while. It’s always nice to hear your calm voice in the middle of our storms.

Please, be respectful of each other’s opinions, whether you agree with them or not. Stick to the topic and stop complaining about what others think. We all are entitled to our thoughts.

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Alright, this is enough. State your opinions with respect and grow up.

Just a reminder to EVERYONE — please be respectful of one another’s opinions, whether you agree with them or not.

M L, Thank you for so beautifully expressing what I’ve been trying for months to do. Perhaps, one person will listen.

Please remember the rules of posting. If you don’t know where they are, please click on the link in the red bar, above the masthead, that says “how to use this site.”

Just a reminder… Thou shalt not call one another derogatory names Thou shalt not make personal attacks on other readers or contributors Thou shalt not write anything libelous Thou shalt not ever make threats against another reader or contributor Thou shalt not use racist language Thou shalt not use violent language Thou shalt not swear excessively Thou shalt not have more than two identities registered from the same computer Thou shalt not solicit for goods or services Thou shalt not post or forward spam

Here! I’m here, yes I read almost every post. Try my best to delete what is inappropriate and hope that the kids in the playground can get along.

We try…..

Who am I running against? Am I winning?

Hi Jane, I agree with you 100%. I would like to see them posted at the beginning of each topic. I am working hard to get this accomplished, and hopefully, it will happen soon.

Hi Everyone, I would like to come out more often, but as you know, I have to read ALL these comments. And, sometimes the screaming in my head prevents me from doing so. It’s so refreshing to read civil comments. I wish everyone could be that way.