On Sunday, October 29, 2017 I will be taking a short walk that will make a big difference. Together with my team, we will be participating at  the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Las Vegas, Nevada. I have walked at this event since I was diagnosed with breast
cancer in 2009. Every time I walked, it gives me a great feeling of love, hope and togetherness of the people around me. Join me and my team for supporting a very great cause.
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/?fr_id=84719&pg=team&team_id=2230747

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, I didn't ask "Why me?"knowing 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Instead, I asked what I did or didn't do to be one of the statistics. I have no family history to blame on and was diligent in having screened every year. But there were quick answers. Because I had early menopause symptoms, I was put on HRT for relief. Every time I tried going off the pill, my discomfort came back. I was on it for a long time. I was overweight and my lack of energy made me too lazy to do exercise after stressful days at work. I was unhealthy and did not watch what I ate. I was extremely lucky that my cancer was caught on it's earliest stage. I had bilateral mastectomy with little pain and quick recovery. I did not need any chemotherapy,radiation or preventive oral therapy. I had a good health insurance that provided me with the best medical care. I was a hospital laboratory professional and my son was a medical resident  which made me well informed about all the procedures a cancer patient need to know. I had a husband and children whose love, care and concern deeply touched me at the time. All of these left me with a feeling of guilt. I thought of all the women who weren't  as lucky as me. I kept my diagnosis only to myself and my immediate family. I couldn't consider myself a survivor. As the years passed, I felt a responsibility to reach out and raise awareness on the importance of early detection. Today, I am proud to say that I'm a breast cancer survivor! I urge everyone to pay attention and eat well, be active, and get regular screenings. And if you are going through menopause, think twice before taking HRT!

Welcome To Tess's Micro Musings

I'm a retired Microbiologist from Las Vegas, NV who enjoys connecting on Social Media ! I'm also a Breast Cancer Early Detection Advocate !