Do the walks, the runs, the awareness all of it. And tell your sisters, mom, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, lovers, friends and coworkers– hell, even tell the women next to you on the bus– to get a mammogram. Because it could save her life. As it did mine.
Cancer survivors don’t need a month-long reminder punctuated with ubiquitous pink ribbons. We never forget. It’s nice and all, thank you, with everyone driving around with the stickers on their bumpers, and running/ walking for the cure, donating, speaking out, sharing their stories. But we survivors don’t need the brain rush at the grocery check-out to pledge a dollar. Because we know how important it all is. We wish we didn’t have to know, but we know.
Dr. Lauren Streicher has been my gynecologist for 17 years; she delivered Colin. In October 2006, I was diagnosed with breast cancer from a routine mammogram given by my radiologist, Dr. Joan Werber. She and Dr. Streicher are friends as well as colleagues. Hours after I was scheduled for a biopsy, Dr. Streicher called me at home to reassure me I would be fine. After surgery and radiation, I was fine. In December 2007, following disturbing elevated counts on two PSA tests, Dr. Streicher operated on me to remove my ovaries, for fear of ovarian cancer. Luckily, I did not have ovarian cancer. Dr. Streicher talks here about the kind of rapport she has with her patients and why. You will see precisely why I trust her with my life.
“I am not God,” Dr. Dowlat said as I pulled the green print open-fronted gown closed. “But you will be fine.”
Today was my semi-annual appointment with the breast surgeon who excised my cancer and oversaw my recovery beginning three years ago. He is kind, reassuring and most importantly, a seasoned surgeon. I trust him with my life. Because he saved it.
Do you know how much your child weighs down to the ounce? Do you avoid making eye contact with your child after he or she loses a match until your child approaches you? Do you find yourself wearing the school colors every day whether or not you are attending a meet or tournament?
Then you're a WMD. A Wrestling Mom or Dad.
And we'd love to hear your stories. Submit a guest column, a few photos, videos, or comments and we will publish them on the site.
breast cancer
brendan
brothers
Caryn Brooks
coach
coaching
Coach Powell
Colin Rogers
high school
High school wrestling
making weight
mike powell
mom
mother
oak park
Oak Park-River Forest High School
parenting
powell
recovery
Sam Brooks
single parent
tournament
training
weldon
Weldon Rogers
winning
wrestling
Wrestling Family
wrestling mom
Youth Wrestling
