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MONITOR YOUR HEALTH - February 2,
2006
Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center is offering a free Health
Clinic on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon, for women who
have not had a physical exam in the past year.
I am really pleading with you to take advantage of this
opportunity.
Here is my experience:
I have been part of the Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Program
from West Virginia University for about 12 years. As a
participant, I have had routine breast checks, mammograms, pap
smears, and blood work for most of this time.
For five years, participants were either given tamoxifen or a
placebo, a pill having no effect, but given as a control in a
study. I was on the placebo. At the end of five years, it was
determined that tamoxifen really did help prevent cancer. The
participants were then given the opportunity to take tamoxifen.
I tried it for two months and thought that there were adverse
effects, such as muscle pains, so the drug was discontinued. I
remained in the trial study, and all my health concerns were
still reported to the Clinical Trials staff.
Two years ago, when I had a mammogram, I was
called back for a second check. I was told at that time that
there was nothing definite, but it should be closely observed in
the future. November 2005 was the determining checkup. I was
called back for a second check, followed by a spot mammogram,
biopsy and then a lumpectomy on Jan. 19.
I was a little apprehensive
because there is a strong history of breast cancer in my family,
going back at least three generations. These thoughts were put
to rest, because they determined that this type was age related.
(Of course, I was humiliated to hear this. After all, I can
still roll under the fence on the way to our pond!)
Every checkup, every procedure, every clinic had
providers that were very caring and thorough in their work. The
only problem I had at any time was in getting arrangements made
with office staff at one site. This was not the professional
staff. This convinced me again that individuals must be
responsible for their own situation. Don’t accept delays for
unexplained reasons. Ask questions until you understand.
When I returned for the check up last week, I was told that
women are so concerned about breast cancer, but should know that
breast cancer is not the main reason of death in women. Bone
fractures, especially broken hips, are more destructive followed
by heart and diabetes related conditions.
I hope, that as you read this, you will make a commitment to
yourself, your family and your God to take care of your health.
It is important to teach by example to our following generations
to value and monitor our health.
Schedule your checkup today!
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