Calling All Sistahs!
I love you and I want to be sure you are around for a long time. This month our Calling All Sistahs theme is "With Love From Your Sistah" because we care so much about each of you! Cancer is not contagious, but it can be caught early and the earlier it is caught the better our chances for long term survival and cure! So, go check yourselves, and make that appointment if it's time for your yearly mammogram.
Isn't the new Special Delivery stamp set from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps PERFECT for this month's theme? You would think we planned it that way, but actually I floated the idea of the theme before I had seen the new release.
To view the video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5EMd9S0T6k
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This month I want to share a little of my family story with you. If you don't have time, skip the next few paragraphs and go right back to hopping. I understand. The thing is, this has to do with my "why I joined this hop".
I'm one of those people that doesn't like to go to the doctor. I don't want to find out what is wrong. I'm scared of the treatments, and I will avoid it as long as possible. The problem is, I come from a family with a strong history of cancer, among other health issues, and I also am part of a family that "puts off" going to the doctor far longer than we should. My grandma (dad's mom) who had breast cancer and a mastectomy in her 50's put off going to a cardiologist in her late 60's after the doctor found an irregular heart beat. She ended up having a stroke and passing away soon after.
My aunt (dad's older sister) fought breast cancer the year I got married. She wore a wig to my wedding, but she wasn't going to miss it. 14 years later she started having some health problems and hadn't gone in for her yearly mammogram. She kept getting more sick, and by the time she went to the doctor and found she had cancer it was too late. She died within weeks of discovering the cancer had spread throughout her body.
My dad has had cancer twice. First in his prostrate, and then skin cancer. He was tempted to let the dark spot that showed up on his slide until his prostate treatments were done, but went to the doctor and found out the dark spot was cancer and had it removed.
To view the video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5EMd9S0T6k
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This month I want to share a little of my family story with you. If you don't have time, skip the next few paragraphs and go right back to hopping. I understand. The thing is, this has to do with my "why I joined this hop".
I'm one of those people that doesn't like to go to the doctor. I don't want to find out what is wrong. I'm scared of the treatments, and I will avoid it as long as possible. The problem is, I come from a family with a strong history of cancer, among other health issues, and I also am part of a family that "puts off" going to the doctor far longer than we should. My grandma (dad's mom) who had breast cancer and a mastectomy in her 50's put off going to a cardiologist in her late 60's after the doctor found an irregular heart beat. She ended up having a stroke and passing away soon after.
My aunt (dad's older sister) fought breast cancer the year I got married. She wore a wig to my wedding, but she wasn't going to miss it. 14 years later she started having some health problems and hadn't gone in for her yearly mammogram. She kept getting more sick, and by the time she went to the doctor and found she had cancer it was too late. She died within weeks of discovering the cancer had spread throughout her body.
My dad has had cancer twice. First in his prostrate, and then skin cancer. He was tempted to let the dark spot that showed up on his slide until his prostate treatments were done, but went to the doctor and found out the dark spot was cancer and had it removed.
My uncle (dad's younger brother) had colon cancer a few years ago and is currently fighting prostate cancer. My Grandpa (dad's dad) had prostate cancer as well. You better believe my boys will be getting theirs checked when they get old enough to start checking. It will be embarrassing to ask them about it, but far better than losing them to it.
My other aunt (dad's younger sister) had cervical cancer and was treated decades ago. She has also found a lump in breast, but refused treatment. She put off going to the doctor for a nagging cough, but finally ended up in the emergency room. This week we found out that the mass in her lungs has grown. It was the size of a potato a few weeks ago and is now all over the lung, it's metastasized to her esophagus, back and liver. It's aggressive and has spread too much to be treated. She's been put on hospice and not given very long to live.
My other aunt (dad's younger sister) had cervical cancer and was treated decades ago. She has also found a lump in breast, but refused treatment. She put off going to the doctor for a nagging cough, but finally ended up in the emergency room. This week we found out that the mass in her lungs has grown. It was the size of a potato a few weeks ago and is now all over the lung, it's metastasized to her esophagus, back and liver. It's aggressive and has spread too much to be treated. She's been put on hospice and not given very long to live.
I'm one who puts off going to the doctor too, but I've seen that ignoring possible cancer does not make it go away. Please, if it is time for your checkup, make that appointment. If you find something or don't feel right, get it checked and keep seeking answers until you find out what is wrong. I don't want you to find cancer, but I really don't want to lose another person to cancer. That is why I do this every month. It's not been easy to talk about breast self-exams, but it's getting easier every month. You are important enough to me to be a little uncomfortable having the discussion. And, because I am having it with you, I can't stick my head in the sand either. I'll be doing my exam on the 17th right along with all of you, and I will have my second mammogram in April when I am due for one.
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Up next on the hop is the talented Ceal Pritchett. Be sure to leave comments on each stop of the hop because Michele will be picking 2 winners from among the comments made by February 19th, 2017. If you would like to be a stop on the blog hop next month simply email me at sistahoodhop @ outlook . com and join our Facebook group to get all the latest scoops.
Ink: Copic: 0, C0, C3, C4, C6, BV02, FV2, RV02, RV04, RV09; Onyx Black (Versafine) Versamark
Paper: Bright White (Catherine Pooler Designs) Painted Prints Smitten (My Favorite Things)
Accessories: Blueprints 20, Blueprints 24 (My Favorite Things) Clear Embossing Powder, Smoky Slate Embossing Powder (Stampin' Up) Mailbox Fri-Die (CAS-ual Fridays Stamps)
16 comments:
Heather your card is gorgeous! I love that beautiful mailbox, I think I need that NOW!! Love the pink patterned paper in behind the mailbox, so pretty! Love your card and the sentiment! I am sorry to read about all the members of your family who have fought the cancer battle! It is such a horrible disease! But for all of our sake ~ go to the doctors ~ we don't want to miss your beautiful posts!!
Great use of the mailbox.
The stamping on the post is a
nice idea.
I'll be using this idea - have
the mailbox but hadn't thought
about using it for this purpose.
thanks for sharing.
beautiful card!! thanks for the video tutorial and for creating awareness about breast cancer.
Thank you for sharing your story. I know you are not alone in your doctor avoidance techniques. No one wants to hear bad news and no one wants to go through the treatments. BUT, the alternative is far worse as you know. I'm so very sorry about your aunt. Keep taking care of yourself in her honor. hugs!
Heather, your card is just perfect. Thank you for sharing your story and know that I will be praying for you as you visit your aunt. BIG HUGS from CT. Love you, sistah! ♥
clever idea to use a mail box to pass on this important health message:)
I just love the mail box and the colors you used. Thank you for your reminder.
Such a sweet card and thanks for your story.
Beautiful card! Love the mailbox!
Thanks for the reminders every month. I am due for my annual exam, so I'll be gettin' 'em squished next month!
This is such a pretty card! I love the cheerful mailbox and the fresh colors!
Oh Heather, I might have a phobia against hospitals. I never like visiting, I am sure no one likes it! But since 2012, I had some minor issues which I was dealing back then, and my palpitations go really high even now, if I have to step my foot in hospitals. I get anxious for no reason. That being said, I need some physiotherapy nowadays,and I do have to step in no matter what.
Ok sorry to get carried away with my stories. Your card is super pretty, I love the floral mailbox with the letter in it, it is really stunning.
Oh Heather! What a touching post... I'm like you.. hate doctor visits.. but I know there is a price to be paid - ignorance isn't always bliss. I just got my mammogram done this month - was so afraid since last year I had to have a biopsy.. but everything came back ok! I'll be thinking about you! Your card is gorgeous! Love the colorful flowers and pretty pattern papers!
Thanks for sharing your story, Heather! Your aunt, along wit the rest of your family, will be in my thoughts! xoxo
What a pretty card Heather. And you're right, being uncomfortable is nothing if it can save a life, so thanks for sharing your story and organising this every month too. I really appreciate it!
Absolutely gorgeous card, Heather. I can relate to your story all too well. I am anti Dr... But I do know cancer takes way too many good people from our life. Proud of you for doing the mammograms!! Thanks for all you do and organizing these blog hops.
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