Mrs. Howard, It’s Not Breast Cancer

Written By: Kim - May• 19•15

These are the words that every woman wants to hear who has ever found a lump in her breast. I heard these words from my radiologist this month after a bilateral mammogram and ultrasound. I am sure that you understand the relief I felt. Despite the research I did which showed that I had no signs of breast cancer, I needed medical confirmation.

I can tell you that I cried for several minutes after the doctor and technician left the exam room. Sheer relief washed over me and I simply could not contain my tears. I am extremely grateful that they were not tears of sorrow.

©2011 Crystal Woroniuk courtesy of stock.xchng

©2011 Crystal Woroniuk courtesy of stock.xchng

Because I am an ugly crier (flushed face, red nose and red, swollen eyes – Clare Danes has nothing on me.) I texted my husband the good news. He was in the waiting room. I did not want him to be alarmed when I walked out looking traumatized, despite my attempts at superficial recovery. We celebrated with lunch afterwards.

Heart disease will likely kill me first – even after the weight loss. I have heart disease factors from both parents. The good news is that my annual check up results continually show no signs of high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Beast cancer does not run in my family. But did you know that statics show that more women without a family history of breast cancer get it? Yes, you read that correctly. I was just as surprised as you.

Do your breast exams monthly. I know a few women who’s lives were saved because they found the lump first. Get a mammogram annually. No, it’s not a pleasant experience, but child birth lasts a hell of a lot longer. In the scope of our lives, mammogram pain is small and finite. It was only through my monthly exam that I noticed the cyst. Cyst, not tumor. And even if it was cancer, I would rather know sooner than later. I would prefer to get treatment sooner  so that I have a better chance at beating any cancer.

Take your health seriously, ladies. Get an annual exam. Schedule the screenings and keep the appointment. What is more important than taking care of your body? If you won’t do it for yourself, just think of all of the people in your life who depend upon you. Think, just for a minute, about the huge void you would leave if you died too soon.

And, men, you need to know the facts about breast cancer in your gender as well. It’s not just for women only.

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The Limited Coat that Offers Decades of Warmth

Written By: Kim - Jan• 08•14
The 1989 coat from The Limited. Still in excellent condition.

The 1989 coat from The Limited. Still in excellent condition.

When I moved to Washington, DC, in 1989, from Alabama, I begged my frugal, depression-era mother to purchase this amazing, modern, dark navy blue wool coat that hits about mid-calf. I was starting a journalism internship at the National Journalism Center and would be in the metro area until mid-December.

The coat was from The Limited and they had layaway, if I recall correctly. It was hot as hell that summer, like it normally is in southern Alabama, and putting a coat on layaway, especially one this intense, seemed silly. But I knew I would need it for the fall internship in DC. I had a thinner car coat, which was normally sufficient in an Alabama winter where we might end up wearing shorts on Christmas Day. In 1989 in Washington, DC., it snowed that Thanksgiving. I remember because my sister, who lived in Maryland, picked me up that Wednesday and we drove to her home as the snow accumulated.

We were a single paycheck family, I was the last of five and $200 was a lot of money. My father, as you may recall, served in the US Army as an enlisted GI. My mother was a homemaker and grew up in The Great Depression. In our home, there was a difference between necessity and luxury; between desire and need. After much negotiation on my part, she finally agreed.

Twenty-five years later, through weight gain and losses, pregnancies, five homes and three dogs, I still have this coat. I asked a tailor to replace the lining and added white alpaca fur around the collar and sleeves a few years ago just to give it a different look. The coat is in excellent shape and my parents definitely got their $200 out of it. In fact, it cost my parents roughly $8 annually for me to wear this coat since then.

On days when we experience frigid weather, especially as we have this week in the DC area, I am extremely grateful that I still have this coat. Maybe that’s why I still hang it in my closet. Aside from the fact that it’s still useful, my parents made a sacrifice for me, as they did often.

Paired with a pair of knee-high leather boots and the memory of my my mother’s love, it’s all I need to stay warm.

Posted in Alabama, Clothing, College, Dad, Journalism, Military Service, Mom, Parenting, The Limited, Travel, Weight loss , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »
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