Monday, September 5, 2011

Wear Teal Day and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month


Friday was "Wear Teal Day" to promote awareness and education about Ovarian Cancer. The whole month of September is actually Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Looking at the "awareness" bracelets that are sold, as well as t-shirts and other gear for Ovarian Cancer, much of it looks more like turquoise or aqua, which is just fine with me. (I have quite a bit in my wardrobe already!) What is impossible to read on my bracelets below are "Ovarian Cancer Awareness" and "Fight Like a Girl!!"



It's important to educate ourselves about our bodies and pay attention to what is going on with ourselves. In this case, knowledge really is power. If something doesn't feel right, ask questions. And if your doctor blows you off, find another doctor. Don't give up on feeling like your best self. And remember, no one knows your body better than you do!


Symptoms of ovarian cancer are not specific to the disease, and they often mimic those of many other more-common conditions, including digestive and bladder problems.

When ovarian cancer symptoms are present, they tend to be persistent and worsen with time. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

  • Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating
  • Pelvic discomfort or pain
  • Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
  • Changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate
  • Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full
  • Increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around your waist
  • A persistent lack of energy
  • Low back pain

When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.

If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk of ovarian cancer. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor to discuss testing for certain gene mutations that increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancers.


To help or to find out more, you can check out these sites ...







Like the nails? ;) (I saw Cabaret recently! thank you Sally Bowles!)




Women in particular need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health,
because if we're scurrying to and from appointments and errands,
we don't have a lot of time to take care of ourselves.
We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list.

~Michelle Obama



7 comments:

A Brush with Color said...

What a beautiful reminder, Lucinda. You do us all a great service in reminding us all. Thank God you took this advice! I've enjoyed getting to know you through your blog, and I'm glad you're here! Thank you!

PoetessWug said...

I want to thank you so much for the awareness you just gave me by posting the symptoms for ovarian cancer. I've been feeling every single one of these, and have been wondering what's wrong with me! Breast cancer, and other cancers, run in my family. That doesn't mean that this is what my problem is, but at least now I know enough to ask the questions I need to. I so appreciate this post!

Karena said...

Lucinda thank you so much for this post! Also for listing the symptoms to watch for!

Come and enter my Fashion Giveaway from Fresh Produce.

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

Xurde Radío said...

Very useful advices, I support these activities.

Cobalt Violet said...

Sue ~ I feel the same way! It's been wonderful getting to know you through our blogs! :)

Poetess~ There is a good chance it's something easily treatable but it really is good to know the questions to ask! I am so glad this could be a reminder. Blessings and light to you!

Karena ~ Thank you, I will!

@Xyrde~ Thanks! You can let the women in your life know! :)

KathyA said...

Got my teal on. And am celebrating my 8th year of surviving ovarian cancer!! Great post!

Blogger said...

If you'd like an alternative to randomly dating girls and trying to find out the right thing to say...

If you would rather have women hit on YOU, instead of spending your nights prowling around in crowded bars and night clubs...

Then I encourage you to view this short video to find out a strong little secret that can literally get you your own harem of beautiful women:

FACEBOOK SEDUCTION SYSTEM!!!