Preaching to the choir- a thought from This Sucks.

[fflutterffly]

I know that you don't need other mother in your life, but some of you guys are actually my friends. It's not that we all don't understand the ramifications of avoiding annual check-ups, but they are a necessary evil. Not to get to personal, but I am, we had a family "let's all go for our colonoscopy' together thing. Yeah strange, but it was really the only way to get my mom, dad and step dad to do it. So off we all went to Cedars and low and behold what do you think. My father at age 93 had stuff they had to remove that was just beginning to indicate a serious problem. (Yeah 93 and still goes to school.)

Next: My brother N' L looked absolutely heathy. Blue eyed, light skinned and more than blond.. we'll call it albino hair. All his life he played outdoors. As a kid, on military bases, he ran wild. Burning, healing. Burning, healing. In those days no one thought. He develops a cough at 62. Horrible thing, constant. So he went from doctor to doctor. Nothing. Finally he ends up at this virologist. Get's tests done. The guy finds this rare bacteria in his lungs from one of his exotic trips, gives him pills and tells him to come back in 3 months. Coughing stopped. He goes for check up. The tech thinking the doctor requested a few extra fews and clicks away. You know the answer: If this tech hadn't made a mistake and taken extra views... Peter would have been in the box. Well, Lungs, liver, kidney (one) and lymph system were all involved. Peter was stage 4. That was 2 years ago of cutting edge major experimental procedures (no surgery) Peter is still with us and doing remarkably well, but not cancer free. Traveling with sister, hiking and still going for check ups EVERY 6 WEEKS!.
Sidebar: There were absolutely no strange markings, moles or indicators on his skin. It had manifested internally.

Moral of the tale: GO GET CHECK! YOU ARE NOT INVINCIBLE AND THE ALTERNATIVE TO NOT GETTING CHECK AND DIAGNOSED IS FAR WORST THAN AVOIDING!

[midger]

Great advice. I've had 2 of the big "C's" and they aren't that bad and the reassurance you'll get is great. (Remember SoCal--Joe Lynch. Cancer is what took him away much too early at 46 years).

I'm also a big sun person having spent many days outside working the ranchs when younger and living at the lake during the summer. Lots of premelanomas burned off to date and I get checkups every 6 months.

As Nike says, "Just do it!"

[beachbum]

Good advice, Ariel. All my years of surfing, fishing and skiing have taken it's toll on my skin. I get checked on a yearly basis, and cover up a lot more then I used to.

[highflyer]

Thanks Ariel for being personal. What a great daughter, granddaughter, neice, friend, etc. you are. Keep up the good work. You really do have to take responsibility for making sure not to drop the ball as you age and have all the necessary things checked out. As you've experienced, it adds years to your life or the lives of those you love.

Regards,

Alan

PS I took a 6 mile hike up above Ojai Sunday morning, about half way up to Nordhoff peak and back. Working up to a day hike in to the East Side Sierras.

[fflutterffly]

Great workout High. I too have begun my work-out, finally, after both my surgeries. Finally after all these years I've been able to start jogging on some slight hills with no ill effects. Not even a slight limp!!!!. Starting to get stronger and can't wait to finally get to the back country, or at least some day hikes with my friends. Keep up the good work.

[RSetina]

You are awesome Ariel. Thanks for the reminder of how responsible we should be about our health. If we don't do it no one else will. Sherry had the same idea about the colonoscopy for when she hit 50 in August. She has a friend that turns 50 too and she thought it would be "fun" if we all did it together. You know, a colonoscopy is no big deal. Had mine a few months ago and didn't feel or remember a thing. I don't need another one for 3 years but when the time comes, no problem.

If you're 50, go get one if you haven't. I put mine off for 3 years and now can't figure out why.