Pamela Clare ~ Fan Group discussion

Listen up, because you're about to get challenged -

Our dear Pamela Clare has been diagnosed with breast cancer, so listen up because you're about to be challenged!

A few years ago she and I had been going back and forth in emails, grumbling about mammograms and how we didn't want to have to do it, but we decided to 'go together' in spirit. Back then we both got clean bills of healthy breasts, but this time Pamela's not so lucky.

I've been slacking and haven't gone since that time she and I 'went together', but I made an appointment for Thursday, May 1, and I don't want to go alone. Who will go with me, as Pamela did, in spirit??? Your's doesn't have to be May 1st, it just has to be soon.

I DARE you to take up this challenge. In fact, I DOUBLE DOG DARE you!!!

Ladies, if you're due for a mammogram, make an appointment to get it done, then come share your results with us. And for the men in this group - if you're due for a prostate exam, make an appointment and get it done! If you just can't do it in May, then do it June...but don't make excuses, make time! JUST. DO. IT!

A mammogram or prostate exam once a year is not so horrible, but the risks involved with not getting it done are. So are you in??? Get it done, share your results, support your sisters and brothers, and SPREAD THE WORD!

If you've already gotten yours for the year, then step up and support the men and women in this group.

Let's make this challenge go viral! Spread the word!!

Sign up below!

I have my checkup next week, so I'll get orders to go to my mammogram and actually do it this year.

Danielle The Book Huntress (Angels Weep For Goodreads) wrote: "I have my checkup next week, so I'll get orders to go to my mammogram and actually do it this year."

YAY!!!! You ROCK, Danielle!!!!

I accept your challenge and will be there in spirit with you! My annuals are in May and I need to get those appointments scheduled!

So timely Dhes, I received two letters, one following another to remind me it was time. Life was more important to me then. Some pretty bad things where happening that needed to be dealt with. Those letters tossed to the back of the drawer.

Your wake up call is exactly what I needed. I will be with you. And my heart with Ms. Clare.

of cause i will do it with you. i will contact my family doctor on Monday for an appointment.
Pamela, i love your books so much. be strong.

Thank, Uniquely Moi, for doing this!

And thank you all for your good wishes. This is going to be a very challenging time, I'm sure. I've been on a roller coaster of emotions since getting the news on Tuesday. But if being public about my experience helps even one woman get an early life-saving diagnosis, then it's SO worth it.

As I said before, what you might find on a mammogram isn't nearly as scary as what you might NOT find if you don't get one.

Pamela wrote: "Thank, Uniquely Moi, for doing this!

And thank you all for your good wishes. This is going to be a very challenging time, I'm sure. I've been on a roller coaster of emotions since getting the news..."

Pamela, you have all the positive energy I can gather to send your way. You are also in my prayers.You are so correct in your last statement of what we won't find if we don't go.
Carol Luciano
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

Making my appointment today. I have been slacking big time on this, and that small voice in the back of my head just got real loud and I am going to make the appointment.

@Pam, I am confident you will beat this, and happy you caught it so early, but I am so sorry you have to go through it at all. ((((HUGS)))

I'm in. I hate to say it but I am waaayyy overdue. Having moved last year, I've been negligent about finding another gyno, but I'm taking this challenge as the opportunity to get my health on track. Thanks.

I am seeing when they can schedule mine for in May. I am more than glad to participate. I am sending out positive thoughts to all!

I just had mine last month and all good! I will be thinking of you, and all getting theirs done. Best to have girlfriends doing this together so I'm with you in spirit!
Pamela thinking of you, sending positive thoughts, prayers, hugs, and encouragement your way!!

I'm so sad to hear about this news. Pamela I certainly wish you the very best. I have never had a mammogram, but I think it's about time I do that.

Pamela I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

I will cheer you ladies on and send prayers and good energy to the universe for everyone.

Hey Ladies,

First off I'm so very sorry to hear about Pamela Clare. I will be thinking of her for the challenges to come, it is not easy and I hope she'll be well taken care of, both by her friends and family and medical staff.

I've been myself touched twice by breast cancer at 3 years intervals. I just finish my radiations rounds last month. So now, surveillance is the key ;)

It is not a walk in the park to go through but from my experience I will say this :

Pamela,
Stay brave with every intention to beat the hell out of this crab, it will be though at times but you'll feel stronger until the treatments are over. And I don't doubt or question that they will be a success.
I wishing you to be strong, to fight and to never give up. To rest on family and friends when you are down.

I'm sending you huge positive thoughts and vibes from France.
Ands hugs, lots of them!!!
Alexandra

You ladies - you make me proud to be a woman, and thankful to be able to call you friends.

Thank you for all your love and support, for myself, for each other, and especially for Pamela.

PLEASE keep posting! PLEASE spread the word and invite others to come post, too!

Thank YOU.....Uniquely Moi.........I had my mammogram about a month ago, have been getting them yearly since I was 35 due to a strong family history of breast cancer. I have shared the post, and reminded all my friends! It just takes 20 minutes but the mammogram can save your life! Thank you again for spreading the word, and your sister family is with you all the way!

My best friend was diagnosed with BC in November. Truly a wake up call so I mammo'd right then, thanks for the challenge. Pamela, I have learned from my friend that so much of this disease resides in your brain! All those thoughts while all the treatments happen...but She is the most positive and easiest going person I know thru it all. I am inspired by her everyday. You are young talented and strong, I will pray for your recovery in addition to Laurie's everyday!

Pat wrote: "Thank you again for spreading the word, and your sister family is with you all the way! "

**big hugs**

Ellen W-S wrote: "Pamela, I have learned from my friend that so much of this disease resides ..."

Thank you, Ellen!!! I know Pamela truly appreciates all the support, prayers, and healing vibes being sent her way!

Oh crap! I feel for you Pamela and your family. A timely wake up call to STOP putting off going in for my first mammogram. The seemingly painful thought of having my boob squished now seems utterly insignificant. I adore your books and I don't say that to too many authors. Loads of positive thoughts and healing energy going out to you Pamela and every other women in the same situation. I'm up for the challenge and will book in tomorrow morning.

@Joy, I just had my very first one a couple weeks ago. It wasn't the most pleasant experience, but I found it more uncomfortable, than anything. And thankfully it doesn't take too long. In fact, the anticipation/waiting was the worst part, for me.

So even though I've already had mine, I'll be holding your hand, and all the hands of those who are going to get their mammos (first or second or whatever), in spirit! <3

Joy wrote: "I'm up for the challenge and will book in tomorrow morning."

GOOD FOR YOU!!!! Let us know when your appointment is!!

Kat wrote: " I'll be holding your hand, and all the hands of those who are going to get their mammos (first or second or whatever), in spirit! <3"

Thank you!!!!

Pamela is a strong brave woman and she inspires all of us. I made my appointment and I will spread the word.

Marcia wrote: "Pamela is a strong brave woman and she inspires all of us. I made my appointment and I will spread the word."

THANK YOU!!!!!

First,my thoughts and prayers are with you Pamela at this time and stay strong you have many who care.

I actually have to have it done twice a year as all the females on my mothers side have passed away from breast cancer. And now that I have moved to a small town there is only a long waiting list for a doctor here so I haven't been up to date on this. I need to go over to the hospital with my files and start demanding a speed up to the process or find a doctor out of town for the time being. Thanks for waking a few of us up Dhes.

You're welcome, Sandi! THANK YOU for your well wishes!

Now, get on them to get on you!

OK. I went for a mamo when I was 36 and had a 1 year old. They found stage 1 and did a lumpectomy. The next year I had another positive mamo and mother lumpectomy with radiation. 2 years later I had a lump and bi-lteral mastectomies with chemo at 40. Well, it's been 20 years and my baby is turning 25. Stay positive and with today's medicine all turns out well. God be with you all.
Erika

Just had one in November ☺

After my baby is born I plan to do this! I have a couple of moles I need to have removed as well. I feel for Pamela and pray that everything will go well.

I haven't had mammogram as I'm under 35 years of age, just a regular breast check up with our family friend GP (General practitioner) but will ask if I'll need one. Thanks for this, it reminds me to check my mum when was her recent one.
Pamela, felt gutted upon hearing your sad news but know this you're a great person, you will survive this. I'm including you in my prayers and sending lotsa positive vibes. Chin up and be strong!

We've got a Wear Pink for Pamela campaign going on Tuesday and Thursday! I'm wearing a pink top that says Live, Love, Inspire! If you have nothing to wear but would like to support her, change your avi to this or any pink image.

I have not have one done as I'm still under 35. However, best wishes for everyone taking the exam.

Pamela, I'm sad to hear what happened, but my hopes and prayers are with you. Stay strong and positive!

Just got my appointment time for two weeks from now, off to put on pink.

Sunny☼ wrote: "Just got my appointment time for two weeks from now, off to put on pink."

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You ROCK!

Hi,
I'm radiologist specialist doctor. I write reports to mammograms.
women should be over 40 to get mamogram but
in Turkey we do (radiologist spesialist doctors) breast Ultrasounds
and I saw lots of 30 years old women who has breast canser
we say 30 years old women you should do ultrasound
women who is over 40 you should do mammogram and ultrasound together.

THANK YOU for posting that information, Deniz!!! I've been hearing that breast cancer is occurring more and more often in younger women, and it's showing up in about 1 in 6 women ages 50-60. That is very alarming!!!

I wonder why that is. Very scary.

I get a mammogram every 6 mos since I was diagnosed with BC almost 3 yrs ago. I have my next on on May 14. And speaking from self experience ladies please do your own monthly exams too. I was diagnosed with a stage 3 tumor in September of 2011 and had a clear mammogram the previous December, yes, less than 9 months previous.

Hi again,
Deniz made a valid point, ultrasound is preferable and more accurate for young (under 40 at least) women.
My oncologist explained this to me. ;)
And I am one of those who catch the crab a little early, I was 28 the first time. No background or predisposition from my family.

I can only recommend to everyone to do a check up if possible and something accessible to all : auto palpation.
Touch your boobs, ladies!

Are there any good websites out there that can help teach how to do a self exam?

I found this great video on youtube :

Breast Self Examination

But you have to know lots of lumps are so small you won't be able to "feel" them. So this is a good self exam routine to have, but it doesn't replace a visit to your Doctor and mammogram/ultrasound.

I discovered mine like this, actually, my tumor grew fast because 3 weeks ago I could NOT feel it. And I was lucky enough that it was localized rather on the surface of my breast. If that makes sense?
:)

Thanks for the link on how to examine your own breasts. I never do it and I know I should. I will start now.

Well......I had my mammogram yesterday. Now to wait for the results.

Looking for great news from everyone!

Still waiting to hear my results..........this is he part that's nerve racking.

Tracey wrote: "Still waiting to hear my results..........this is he part that's nerve racking."

Isn't it, though?? But often, no news is good news. If there's a problem they USUALLY get back to you within a day or so. **fingers crossed**

I FINALLY got my results! Negative for any signs at this time!

Wonderful news!