Hi.

Yesterday, I wrote a long personal post about a friend who has breast cancer. I wrote: “This is the vicarious nature we have with our friends. We latch on, we hang on, we experience and all the while we have side by side experiences with those we adore. We share, we care, we talk about our similarities as a way to navigate through life. And then something happens and we don’t have the experience…we can’t have the cancer right along side them. Instead we have to remain behind as they dive into this new part of their life.”

It was too upsetting. Even though this friend has been open about her health, I think I might have divulged too much and made it more about myself then, well, about reality.

The reality is breast cancer sucks major ass. When you learn a 27 year old friend has fallen ill with cancer it should motivate you to put your arm behind your head and start massaging your boob in circles checking for lumps. It should prompt you to take the plunge and get your first (or second or third) mammogram no matter how young you are. It should make you reflect on the health choices you’re making in your own life. It should make you hug those you love a little tighter.

This is all my friend really wants: “Please share my blog with the world. That’s why I have it. Feel free to use my full name – I’m about education. I have to make this somehow have a positive effect on the world. Tell everyone you know. Please do self breast exams every month! Please visit your OBGYN regularly!”

With that advice, I’m going to go feel up my booby and gain the strength to get my first mammogram.