February 2010

Nine years ago I began sending out a monthly Good Health message to remind my friends to make the time to take care of their health. I am so glad I listened to my own advice and made having regular breast cancer screening a priority. On December 28, 2009 I was told I had early stage breast cancer. I made the decision to be aggressive with my treatment -- before cancer had even one more day to sicken the body God gave me to take care of.

On January 19, 2010 I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. At first I felt like I have been hit by a truck but, now I feel pretty good under the circumstances. I owe the possibility that I will live the rest of my life cancer free to early detection. Life doesn’t come with guarantees but, I am feeling pretty good about the choice I have made to be proactive about my health. Find out more about my experience with breast cancer by reading “My Story” on Caring Bridge: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/terrybolin and if you want, leave me a message and/or sign up for journal updates about my progress.

Early detection isn’t only important for treating cancer. Surprise delivery stories are the focus of the TLC show “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant”. Can you imagine what Carri Emmons, a 27 year old mother of three, was thinking when she went into her bathroom not knowing she was pregnant and came out with a 9 pound 9 ounce baby boy? Surprise!!! Check your local listings and find out how this kind can happen to a woman. Producers of the show stress that the most important thing viewers can learn from Carri and other women like her is how crucial it is to know your own body. I couldn’t agree more -- If something doesn’t seem right make sure that you see a doctor. In most cases, early diagnosis/detection gives you a much better chance for a positive outcome.

February is the month we celebrate love and heart health. Make sure you hug your family and friends. And tell everyone you know to make the time to be good to themselves and make the time to be good to you. I am more committed than ever to my “Good Health” mission. For me the words “make the time to be good to you” have never been more meaningful.

Happy Valentine’s Day and Good Health!

Terry XXXOOO

“I never get sick. It’s a waste of time.”
~Martha Stewart