The doctor will see you now photo credit

If you’re anything like me, when you notice something different about your body – a lump, a pain, a reaction – the first thing you do is pick up your phone and tap your symptoms into the Google search bar. There’s a pause; a few seconds later wise old Dr Google looks down through his half-moon specs and then responds with a myriad of possible causes and diagnoses. At this point you frantically skim-read the first page of results and are either:
a. reassured that it’s just a minor complaint, or
b. panicking that death is imminent, or at the very least it’s a depressingly debilitating or life-limiting illness.

What often happens next is that the common sense part of your brain shouts down the neurotic one, gives it a sharp slap round the face to calm it down, and then you push it to the back of your mind and go about your day.

If the symptoms persist, Common Sense reluctantly listens to Neurotic Hypochondriac’s frantic pleas until he eventually gives in with a sigh and an eyeball roll and books a doctor’s appointment, just to silence the inner conflict that’s distracting you from living in peace. Common Sense tells Neurotic Hypo he’s overreacting, but he simply shrugs in response and gives a wry smile, knowing he’s won the battle – this time at least.

But then Life takes over; work is busy, home life hectic, and the doctor’s appointment is forgotten. Common Sense says “the symptoms have subsided, it’s fine.” Hypo is unsettled, but sulks and doesn’t push it. Time passes. The symptoms reappear. Intuition decides she needs to step in. She gives Hypo a nudge, who reminds Common Sense the appointment is outstanding, and another appointment is made…and cancelled. Something came up.

Eventually, you get to the appointment. By then, you’ve got used to the symptoms. Common Sense plays them down in the intimidating silence of the doctor’s office, as you’re feeling ok today and besides, you have an important meeting to get to. “This is important too!” shrieks Hypochondriac, panic rising, but he’s said this before and it turned out to be nothing, so Common Sense puts his hand over his mouth and drags him kicking and screaming from the surgery. Intuition is unsettled by this performance, but despite her concerns she silently retreats.

Some months later, something remarkable happens: all the inner voices agree. The usually dominant and pragmatic Common Sense finally admits he’s been bullish and listens intently to softly-spoken Intuition; both agree Neurotic Hypochondriac’s voice no longer sounds crazy but actually quite feasible, and all three drive you back to the doctor. He also concurs this time and you’re promptly referred to a specialist. But instead of feeling a sense of happiness, relief and calm that everyone is aligned and in agreement for once, you feel something else entirely.

Because it’s cancer.

photo credit

Early diagnosis is key. For symptoms of cancer, click here. 

Sam x


Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

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The post Because It’s Cancer appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

Samantha Walsh, #AtYourCervix!

Hello guys, I’m clocking in and reporting for duty. The mission? To Save Your Cervix! Think of me as your friendly Customer Cervix Advisor.

Do you have a cervix, or know someone who does?

Then in that case this petition is for you! I’m campaigning to get the wording of the smear test invitation letter amended to actively encourage women to attend screening, including re-adding the phone number to call to book your appointment, which has actually been removed from the letter as of last year! I know, crazy right?

At a time when around 30% of women don’t attend screening these cost-cutting changes to the letter feel irresponsible at best. If you agree, please sign my petition by clicking the link below:

 PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SIGN!

Thank you, Birds Eye Viewers! Xxx

EXCITING UPDATE 31/1/17:

Just a few days after starting this petition, I got a tweet from Jo’s Trust which reassured me that all my months of campaigning had not been in vain! The letter changes (which I initially drew the attention of the charities Jo’s Trust and The Eve Appeal to) had been debated in parliament, leading to an agreement that the cervical screening invitation letter did indeed need to be reviewed and updated. They will be working on amending the wording to encourage attendance. Wahoo! I’m totally made up about this! (there may even have been tears).
I feel like the renegade master: power to the people! High five ladies!

https://www.facebook.com/wanderingblonde/posts/375255879514808

Read the parliamentary transcript here

The post Cervical Cancer Prevention: Please Sign My Petition! I’m #AtYourCervix appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.