I protected myself and I didn’t get COVID, but I did get cancer

“YOU HAVE cancer.” I hoped I would never hear those words, and I hope you never do. But I did on June 23, when I received the results from a breast biopsy.

As a 72-year-old retired lady and at high risk, I thought I was doing everything right to protect myself from COVID. I followed all the protocols. I washed my hands often and used sanitizer. I wore a face mask and still do. I avoided crowds, especially doctors’ offices and hospitals. I socially distanced. I sanitized my groceries. I got vaccinated. Fortunately, I didn’t get COVID, but I got breast cancer. Because I was afraid of catching the virus, I avoided getting my annual mammogram in 2020, as all my previous ones had been normal. After receiving my vaccines in April, I felt safe enough to go for my routine mammogram. I was shocked, and still am, to be told I have a small invasive ductal carcinoma. I will be fine, and I want you all, and those you love, to be, too. My cancer was discovered early, and I am receiving treatment. I am a perfect example of doing all the right things but still getting an unexpected and unpleasant outcome.

Please, please, PLEASE! For yourself, your family and those you love, get your annual mammogram and other medical tests now. Don’t wait another minute to make those appointments. Do it today. Tell everyone you know to do it, too, as I am.

Many more people will be affected by COVID the way I have. I did not get COVID, but I am a victim of COVID. Act now. Tell everyone you know, both women and men. I could be you, your wife, your mother, your grandmother, your sister, a friend, a neighbor or even a stranger. Let’s take care of each other. COVID has no boundaries, and neither does cancer.

So much of our lives has been out of control because of COVID. It’s time to take back control of our health. Visit your doctors, and get those tests. Cheers to life! Wishing you all good health and happiness as we return to our “new normal” lives. AMY MAUGE

Albuquerque