Bloody Mammograms

In memory of Shelli…

I went for a couple of check ups today, one of which was a mammogram to screen for breast cancer. The other check up was with a specialist who checks for skin cancer. I live in Australia, so of course I did. Thankfully I was a goth as a teenager, so all good on the skin cancer.

I whinged about the mammogram. To be fair it really is uncomfortable. I joked about how it was probably a man who had designed the contraption it is so awkward to use. Yes, I put it off making the appointment by a week or two from the reminder coming through but I get one every year and have done for longer than I have needed to. It is recommended after 50, I have been going since my friend died. She was diagnosed with bilateral cancer at 39.

As the CEO of Code Name Max, when Shelli got breast cancer she did what she knew best, she publicised it. She worked out what she would like to be available to her during her chemo treatment, created it and marketed it. She created a kit for cancer patients, she raised funds for it and she provided a service for other women with cancer. She was a dynamic, amazing force for good. But when she wanted my advice, I couldn’t help her. I was still studying and my help was inadequate at best. I still don’t have the answers to the questions she asked me, maybe one day I will. In an attempt to make up for being unable to…