Check Yourself

As the end of October is upon us, I had a stark reminder of the fact that this is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Please check yourself, every month, and every year if you're off "that age" to get mammograms - this includes you men as well!

Last week I learned that my annual exam came back with unusual results.  I received a call from the testing center to call "ASAP" to discuss my results and then promptly refused to answer the phone when I called back. By the time I finally got them on the phone, I'd had calls from the two doctors I'd had the results sent to telling me to schedule a follow-up exam, but that I shouldn't panic just yet.

Then yesterday, I learned a dear friend has breast cancer on the same side as my abnormal results. In an odd way it's made my waiting for a final diagnosis a bit easier. I have game plans in place for the both of us, one direction if I do have it, another if I don't. Either way, I'll be there to hold her hand, along with my amazing dear hubby. After all, I have the best role models for this.

I haven't noticed anything off, but I'm a dense girl, so more difficult to test. But then, neither did my mom. However, my mom and I have an advantage: her mother. My grandmother had a double mastectomy and was a guinea pig for much of our protocols in use today. She handled it all with style, grace, and fight. My mom also handled hers well, and was fought for what was right for her. As a result, I've done a lot of research and had made all my decisions on treatments plans years ago. I did not want to have to make these decisions while in the throws of the diagnosis.

Either way, I'll have an answer this week.  It is not a death sentence. No matter what the results, I'll fight. In my own way, and on my terms. For myself, my dear, dear friend, and everyone else who may be affected by this.

My only request is this: Check yourself.  Now, and each month. If you don't know how, there are tons of resources online. Start with the Susan G. Komen site at a minimum.

Homemade Doggie Treats

I'll add pictures a bit later, but I wanted to get this posted.  My pups LOVE these treats. Nice thing is you can make them as big or small as you want.

I'm using them as training and bribery treats, but as soon as I pull the container out the puppies are on top of me doing tricks for the treats.

Mix these in a separate bowl, a whisk works great:

1 cup whole wheat flour  (substitute for a different flour if your dog has allergies)
1 cop rolled oats (Old Fashioned, not Quick Oats)
2 tbls Cinnamon (or more if your dogs are nuts for it like mine)

In another bowl mix together:

1/3 cup peanut butter (creamy works best)
1 tbls light brown sugar (optional)
1 1/4 cup hot water (needs to be hot to melt the peanut butter)

Once the peanut butter, water, brown sugar are thoroughly mixed, add the dry ingredients to the wet.  Knead the dough to get all the dough together.  Now, if you want extra dish washing, you can roll out the dough on a floured board and cut it out.  I prefer rolling it in balls and using a fork to cross-hatch it just like you would for regular peanut butter cookies. Use an egg wash if you so desire.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes to get them really crunchy, or 25 minutes for a softer treat.  Once they're cooled put in an airtight container or resealable bag.  They will last about a week unrefrigerated, 3 weeks in the fridge.