In America, every moderately illuminated person knows about "Think Pink" campaign dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer and emotional support for the affected. The movement has in a very wobbly manner rolled to Estonia as well. Due to technical issues women over 50 can have mammography, in three years, provided they are insured. Other methods for detection available here include self-exam and ultrasound screening. 

Last Friday I was broken a news that a lady I know for over a decade has been handed cancer diagnosis. And that surgery will be in 2 weeks.

It felt as if someone had dealt blow to me. My cancer awareness is zero, actually I have chosen not think of it. Ostrich approach, I would call it. 

A day later I met her. It was bit unnerving since I didn't know how to behave. You see, in Estonia people regard highly their privacy and are very selective with whom they share personal matters. Thankfully, many years abroad have taught her that some things are easier to deal with when you can share. Without ceremony, she casually mentioned her upcoming surgery and gave me green light to discuss the matter. 

Her story still gives me chills. She discovered the lump a half year ago while making home in Spain. Local doctor refuted her story and didn't even issue an order for mammograph. One of her Estonian friends in Spain suggested that she has need for attention.

My friend returned to Estonia to tend the situation. Without luck since the family doctor noted that she probably has vitamin D deficiency (after returning from sunny Spain, mind you!) and prescribed  painful injections. My friend did not surrender and made herself an appointment for mammography but had to wait for 3 months in the line until she was finally able to prove many people wrong....

She was informed that her cancer is in middle stage and some of the affected areas are close to lymphic nodes and therefore fast acting will be key. Well, duh?

When she broke the news to some family friends from countryside and they visited she noted that the guys were acting like zombies, no usual laughs or teasing. Obviously like me they have chosen not to educate themselves about such disease. Cross that bridge when you come to it....

My friend has arrived to that bridge in her life. And she tries to be brave for her own and others' sake. But of course she needs support, she needs some good energy sent towards her, someone thinking of her.

Estonians say: Shared joy grows and shared pain lessens. I thank everyone in advance praying for my friend!  

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