FAMILY MATTERS by Jude Dobson

Within two days I've heard of two people who've been told they have cancer. One breast, one bowel. Sobering stuff. Both in their forties, both feeling pretty chipper, until they heard the "c" word. Both are now going down the chemo and surgery path, and life has changed forever.
"At least you've caught it early," was something the woman with breast cancer apparently kept hearing from people.
It's a true enough statement - she has had mammograms every year, but as much as the person you are talking to is simply trying to find a positive thing to say in a crappy situation, I imagine it's a bit like someone telling you you've only lost half your leg instead of all of it, so feel lucky.
I hope the outcome for both people will, of course, be positive and they will look back upon it in old age simply as a middle-aged hiccup. The more stories I hear like this, though, the more I feel that I should not take things for granted.
A couple of weeks back I went to the last of the summer's Real Women's Duathlons to help with the start. I competed in it three or four years ago and felt a real sense of achievement (coupled with a real sense of exhaustion) afterwards. Seeing all those women gathered there, of all shapes, sizes and ages was uplifting.
More than one woman told me they'd used the event as a goal after battling cancer. It was a tangible "full stop" to the months of treatment, a public statement to say they were fine again.
For many competitors it was the beginning of a lifestyle change of incorporating regular exercise, eating well and generally taking a bit more care of body and mind.
As I mentioned to the girls gathered at Ambury Park that gloriously fine Sunday morning, my kids said to me afterwards, "Wow Mum, we didn't realise you could actually do that."
It was great that they saw I was not a lost cause when it came to sporting activity, but not so good that they thought I could have been. I still have the cardboard medal my kids made and proudly put round my neck (when I finally got up off the ground). I keep it in a prominent place to remind me to stay active.
I've started pilates this year and that's certainly got my attention.
With the older two kids sporting very flat, firm tummies from the amount of rugby and ballet work that goes into their bodies, I've said I'm just aiming  for less wobble on the mummy-tummy.
It's a start.
The kids reckon I can get a "three pack" in place over winter. Judging by the aching tummy muscles I must be doing something right. I report on how long I can do the plank for or how many press-ups I can't do as they show me their seemingly effortless attempts in comparison.
Research shows women who are physically active and maintain a healthy weight reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, so with May being Pink Ribbon Breakfast month, you could start on your fitness regime with a nosh-up with mates.
Use it as a catalyst for setting activity goals as you munch muffins and quaff coffee together; www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz will tell you everything you need to know to put one together, complete with recipes. In essence, it's a great opportunity to gather friends and raise money for NZBCF at the same time.
May, for me, has three events of significance. Mother's Day, my grandmother's birthday (she died two years before I became a mother and holds a special place in my heart) and a mammogram.
I figure I will never forget a mammogram in May because celebrating being a mum, then thinking about someone I love who is no longer here, are good motivations to ensure I keep monitoring my own health so I do grow old and become a grandmother one day.