Echoes of the Willow

By Michelle Allen

http://www.echoesofthewillow.com

Several years ago, after undergoing a partial hysterectomy and later breast reduction surgery, I received a diagnosis that changed how I approached my health: atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH).

ADH isn’t cancer—but it’s a red flag. It means that abnormal cells have been found in the milk ducts of the breast, cells that don’t behave like they should. They’re disorganized, layered in ways they shouldn’t be, and while technically benign, they carry a higher-than-average risk of developing into breast cancer over time.

Think of it as a whisper from your body—a gentle but firm nudge to pay attention. Since then, I’ve committed to regular screenings: mammograms, breast exams, and 3D MRIs. I’ve learned that vigilance is a form of self-love.

But this journey isn’t mine alone. My niece Melissa, radiant and full of life, was taken far too soon at age 29 by non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system and can spread quickly if not caught early. And my sister Candy, who bravely endured every stage of breast cancer, survived that battle only to pass away last fall due to other health complications.

Their stories are woven into mine. They remind me that health isn’t just about numbers or scans—it’s about legacy, resilience, and the sacred act of remembering.

So while I may not be the picture of perfect health (and yes, Dan’s cooking is partly to blame!), I try. I nourish my body, take my vitamins, and show up for every appointment. And when I write—when I share these stories—I feel stronger.

Because writing is how I move. It’s how I breathe. It’s how I heal.

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