What's a Woman to do in regards to being diagnosed properly?

I'm sitting here pondering, while waiting to receive the text message that one of my classmates from high school has passed away. She has been in the battle of her lifetime, for three whole weeks! Yes, I said that, three weeks! Three weeks ago she appeared to be healthy. Then- WHAM- the diagnosis- breast, liver, lung, and bone cancer! YIKES- the battle had begun. I am now at a loss for words- and am wondering......How many women are diagnosed with depression or your pain is all "in your head?" This is what had happened to MY friend! It disgusts me that she doctored for eight months and her doctor wrote her pain off......UGGGGHHHHHHH........I know that I will me much more vigilant when it comes to my medical care, and believe me I have been tested through the years. It's easy to put faith in our doctors, which I do, but we, as women, need to stand up and say, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" It bothers me that women can be diagnosed with depression so quickly- well, you have kids, a job, a husband, a house, etc......the list can go on and on. Sure, there are women that are depressed. There also comes a time when a second opinion is in order, and in my friends case, that second opinion came eight months too late.

My friend is on the journey of a lifetime. She is literally knocking on the gates of heaven. I wait, my classmates wait, her family waits,and the waiting continues. What are we waiting for? We are waiting for the news that Mary has entered the gates of heaven and she is no longer suffering! And now the battle is on- this Mom and friend will take charge of her medical care, as everyone should! Stand up for yourself. When something doesn't feel just right, do NOT be afraid to get that second opinion!