mamo

I was just going to brush over the last few weeks and 

leave it off my blog....

cuz turns out it was no big deal.

Then I decided I had learned a few things, and thought I may

as well share my thoughts after all.

Here is the short story made long.

As I was approaching my 40th birthday I began considering the 

notion of scheduling my first mammogram.

I had my birthday, called my insurance company and yes,

starting at age 40, they will pay for a baseline mamo.

I hum-hawed around for weeks,

then months,

continuing to have a the nagging thought in the back of my mind 

to schedule my apt.

Finally I did it.

I got in.

It was not so bad.

Check mark.

Done.

I got a call the next day from my doctor, 

saying that the radiologist wanted to 

take another look, 

there were some calcification clusters in my left breast.

No big deal.

Pretty common.

Went back in the next week for a second mamo, 

and an ultra sound.

Got another call fairly quickly saying that the radiologist 

suggested a biopsy of the area.

hmmmmm.....

ok.

The biopsy was uncomfortable, 

it was not horrible.

I had a Stereotactic Biopsy, which is all done by machine.

You lay on a table w/ a hole in it...

you get raised up and squished, 

and you pretty much get worked on like you are a car.

You lay very still for about 20 min.

You are kind of scared.

You aren't sure what to expect.

The doctor talks you through it, step by step.

You will feel a pinch and a burning.

Now you will feel some tugging and resistance.....

if you are lucky like I was,

you will have a thoughtful nurse in the room.

She will come over and hold your hand that is laying there 

with out asking,

she will just know what to do and how to comfort. 

She will pat your back and use a soothing voice to say 

how good you are doing.

After you will get taped up,

then wrapped tightly w/ a big ace bandage thing,

you will carry your bra home in your purse....

so bring a jacket, 

because I felt a bit awkward at this point.

But it was not too bad.

You are tender for a few days is all.

No exertion for 24 hours. 

 I wasn't going to say anything to anyone UNLESS I actually ended up 

having cancer.

This only lasted so long.

I did end up mentioning to my mom,

and my work out friends about my biopsy.

What I thought would happen, 

did happen.

My friends reached out to me with concern and love,

my family fasted, prayed, sent a beautiful package the day before my apt.

and so forth.

Geeez.....

now my initial reaction is to be kind of embarrassed that 

I even mentioned it,

because like I told them all along....

I'm sure it will be fine and work out.

It did.

I did not earn these gifts....or need to worry anyone.

I know that is ridiculous thinking.

I did not let people down by finding out my results were benign today.

That is the best news ever.

The hoped for results.

Thank you for going through this experience with me.

K even delighted me with what he knows I love the most.

Last night (kind of late) he was all determined to take off and go mail two letters

so he didn't have to worry about it the next day.

I held back making any comments,

or physically raising my eye brows at the absurdity of it.

I simply thought in my mind,

whatever floats your boat sweetie.

Ok, see you and Lawson when you get home.

This morning when I got up to teach in the wee hours of the 

morning,

I turned on the car to see a brand new full tank of gas.

He knows I love a full tank so much.

I knew he was sending me a message.

I got it loud and clear.

I think I am suggesting to share what's happening in your life

with those you love.

Let them love, serve, and support you.....

even if in the end you might find that 

Life goes on just as it did before.

You are healthy, happy, and very blessed.