It’s funny how fast your life can change. Just a few words from a doctor’s mouth and suddenly you are viewed differently.
When I went for my mammogram, I thought nothing of it. Just the normal screening test I’ve been getting for years. Even when I was told I needed a sonogram, I wasn’t worried. But when it took such a long time for her to do the sonogram, I thought, “Maybe there is more to this, this time.”
A week later, my gynecologist calls and gives me a few surgeons’ names to call for an appointment. The appointment is scheduled, he looks at the films, offhandedly remarks “there are some characteristics of cancer” and suggests a biopsy.
My boss was appalled that I had to wait so long for the biopsy. Seems they only do two of that kind a day where I was going and I had a three week wait. Luckily for me, she is firm and pestered me to see her doctor. She was diagnosed two years ago. Well, I hemmed and hawed, but she was persistent. She finally just told me, “If you are interested, they can see you tomorrow. The number is…..” So, I went to her doctor, who has a wonderful bedside manner.
He was going on vacation the following week, so I had to wait until he got back for him to do the biopsy, but it was scheduled. We joked around during the biopsy, discussing the Beatles, Elvis and the Stones. He chastised me for believing it was cancer. I informed him that I always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Besides, no one was telling me it was probably nothing to worry about. He didn’t either.
The following week I went back for the pathology results. Can you imagine telling your doctor “I told you so” when he tells you you have cancer! That is exactly what I did! There was a calmness that washed over me at that time and it has yet to desert me. With yearly mammograms, I know this has been caught early and my chances are wonderful. Now, if only I can survive everyone else knowing!
