Remember last month when I had to go in for my Mammogram? Remember how I had caught that virus going around on the same day? I was so miserable.
What I didn't say was what the tech had told me before I got the mammogram. She was asking me all kinds of questions then said she was going to give me some statistics. Because I know all about statistics, thanks to the A word, I became somewhat alarmed. She told me that 73% of women will be called back after a routine mammogram for a re-take or they saw something. Only 27% of women are given an "all clear".
Ever since then, every time the phone would ring I would look at the caller ID and not want to see UNM Hospital. I have been on pins and needles since, but, did start to relax this past week.
Well, folks, looks like I'm one of the 27%. Yes, you heard me right. Got a letter from the Hospital in the mail yesterday. When I first opened it, all I saw in bold letters was the word Cancer. I almost lost my breath. Then, once I focused it said that nothing was found, non cancer. Me, 4th Pew on the left, was given an "all clear".
Also in the mail was a package. For me. It was from a Coffee Brewing place I had gone to when visiting Tish, Jace & the kids before I stopped working to be home because of the A word. I opened it and behold, there it was, some of the most delicious coffee I have ever tasted. It was an early birthday present from her. My daughter is one of the most thoughtful, beautiful, loving persons I know.
Imagine, me, sitting on the couch, a letter from UNM Hospital with an "all clear" in my left hand and in my right hand was this wonderful bag of coffee. I lifted them both up and said, "Gee, thanks God."
I don't know why I was so scared about my mammogram. Could be because I was sick and, how the tech was giving me these statistics. Also, because of the A word.
Good things do come in small packages. In the form of a letter and a bag of coffee!!!
Yesterday was a good day.
(On a roll here folks, I mentioned the A word here only 3 times. Well 4 times if you are counting this sentence. Not bad. Not bad at all.)
Good news. I had to repeat mine this year as well. They told me they just needed more chest wall muscle. I did totally believe them but still. The tech was so friendly. She showed me the images and even walked me outside.
ReplyDeleteThis week I have 2 scopes......yuck. ALthough I am not worried a friend was just diagnosed with cancer that has the same symptoms. The good thing is I will know soon after the procedure except for the biopsy. You worry no matter what.
Glad your news was good and such a sweet DIL to get you the coffee.
Thankful for health and the little joys in life!
ReplyDeleteI've not yet reached routine-mammogram age, but after my last routine obgyn visit, the NP discussed my family history of cancer and the stats that go along with carrying a specific gene related to these cancers. She recommended a simple lab test to know whether I carry the gene. Stated that I should NOT take the test until I have life insurance, otherwise would automatically be denied. Suffice to say, I am not motivated to get this test. I wonder when I will be?