A Breast Cancer Scare
My mother had breast cancer at age 70. She had a lumpectomy and eight weeks of radiation. She is now in remission. Because of her, I check "breast cancer" on the family history portion of my annual health check up evaluation form, and because of that, my doctor orders a mammogram for me every year. This year was no different. I got my mammogram two days ago at Tower Imaging in Santa Monica. I figure everything was inconvenient, but probably just routine. I went in, got out, and went home.
However, this morning, I received a call on my cell phone from Tower Imaging, informing me that the mammogram results indicated that I had some density in tissue on my left breast compared to last year's mammogram. I needed to schedule a diagnostic mammogram with Saint John's Hospital immediately.
My first reaction was "What a drag", this happening right around holiday season. But figuring that I want to get it over with quickly so that I can get on with my life, or make preparations for surgery and such, I called the hospital. Saint John's gave me an appointment for the same afternoon, which was extremely efficient of them. I guess cancer is nothing to dilly dally over: exams and surgeries need to be scheduled immediately if possible to prevent the cancer from spreading. As I drove myself to the hospital, I got more agitated, and scared, all the while wondering if I can still go to an annual Christmas party with my friend in Santa Barbara the day after tomorrow. Even if I don't have to schedule a surgery until next week, would I be in the mood to party? Should I stay at home to reassure my husband and daughters that I will be okay? Should I even tell them? I hated the uncertainty.
At Saint John's Breast Center, I checked in. The process was really painless. Saint John's breast center is wonderfully private and pleasant. The ladies working at the intake area were very professional and understanding. The technician who administered the mammograms was efficient and no-nonsense. The procedure that tugged and compressed my left breast for imaging was a bit painful and uncomfortable, but not unbearable. Within fifteen minutes or so, the six mammograms were done. A doctor who reviewed the mammograms came in to talk to me almost immediately. "You had some denseness in breast tissues compared to last year, but after reviewing these detailed images, there is no reason for concern. You are just fine."
A weight was lifted off my shoulders. My life was given back to me. It's funny how my range of emotions within the span of a few hours today went from being bummed out, scared, thinking the worst of things, sad for my self, fear of the unknown, contemplating death, to relief and happiness. I resolved to eat more organic food, exercise more, rest more, and schedule that dreaded colonoscopy that my doctor ordered for me when I turned fifty this year. Getting old sucks!
However, this morning, I received a call on my cell phone from Tower Imaging, informing me that the mammogram results indicated that I had some density in tissue on my left breast compared to last year's mammogram. I needed to schedule a diagnostic mammogram with Saint John's Hospital immediately.
My first reaction was "What a drag", this happening right around holiday season. But figuring that I want to get it over with quickly so that I can get on with my life, or make preparations for surgery and such, I called the hospital. Saint John's gave me an appointment for the same afternoon, which was extremely efficient of them. I guess cancer is nothing to dilly dally over: exams and surgeries need to be scheduled immediately if possible to prevent the cancer from spreading. As I drove myself to the hospital, I got more agitated, and scared, all the while wondering if I can still go to an annual Christmas party with my friend in Santa Barbara the day after tomorrow. Even if I don't have to schedule a surgery until next week, would I be in the mood to party? Should I stay at home to reassure my husband and daughters that I will be okay? Should I even tell them? I hated the uncertainty.
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| Mammogram machine |
At Saint John's Breast Center, I checked in. The process was really painless. Saint John's breast center is wonderfully private and pleasant. The ladies working at the intake area were very professional and understanding. The technician who administered the mammograms was efficient and no-nonsense. The procedure that tugged and compressed my left breast for imaging was a bit painful and uncomfortable, but not unbearable. Within fifteen minutes or so, the six mammograms were done. A doctor who reviewed the mammograms came in to talk to me almost immediately. "You had some denseness in breast tissues compared to last year, but after reviewing these detailed images, there is no reason for concern. You are just fine."
A weight was lifted off my shoulders. My life was given back to me. It's funny how my range of emotions within the span of a few hours today went from being bummed out, scared, thinking the worst of things, sad for my self, fear of the unknown, contemplating death, to relief and happiness. I resolved to eat more organic food, exercise more, rest more, and schedule that dreaded colonoscopy that my doctor ordered for me when I turned fifty this year. Getting old sucks!
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