It was a somewhat taxing morning of getting my first, pre-mature, mammogram. During our most recent road trip, I found a lump the size of grape on my right breast. I made an appointment to get a mammogram and ultrasound after consulting with my primary. The soonest I could get in was 2 weeks from when I noticed this annoying little lump, which was actually pretty quick considering how far out clinics are scheduling out these days.
I figured it was probably just a cyst because of the regularity in its shape and feel of the edges, but better to stay on the safe side and find out for sure. I felt pretty optimistic during the past couple of weeks. I kept myself from stressing out about it by telling myself, “I’ll cross that bridge when I get there”, “nothing you can do about it now”. But, the morning of the exam I caught myself thinking of the, “what-if”, and “what’s the plan if an abnormality is found”
Josh was understandably upset he wasn’t able to join me. He was on a business trip. But, I felt as though he was still with me despite being miles away – we were communicating real time. I didn’t want to delay the appointment, and he couldn’t really move the date of putting up a tower! I was lucky enough my friend was able to accompany me. I wanted someone with me that thinks analytically and knows healthcare – she was the perfect person to step in. I’m so grateful for her. She helped me stay cool and collected.
If you’ve never had a mammogram done, it’s quite the interesting experience. And, if you have to get it done before you’re 45 – the cost is a pretty penny, even with good insurance. All of it was news to me.
I walked in with my friend, checked-in at the front desk. They called me back almost immediately. My friend waited for me at the main waiting room. They had me change in a changing room; “everything off from your waist up”. How odd that sounds coming from someone else as typically at work I’m the one saying this to my patients. They give you a front opening gown that you wrap around like a, far less fancy, kimono. You then wait in another waiting room with several other people to get called. The first thing was the mammogram – a cold and not comfortable experience, but manageable. Then, they took me back to get an ultrasound of the spot in question. While in this dark ultrasound room, a Radiology doctor walked in about 15 minutes after the tech performed the ultrasound, and said, everything looked perfect. It was just a palpable benign simple fluid filled cyst that would most likely resolve on its own and no need for further tests nor was it needing to get drained unless it doesn’t resolve on its own in the following weeks. I am lucky.
I immediately thought about the other women in the waiting room that had been waiting with me earlier – I hope they all got the same good news even though I know it’s a far fetched wish.
I had the rest of day off after my appointment, and wanted to feel sand between my feet. I decided today was a good day check off one of the good ones on my state park bucket list. I wanted a park that would be easy to explore with Arabella, with ample of space. Kohler-Andrea was the perfect one.
The park is about 1.5 hours from our place. Easy to get to, and plenty of parking. I decided we’d go on the beach side – which was a good decision. Arabella loves the water. When we got out of the car it felt about 5 degrees cooler but humid still and sticky. It was also so misty!! Josh would’ve absolutely loved it! We missed him so, naturally, had to write him a message in the sand.
It was a very successful trip. I’m glad Arabella does well in the car, and that she’s protective and vigilant of her surroundings. Even when she’s playing around, she’s never short of keeping an eye on things.
This little trip was a good way to remind myself of the love I have for life – regardless of what curveballs I get thrown. There are so many things I have yet to explore – and that’s why, “keep moving”, has always been one of the mantra’s I live by. Life really is short – and I cannot forget to cherish the beautiful moments I’m gifted everyday with my husband, my fur babies, friends and family.
Get Psyched. Climb. Adventure On. and
Love always,
Shan