Work in Progress


Hello!  Goodness was this week a busy week.  I'm trying to get used to my seven hour babysitting days.  I work Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  In a few weeks the hours might be less, fingers crossed.  The Toddler is amusing, we play 'muddy puddles' which is a Peppa Pig themed story of jumping in muddy puddles.  We just have shallow un-muddy puddles but they are coined 'muddy puddles' and she delights in repeating it over and over while running from one to the other.

Her dad asked her why her shoes were wet.  She said "Miss Karen told me to run in muddy puddles".  Um....no....Peppa was the one with the original idea, I just thought it was a fun idea.

I delight in her happiness in the simplest of things.

golden retriever at work who LOVES me
So my anxiety is resolved and now I'm ready to give you the story: 

Three weeks ago, I was called back for another mammogram and after that magnified mammogram they found micro calcifications and recommended a biopsy.  I was told 'it's probably nothing'. 

I don't know how long you have been reading but my mom died of breast cancer in 1998 and she kind of ruined the whole mammography stuff.  Needless to say,  I was very anxious and stressed.  All my positive thinking went out the window.  Another stressor was the radiology department was not updating my report on my electronic chart for me to schedule the biopsy at the main hospital.

Now let me tell you about all the graces that I received:

-my mid-wife nurse practitioner was expedient in messaging me and giving me advice - I adore her!

- I made an appointment with my family doctor to discuss my anxiety and why I was anxious.  Within two hours of my appointment, my chart was updated and I had a scheduled biopsy (he is awesome and I hope he yelled at someone).

-the day of the biopsy, the radiologist doing the procedure told me and my husband that it didn't look like cancer.  (and it was 100% benign) (and the biopsy was the day before we left for Canada for funeral stuff-gah!)


After my first week of complete panic and stress, I kept chanting over and over that I know many, many women who have survived breast cancer and that this awesome technology that is available to me would have probably saved my mother's life if it was available to her.  This is truth.

I wish I was positive all the time.  But I'm not, I'm a work in progress. 

the love of others

I love how while I was feeling rotten and miserable, I was graced with people who uplifted me and helped me along the way.  Family, friends and health care workers who made a big difference - I will never forget their compassion and kindness.


So today while driving all over the place, I got mild road rage over a Silverado pulling in front of me only to drive slow.  Later another Silverado did the same thing to me again.  (Silverado day!).  I reflected how nice it was to be thinking of such a mundane boring thing.



Thank you for reading and commenting.  Welcome to all you new readers too, you know who you are.  I have a special appreciation for the silent readers - you shy people - I used to be silent then I started a blog and now cannot keep quiet.

Comments

  1. I'm so glad that things went well with your biopsy! I've been there, and I know the fear of the unknown, the hospital wrapping things up in red tape, and all the terrible scenarios you can imagine because of those darn micro-calcifications. I've been blessed with wonderful radiology technicians who have been honest, yet informative and calming, and I'm glad you had one. A mammogram and the results are fraught with worry when our mothers have died of breast cancer, but I've been sending good thoughts and am going to keep up with good thoughts and prayers for your continued good health. Enjoy both the calm and irritations of an ordinary day. :-)

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  2. I'm glad it was benign. I'm sorry you were so stressed out and you know what? You can't help it but feel that way. I would rather you get it out than to hold it all in and fake being positive. Continued good, general health wishes for you.

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  3. I can certainly understand why the positive thinking went out the window. My mother died young of Multiple myeloma cancer and as a result any screening or testing leaves me fretting and anxious. I had a medical scare a year ago and I managed to think up all kinds of frightening scenarios. I am glad your biopsy came out so well. Now back to enjoying those muddy puddles.

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  4. Such good news! Of course you were anxious. Especially since your mom died of breast cancer. Many women survive, but none of us has that guarantee! I had a suspicious mammogram at about the same time as you. They don't think it's cancer but do want me to come back in 6 months. Luckily, I'm good at compartmentalizing! I'm so glad your doctor got that biopsy scheduled for you. It shouldn't be so hard.

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  5. I'm so glad you had a good outcome to your biopsy. I went through something similar a few years ago (at Christmas time, no less). I think sometimes medical professionals forget that there is a HUMAN BEING at the other end of the situation.

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  6. Congratulations on a clean bill of health. I'm glad you had folks around you to help.

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  7. Oh what a time you have had ((HUGS)))

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  8. Oh my, that must have been a horrible few weeks ! Glad to learn the outcome is good, I hope you can now relax and enjoy again !

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  9. Such a stressful time for you. Glad you had the support of so many caring people!

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  10. I'm so glad how things worked out, but I also know it can be beyond stressful. And I also know it's' bittersweet when you realize how lucky we are today with technology and treatment options. I'm so glad you are here to tell us all about it!

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  11. I'm happy to read of your good news and I can't imagine the anxiety you must have gone through! May you enjoy the blessings of an ordinary day!

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  12. Count me among those who are happy to hear all turned out well for you. I will continue to send good thoughts your way . I am impressed you had someone who was willing to assuage your anxiety and help you get to the tests you need and the answers that brought you peace. Please keep talking! I love all you have to say.

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  13. I am so happy that all is well, sending you a hug. It was a delight to read about the doctors reassurance and quick update of your records. What fun jumping in muddy puddle with your charge.

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  14. So glad it was nothing. I went through a scare in college when they found a lump, grandmother had both breast removed in the late 70's, before technology advanced. It was benign, hallelujah! Take care.

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  15. I am so glad that the news was good! I had a callback last year and it was agonizing. I don't have a family history of cancer and I was terrified. Sorry you had to deal with the situation but glad for the blessings (like your family doctor - awesome). Now to fully enjoy fall!

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  16. I'm so relieved for you! Prayers answered!

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  17. I truly hate those call backs on mammograms. I am so glad that it was all okay in the end! And, thank goodness for excellent family doctors! Have a great weekend!

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  18. Prayers answered! That is the worst sort of anxiety to have to deal with. I am so grateful that the news was positive for you, my friend! xo

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  19. Oh Karen, I'm so glad you are okay and sorry you had to go through that. I had a cancer scare a few years ago and was a Complete LUNATIC while I waited for the test results. Happy Knitting!

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  20. Ah, so thankful for the outcome and that you have some healthcare workers to go to bat for you. I know well that anxious feeling. We should all go out and jump in muddy puddles!!

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  21. I am SO glad that your biopsy returned totally benign! I know what a worry that had to be for you, Karen! I have had a couple of calcification issues through the years and it really is anxiety inducing, especially when cancer runs in the family. I hope that the fall brings you days of comfort and joy and is totally stress free! xoxo

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