Wake Up and Say Thank You!

I'm okay, but things could have gone in a different direction. I've hesitated in blogging because I'm not sure I have completely sorted out my thoughts and feelings on what could have been.

I had to have a biopsy of some clustered calcification in my right breast (near the chest wall). Turns out it's fibrocystic changes, which is a good thing, relatively speaking. I've had cysts for several years now, but so far they've not been a problem. During my April mammogram, they discovered this cluster of calcium deposits, which they called "area of concern" in my letter, and my doctor called it "complications" when she phoned me. I remained calm, cool, and collected...mostly. After some research, I found out that calcification is not normally a cause for alarm if the calcium deposits are scattered. If they're clustered...well...they can only tell what the cluster is hiding by doing a biopsy. What they discover could be benign, precancerous, or malignant.

My biopsy on Thursday, May 5 was a core needle biopsy that included leaving in a marker for future mammograms. The procedure, however, was a little more involved than I expected. I was really frightened going in because it was all so foreign to me, but I put on a brave face for Ken. There's a continuous mammogram or x-ray to make sure they're on target, a small incision, and some blood--enough said. Oh, and there's pain after the local wears off.

The hard part is the waiting and wondering, but on the following Tuesday, my doctor called to tell me I'm fine. Whew!

I prayed a lot, and I was preparing myself for the different scenarios. The verdict I got was definitely the best case scenario. I'm blessed, but I'm not off the hook. I have decided to treat this as a wake up call. My health in general is very good but definitely not perfect. I can do better. I may not have much control over future calcification of the breast since, in my case, it's all part of growing old up, but I can do more to maintain my good health.

I've had four friends who have survived breast cancer in recent years (one was just last year). One of these friends (maybe more, but she's the only one I asked) had clustered calcification. Throughout this whole ordeal, I kept telling myself that I'm not exempt. I can get sick just like anyone else. I prayed for healing, but I also prayed for courage and strength for myself and my family to handle come what may. This wake up call involves taking better care of my body and my soul. It's time to take stock of my physical situation and figure out a game plan to at least try to keep what might have been from becoming what is. And I can never neglect my spiritual armour because the fate of my soul is what counts in the end.

Life is a gift to be received with gratitude and thanksgiving...every day.