Counting my Blessings

Today I went for my first mammogram. This wasn't a routine mammogram though. Those don't normally happen until after you turn 35. Today's event was scheduled for me by the doctor here on Coast Guard Island following my yearly physical three weeks ago. Everything in that physical was fine.

Except for one thing.

They found a lump, or what they thought might BE a lump in one of my breasts.

After listening to my family history, it was determined that I needed to have it looked at by a professional. Given my short time left in the Coast Guard and the fact that on May 22 I will be losing my health care benefits it had to be done quickly.

Originally they were going to make me wait more than a month, intending to schedule me for the end of April. Considering that I am planning on moving to South Carolina in 31 days, that was not going to work for me. It took a near melt-down on my part to get them to schedule me sooner. But, I prevailed.

Last night was one of the longest nights that I can remember. I tried everything to get my mind off of what was going to happen today. I read a book and watched TV. I cleaned my house and did laundry. I hugged my dog. Finally, I called Ben at 2 a.m. his time (they are in port right now), and had a good long cry. I felt alone, angry, and frightened. He listened and did his best to comfort me from 5,000 miles away. He did a good job.

This morning I drove almost an hour to a clinic out in Pleasanton. I don't remember most of the drive. In fact, I almost missed a very important turn, and probably would have ended up in Stockton before I realized it. I was scared. Very scared. In my family, there is a history of women having breast cancer at a young age. 27 in fact. I turn 27 in just over three weeks.

After three long hours of waiting, mammograms, and ultrasounds the doctors informed me that everything looks good. They see no abnormalities at all. Whatever was there three weeks ago is no longer present.

I have never been so relieved in my life.