The past few weeks are somewhat of a blur...... Here is a peek at the first week:
It started on the 20th of August when I had my annual mammogram. Always a stressful day.... I have had breast issues intermittently for the past 35 years. But, the last 12 years have been stable.
The next morning, I got the dreaded call "We'd like you to come in for more pictures". Rushed in the same day with Bob by my side. What did we learn? I have a small area of micro calcifications. I Googled "micro calcifications of the breast" on my iPhone while I waited to see the radiologist. 'Could be early stage of breast cancer.' The doctor said the area is very small. 4 mm. But....somewhat suspicious....recommend biopsy.
The afternoon of the 22nd, I made my third trip to the Women's Center, this time for needle biopsies. I was comfortable in the care of the staff at the center. All are kind, compassionate, individuals. Everything went well. Now the serious, nerve-wracking waiting begins. This was my eighth biopsy since 1978 or 1979. The first seven were benign. I can honestly say that I never took those diagnoses for granted. I was scared. The weekend was soon upon us and Bob agreed to help keep my attention diverted. He, too, was worried, but didn't show it. I was getting grumpy. My apologies to Bob and to my friend, Phyllis, and anyone else who bore the brunt of my grumpiness.
Tuesday evening, the 27th, my family doctor called. She didn't want to deliver the news over the phone but it was 8:30 at night and my appointment to officially be given the results was at 9:00 the next morning. She wanted me to be prepared....have the ability to focus, rather than sit there stunned by the news. Thank you, Dr. S. for the "heads up".
I was home alone trying to process the words just spoken to me by my doctor. I cried. Bob was enjoying the camaraderie of the guys on the last night of Tuesday Night Golf League. I texted him "Please come home." He walked in the door just minutes later. One look at me and he knew. I tried to allay his concerns, as well as my own. "The doctor said it is early."
I called my daughter, Anne.....she was still at the office at 9:20. I lost my courage to tell her. Assured her I would call in the morning after finding out the results. Hindsight, that wasn't fair to her or to me.
I texted three friends, who are as close as sisters, to see if they were still up. I then called each of them. They were shocked.
Amazingly, I got about four hours of sleep. I was no longer anticipating the answer that I would receive the next day. I knew.
