Whoop! Whoop!

It happens every spring, the dreaded mammogram. I’m always apprehensive but this year I was more so. I’m entering my seventh-year post cancer. Five years of clear mammograms is the goal for post cancer patients; it’s usually when they say you “beat” it. That’s “most” people, I don’t fall in that category. After my first dance with the Big “C” I made it to five (5) years of clear mammograms and was doing a happy dance, only to find out after my six (6) year mammogram I was at Stage 3b.

 Last year, I was clear, I beat the six-year mark. I was happy and cautiously optimistic. I went to have my mammogram two weeks ago. Being a bit superstitious, I made my appointment for the same facility I went to last year. (thinking it was a lucky spot – I know it makes no sense but it worked for me – lol!)

 As I was leaving, something propelled me to bring one of my books. My plan was to leave it in the waiting room, thinking the universe will get it to someone who needs it. I arrive on time and as the receptionist starts to walk me back, she asks if I need her to take me – my response – No, I know the drill and I’ve been here before. Left to get ready, I change into the oh so lovely gown and go sit in the waiting room. I set my book on the table next to me and concentrate on my Wordle for the day.

 A young woman comes from the mammogram room and sits next to me. She’s fighting tears, turns to me and says, “I’m having a bad day”. Knowing she’s just come from having a mammogram, I understand her angst. I told her I’ve had breast cancer twice. “Twice?”, she asks. Yes, twice and I’m here and healthy. “How did you handle it?” I told her I found gratitude and humor every day. You can’t control what is happening to you, but you can control your attitude.

As we were talking, she picked up my book and started reading the back cover. I told her that it was my book. Just then the tech came and handed her a disc of her images. She turned to leave and I said “remember you’re stronger than you think”. She started to hand my book back to me. “No you take it, the universe had me bring this today to make sure it got to someone who needed it and that’s you”. She gave me a hug and tearfully said thank you. You made my day, she says. I wrote my book for this, giving it to someone to help them on their journey. It doesn’t get any better than that! No matter what happens with me today, it’s a great day.

  It was time for my mammogram. My tech said I am so happy to have you today, my name is Carey, and it’s spelled just like yours. Now this is a good omen! I say it will be quick as I only have one breast (lol). I tell her about my encounter in the waiting room, and she writes down the name of my book – telling me she’s going to order it as soon as I leave. Give it to someone who needs it, I say.

 I have to wait a little longer than usual to get my results, which increases my apprehension. I check mychart every day for two weeks hoping to see them. Finally, I get the news, I’M CLEAR! Double whoop whoop! I made it to seven years. To say I’m relieved and happy is an understatement. Life just got even brighter – lucky me!