WTF

I’m looking at the results of my most recent mammogram, dated October 9, which basically says … “you’re good to go. Results are fine. See ya next year.” What a crock of crap! Ladies, check YOUR own boobs! Now, I am not saying that you shouldn’t get a mammogram. But you certainly need to continue to push and squeeze your own boobs. In my case, it may have saved my life.

So how did I get here?

About one month after I got the all clear from my annual mammogram screening, I felt a lump under my right breast. It felt out of place so I called my GYN for a follow up appt. She referred me to the Breast Center for another mammogram and ultrasound. (The initial mammogram was completed at another location) Well, the radiologist could not confirm the diagnosis without a biopsy. So I came back in the next day to have this done. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it was nothing like what I’ve seen on House. (Go figure). I think the loud clamping sound of the “sample extractor” was the scariest thing about the whole experience. It sounded like a giant staple gun going off for multiple rounds. After the experience, I was told that they’d expedite results and I should hear something within 48 hours. It was the longest 48 hours of my life … well, at that time. Since then, I’ve had some equally long 48 hour experiences … More about those later. Welp, I don’t think I’ll ever forget the way that I learned of my results.

Imagine this, it’s Dec 17 and I’m at work, preparing to take my team to lunch to celebrate the holiday. I have a follow-up appointment to get Biopsy results at 2pm after lunch. I already know what I’m ordering, when I get to the restaurant. I’m starving! I’m packing up to head out and my team is scattered around the outside of my office. I grab my phone to place it in my purse and notice that I have a text message. I open the text message which reads, “Hello Tova, thank you for scheduling an appointment with Dr. S on Thursday at 8am.” First of all, who is Dr. S? I knew that I didn’t have an appt on Thursday, since I needed to be in Baytown for a meeting. Let me google this guy. When his title came up in the google search, I let out a loud shriek. Dr. S - Doctor of Oncology and Hematology. OMG! I have cancer. Suddenly, I wasn’t so hungry anymore.