My Diagnosis and My Daughter

I believe my daughter saved my life.  Had I not went through her medical journey I don't think I would have been so persistant in mine. 

I had been feeling tired and not myself over the winter.  I made an appointment before Christmas for a physical and then canceled.  You know how crazy it is over the Holidays.  However, I just felt off and I honestly thought it must be my thyroid, since my daughter had such issues with hers.  So finally I made an appointment for bloodwork and they said I was due for a mammogram - just routine. 

After the mammogram they called me back for additional images.  I really didn't understand but I felt this could be serious so Mr. Eckhoff came with me.  After the additional images the nurse said to sit tight while she talked to the radiologist.  She came back minutes later and told me I was ok to get dressed and go home because the radiologist didn't think it was anything.  However, they wanted me to come back in six months for another mammogram - just routine. 

Wait a second!  I was kind of dumbstruck and I asked if I could see what they were looking at and talk to the radiologist myself.  Mr. Eckhoff and I went in and he showed us the spots he was looking at.  He said he was 98% sure it was nothing.  I asked if it could be cancer and he said there was always that possibility.  I thought of my daughter and how many times we heard doctors use the 98% quote and unfortunately she always fell in the 2%.  How many times did we hear doctors tell us it was nothing before she was finally diagnosed with Graves Disease and need life saving surgery.

I asked about a biopsy so I could be 100% sure this indeed was truly nothing.  He said after meeting me he thought it was a good idea.  Not sure what he meant by that but somehow I don't think it was a compliment?? 

The following Monday I went in for a biopsy and Tuesday I got the call it was positive for cancer.  That cut and dry, that fast my world turned upside down.  I immediately called for a second opinion and the rest you know. 

I think about my diagnosis a lot and think about the What Ifs.....What if I would have walked out of there without insisting on seeing the radiologist?  What if I wouldn't have insisted on the biopsy?  What if I would have said ok, got dressed and made plans to come back in six months or even longer, knowing me?  I believe I would be sitting here right now oblivious to cells gone wild had I not had to fight for my daughter's health a few years ago.  She doesn't understand right now my emotion as I give her an extra tight hug but someday she will.  And because of her I will be around when she does.