Friday, January 15, 2010

The Boob Tube

You probably think I'm going to write about the television. Well...not exactly. I can write about this now because it's over. I had an MRI on Wednesday because of an increase in calcifications that showed up on my last mammogram. An MRI. It sounds serious, and it is definitely not a walk in the park. My last mammogram was 2 days before Christmas and when we compared it to the mammograms from the last 4 years, there is an obvious increase in calcifications on the right side. Sometimes, if there is a cluster of calcifications, that can indicate pre-cancerous tissue... Not good. But, it's normal for calcifications to increase as a woman gets older (joy!). So, since my mother had breast cancer, the radiologist encouraged us to find out for sure. Therefore, I allowed myself to be rolled into a long, metal tube to be x-rayed with super, duper strength stuff. I'm sure there was all kinds of radiation bouncing around the room. The days leading up to my appointment were incredibly stressful. Often, I would wonder if Wednesday was the day I'd receive a cancer diagnosis... Thankfully, everything is fine and the doctor saw no inkling of anything remotely suspicious. I slept for 2 hours after I got home...

One of my friend's grandmother passed away that evening, and as I read about her passing... and a letter from her husband, I was struck by the different feelings we had about death. She was ready to go. She spoke of wanting to go... She was ready to meet the Lord. There's a hole where she used to be, and the sadness of her absences is so fresh...but there's some comfort in knowing she longed to go home to heaven. I'm not ready to go. And, the main consideration I have is not for myself, or even Handy Man...it's my children. They need me. Is there a time in our life when we feel that we've done what we were supposed to do? We've finished the job and ready to go "home"? I don't know the answer, but I know that I still have a job to do, and it looks like I'm going to be allowed to keep at it...

I can't end on such a melancholy note...so, here's a short video of what we did after Christmas. This is my #1 (on the drums), #2 (on the guitar), #4 (on vocals), and a brief glimpse of #5 sitting on the couch completely engrossed in his new Nintendo DS. My boys....singing Ghostsbusters. It told you I had a lot of work to do...

6 comments:

Shan said...

Oh wow Trish. That sounds terribly scary. I'm very proud of you for doing what you needed to do to catch and early traces of that hideous possibility.

Cancer is such a beast and lately has caused more people such pain and suffering. It makes me angry.

So glad you are in the clear and can go back to enjoying the year with your sweet family.

Those boys are looking so grown these days!! When I started watching it was ghostbusters and "Falling slowly" from your music player together making for some really weird beats! heh heh

Very clever post title by the way!

AfricaBleu said...

Phew--glad you're okay. I have never had a mammo (I know, I'm the age to do it), but this makes me think, for sure.

Cute video, by the way. Gotta love the rockin' out.

Wendy said...

Trish, So glad you went back in and got checked out. And SO THANKFUL that you are okay. Prevention and early detection are so important, especially because it runs in your family. Preaching to the choir.

You know, Mimi lived for 3 YEARS after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. That just doesn't happen. She was in excellent health, went to her appts every year, and listened to her body when she knew something was wrong. Many people don't even get 3 months after that kind of diagnosis. I'm so thankful-- SO very very thankful-- for those last three years.

Mimi was ready. They were so wise and mature about it. They faced the truth, embraced the present & future, rejoiced in their time together. She lived a super-full life, married for 54 years. And I believe she accomplished everything she set out to do. She knew God's job for her was over here.

The pain of separation is so hard, but it'd not the kind of grieving for a life cut short.

Wendy said...

Oh, and I love the video. Have YOU played it yet? Rockband is actually really fun! And you should try the game Just Dance. I l-o-v-e it!

Lauren said...

Yea for good news!! I am so glad you shared so we can all give God the glory!!
I'm glad you ended with the video, your kids are too funny!
Bless you!!

Suzanne said...

I am so thankful that I am even just a small part of your life and so thankful that I get to share that longer. In 1993, before kids, I had a lump removed from my left breast. I went in for a check up and within 2 days was meeting with a surgeon. It was concerning then, but now with a family it would be a different concern. My paternal grandmother passed of breast cancer and I find myself wanting to stay in the dark rather than being preventive as if not knowing means not true. I'll add that to the to-do list. Love you, have a great night.