Great News

Today I got some of the best news I’ve heard in a while. “You’re Ok.” Two simple words, very comforting to me. About three weeks ago I discovered a lump in my breast. It just so happened that I was due for my yearly exam anyway. I made the appointment for the following week. My doctor is the greatest. I’ve been seeing her for about six years after being referred to her when it was discovered that I had another issue that needed treatment. That time, it was Endometriosis and it resulted in a major operation. My doctor was incredible throughout the entire process, from identifying it all the way to following up for several years afterward. Today, she is the only one I will see. She was unsure about whether or not the lump was something to be concerned about and sent me to St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Home of the Joyce Eisenberg Keefer Breast Center which is part of the John Wayne Cancer Institute. This is supposedly a renowned treatment center. I was scheduled for a mammogram and an ultrasound. This was also the place I had gone three years prior which meant they had a history on file to refer to. I walked out of there told that I was fine but for some reason I just didn’t feel satisfied. The following evening around 7:00 my doctor called me after having reviewed the report from the St. John’s. She explained that she was uncertain with what to do. The summary of the report said that I was fine but the details listed the lump being recognized but not defined. What the hell?!? was what she and I both said to that. She asked how I felt. I told her I’d like to get a second opinion. Her answer was “Good, I was hoping you would say that” and decided to send me to a specialist at Cedar’s Sinai Cancer Center. The doctor there was very well-known in the field and even treated my doctor’s Mother when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Today I went to that appointment. Again, as I was last time, I was nervous and even a little afraid. Up to this point five separate people, including myself, had actually confirmed there was a lump. I sat in the waiting room for quite some time. My thoughts running laps around the small room. Why is it that everywhere I turn, from TV to radio to billboards, Cancer is the theme? I have a hard time watching The L Word, this morning on Air America as I drove to my appointment I heard a Breast Cancer study that is advertising for volunteers. I changed the channel to and AM station to check traffic. They announce that Dana Reeve has passed away from Lung Cancer and didn’t even smoke. Jesus! Is this some sort of message or something? Thankfully, it was not. The doctor I saw today did a very thorough exam. I wasn’t exactly comfortable when she entered the room as she is, at the oldest, my age. And a specialist? Hmm… Anyway, I quickly changed my mind when she began speaking. Asking some very specific questions about family history and my health. Next was an extremely detailed visual and manual exam. A little uncomfortable given that she was also an extremely attractive woman. Ok, she was hot! But I digress. Thirdly, was performed an ultrasound. All the way through she explained what she was noticing, answered my many questions, and generally made me feel at ease. Finally, she said I was fine and had nothing to worry about. To add to this, she offered to order a biopsy if I was not completely convinced. I asked her how confident she was with her findings. She ensured me that she was very confident. That was all I needed to hear. I can’t help but feel fortunate that I happen to live nearby and have direct access to some of the best doctors in the world. Tonight I will sleep deeply and happily for the first time in weeks.