Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Enter (02/27/06)
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TITLE: It's Gone | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jean Duerr
03/05/06 -
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As I entered through the doors to the X-ray department for my annual mammogram, I was more concerned about the discomfort of the procedure than the actual results. I had had a traumatic experience in the past and that influenced the present. I had put this mammogram off for a few months for no other reason than I just didn’t get around to it, but since I was scheduled to enter the hospital the following week for a right total knee replacement, I decided to squeeze it into my schedule for peace of mind.
The following day the receptionist from the radiologist's office called and said the films indicated a problem, and they would like me to come back for further studies. Since I had had two biopsy’s in the past with good results, I was not particularly upset at this point. Nevertheless, when the receptionist asked when I wanted to schedule the appointment, I replied jokingly, “How about now?” She asked how long it would take for me to get there and I replied, “Thirty minutes.” “Fine,” she said, “We’ll see you then.”
I hopped into the car and headed for the office. After the technician completed the series of films, they were reviewed by the radiologist who recommended an ultrasound, which was done at that time. Then I was ushered into the radiologist’s office where my films were on display and he began to discuss how this set of films, compared to the set taken a year ago, clearly indicated a change. He pointed out a little nodule sitting in a place where it didn’t belong and said further studies were indicated to determine what it was. I looked at the radiologist and said, “Talk to me. I am suppose to enter the hospital next week for a total knee replacement. What are we looking at and what would you recommend?” He said he was not able to know for sure, but from his experience, it looked like a “low to moderate risk and you should not put it off.”
That was not what I wanted to hear; this would definitely alter my plans. The fact that I had completed my pre-admission testing, as well as given a unit of blood, contributed to my "this can’t be happening to me now." But, I am so thankful the Lord adjusts our plans to fit in with His and that He is in control of our lives. When I returned home, I immediately called my orthopaedic surgeon and cancelled my knee replacement and located a surgeon and set up an appointment for the following week to review my films from the mammogram. The surgeon concurred with the radiologist and I was scheduled for a biopsy on Valentine’s Day.
I can honestly say through my personal prayers and the prayers offered on my behalf from my friends and family, I had perfect peace and was not anxious or alarmed about the possible outcome. My mother had a radical mastectomy for breast cancer so given my history, there was cause for concern, but the Lord reassured me I was going to be fine.
The day of the biopsy arrived and after I was ushered into the procedure room the nurse gave me instructions and then proceeded to prepare me for the surgeon. An X-ray was taken to locate the nodule so the doctor would know where it was compared to my films hanging on display. After three X-rays, they nurse said they could not find anything, so they were sending me for a mammogram because they are capable of detecting images that are not seen on X-rays. After taking three films, the nurse took me back to the procedure room where I waited for the doctor. Her words to me as she entered the room throwing her hands up in the air were, “It’s gone, it’s gone. Whatever it was, whatever the radiologist saw, it is not there now. Go home and have a Happy Valentine’s Day.” I responded, “You do see it on these films, don‘t you,” as I pointed to the screen on the wall. “Yes,” the replied “but, it is not there now.”
I couldn’t wait to get home and call my pastor, friends, and family. We all rejoiced in what the Lord had done for me.
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