Whew. I am exhausted today. On Monday I went to get my first ever mammogram. Yesterday I received a call that I needed to have some more pictures taken. Oh.
Needless to say I had a terribly restless night and have been awake since 3:30 this morning. I can very happily report, however, after my appointment at 9:00 a.m. that everything is fine. But what a rollercoaster of emotion. I have a history of anxiety issues, so I at least understand how my mind wants to work and reminded myself continuously to remain in the present. That, and to take one step at a time with the grace that I knew God would provide for me in this.
I have learned a couple of things from this small ordeal. One, is that I want a regular doctor. Because we only carry catastrophic insurance for things such as cancer treatment or hospitalization, we pay for the rest of our health care out-of-pocket. This has actually been a good thing for us for the most part. However, in shopping around for a doctor, I found the lowest cost at our county providers. While I have received adequate treatment at those clinics, I have found (and I'm guessing it is because the county providers are getting paid less than private practitioners) that the staff turnover is high and I am always seeing someone new. So, I am going to be more diligent and a little less pocketbook-focused in finding for myself a privately practicing doctor who will know me and may be able to offer me some advice in situations such as the one I just went through.
The second thing that I learned is that it is not too unusual to have to come back for a second mammogram - especially if you are under 40. The fibrous tissue in a younger woman is thicker and harder to "read," and therefore may require another look. I might have liked that information last night and though my husband is the one who found it this morning when he got to work, I didn't look up anything last night on the internet, because I have learned my lesson the hard way with that. With my tendency toward anxiety and my VIVID imagination (which serves me well as an artist, but not so much when it comes to things to be concerned about), I pretty much stay away.
Well, with that said, on to other things.
I actually have come to like the girls' bathroom very much. The photos are here. They are not exceptionally exciting, but overall the look is just so much cleaner and less dated than it was. We have one final project to do to the mirror and I will post photos of that later.
This photo highlights the new cabinets that were once pink with white plastic handles. I like the new look MUCH more!
I would like a new shower curtain with a design of some sort, since there are such great big areas of just flat color, but this will have to do for now, since I haven't found anything I've like yet. I'll take my time finding something and hopefully I'll even find something used!
Finally, a friend of mine from church sent me this link to TamPontification. It is a simple donation sight arranged by Seventh Generation. By simply choosing a donation state and clicking, Seventh Generation will donate free tampons to women's shelters across the country! It take mere seconds and there is nothing you need to do except, point, click, and feel a little happier about doing something nice for someone today. Check it out!
Comments
Mar. 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I am glad that all is well after your tests. I can understand your anxiety!
your stack of books is huge! Happy reading!
Randi--http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/randi/
Mar. 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SmallWorld
Great news on the mammogram!! Phew! And I LOVE your paint job. Looks fresh and fabulous! I'm inspired....
Mar. 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by amalapert
What a GREAT makeover!! Take your time on the shower curtain - it will be the main focus when you walk in so be sure to find something you all like a lot. ;) The rest looks GREAT! LOVE the purple. You should see my kitchen! LOL I'll send a pic sometime.
And I really really love the idea of making a photo history of the books you're reading too! Great idea that I think I'll incorporate. ;)
Mar. 9, 2007 - Relief
Posted by Anonymous
Hey friend...so glad that you are okay...I definitely empathize with the anxiety/vivid imagination thing! The bathroom looks fresh and happy...that's a big accomplishment!! Way to go! I look forward to checking out your Flickr set...and thanks for responding on my blog entry "live life together"...I will respond on my comment section later today to you!
Aimee
http://livinglearningandlovingsimply.blogspot.com/
Mar. 9, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I feel your pain. I went my first mammogram this year (a ton of family history) and was really frustrated when they called me back in.
~omly
http://omly.blogspot.com
Mar. 9, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Lilliepad
I'm glad the mammogram checked out okay. I can so relate to wanting a doctor. We haven't had medical insurance in a decade (not my choice) and I'm at a point in life where I could really use it for some health issues.
The remodeling looks great!
Mar. 10, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by wadeboysmom
Great job on the bathroom - very nice, love the colors.
We don't have any insurance either and I have issues with making a mountain out of a mole hill, especially with health issues, so I know how it is. I actually haven't been to the doctor since just after my 6yo was born. I think I need to make an appointment.
I'm glad everything is fine with you.
Blessings!
Sharity