This morning, I got ready to take part in yet another preventative exam... my mammogram. While the concept is uncomfortable, needless to say, it is necessary for a woman my age. There is a family history of it and in order to be leaning on the safe side, I have made sure I stay current in getting checked annually.
As I stepped into the hospital to check in, I get this overwhelming urge to be even more helpful than usual. It really is not all that hard to open a door for a person that is in a wheelchair, or offer a hand to someone much older make their way around. Especially, when hospitals are filled with people that need assistance. I check in and get prepped for my test, which consists of wearing a hospital gown as a shirt with the closure in the front. I enter the waiting room filled with other women there for the same reason. As I scan around the room, you can see the fear and discomfort in their faces. Tests like these definitely make a woman feel very vulnerable. The fate of what the results are hang in the balance. Feeling the need to make this situation a little more comfortable for everyone, I manage to pull out my little comedy spiel over this whole process. I even cracked a comment or two to lighten the mood about how out parents demanded us to wear a bra and here we sit... braless. Certainly not a liberating feeling I particularly like. I managed to ease the tension just a little and all these ladies managed to bond. Suddenly, the silence was filled with "good luck" mentioned to every one that called in.
One by one, we get called in. The test, as uncomfortable as it is, takes virtually no time at all. We get the option to wait for our results, or we can go. Either way, a copy of the results get mailed to you, but curiosity gets the best of women. As some high-tailed it out of there, a majority of us stayed behind to wait for our results.
As the camaraderie built among these women, the differences in each one of them became less. We are equals facing the unknown and hoping only the best for one another. The discomfort that comes in times like these seemed to disappear and our individual focus opened up to thinking of others. That vulnerability that was felt as we silently sat there earlier, was washed away. There was a feeling of empowerment and strength in that group of ladies. I sure felt it. I just found it so interesting that all it took was for one person to break the ice wall that surrounded each and every one of us to see such a difference in attitude. That level of support continued well after I went in for my test and a few new ladies joined the group.
What brought a tear to my eyes was how these women, that never met before, could smile and share their good news while offering hope and support to those still waiting. I had no doubt that if there was any bad news in the bunch of us, we would offer the support that would be needed to stand up and prepare to fight to live. Fortunately, there was not one mention of bad news by the time I got my results. As I got ready to leave, I wished everyone good luck.
If you are interested... My results were good. No abnormalities and no signs of cancer. With a sigh of relief, I am ready to face my day. The discomfort of feeling like my chest was pressed in a waffle iron will go away, but knowing that I am good health will stay with me a lot longer.
Lesson of the day: As everyone faces challenges and fear every day, you can take comfort that you are not alone. There is strength in numbers... use it.
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