Sunday, December 9th, 2007
You want to do WHAT to my uhh girls?
Last week I received a set of appointment schedules in the mail. The appointments are for January next year, and the hospital is 3.5 hours away. (I don’t live in the boonies but this is a world renowned clinic and I prefer going there, also, my oncologist is there).
I’m due for my annual checkup, which includes a whole-body CT scan, several gigantic tubes of blood draw to test thyroid levels and whatever other things they’re suppose to check, physical examination by the oncologist. I’ve done this umpteen times so I’m not overly stressed. I just don’t like the required fasting, the barium sulfate crap, and the needles. OMG the needles. Did I tell you about the countless times where more than 2 people have to access my veins, because they can’t find it? Or it rolls? Or it’s been so busted that there aren’t any good ones left? Once both my arm veins were collapsed and I couldn’t bend my arms pain-free for over a week, and I had a 27 lb 1-yr old boy that needed carrying. Needles and I don’t get along very well at all. I digress.
There was a surprise appointment in there. A mammogram! I’m not kidding. I’m very flat. I’m 31. I’m still a long ways from the “required mammogram” age group. I don’t want to get my none-existent boobs squished between cold glass plates. I’m not ready. I’m too young for this. Sigh.
The reason why I need to do the mammogram is because I had Mantle Field radiation after chemotherapy, as an “insurance” thing (it’s very typical protocol). And because of the radiation, there is an increased risk of developing breast cancer. It’s a good thing that they’re keeping an eye on stuff, but yikes, I really don’t want to get squished.
I’m also suppose to see my GI doctor there (which I have to call and add on this request), so I can refill my prescription. This GI problem of mine is very embarrassing and I’m too ashamed to talk about it openly with anyone. It’s a chronic condition, which means there is no cure for it, and I’m required to take daily medication for the rest of my life. Let’s leave it at that okay? (I feel as if I’m 85, having all these medical problems…)
SO. It will be a very fun field trip day for me. I’m not looking really forward to it and I’m slightly anxious; I’m grateful nonetheless. Let’s just hope the weather cooperates and I wouldn’t have to drive in a snowstorm. Several more weeks of blissful ignorance before the onslaught of yucky barium sulfate drinks, iodine injection, and SHARP pointy needles. And squished boobies.
