I wouldn’t call myself a hypochondriac. I would say I am hyper-vigilant about my health. Well, it finally paid off…big time.
On May 22, I found two small lumps in my left breast. Hyper-vigilance means that I had a Dr. apt. on May 23 to get them checked out. I have had lumps before (benign cysts), and these felt the same. My normal OBGYN wasn’t available, so I saw her associate, Dr. Eisen. Dr. Eisen carefully felt the lumps and also thought they felt like cysts. The normal protocol is an order for a sonogram which Dr. Eisen wrote me a script for. Then she wrote me out a script for a mammogram. I asked her if I really needed a mammogram at 34 without a strong family history of breast cancer, to which she replied, “Just do it.” “OK fine,” I thought, “I will, but it seems like unnecessary radiation.” I took both the scripts and left her office.
My old boss, Merribel, like me, is also hyper-vigilant about her health and very particular about her doctors. When I used to set up Merribel’s mammograms, there was a very specific protocol I followed. I would call Sibley Breast Health Center, and I would make sure Dr. Rebecca Zuurbier would be available to read the films when she went in. I remembered this, and when I first started noticing the cysts, I would go to Dr. Zuurbier to get them checked out (hey, if it’s good enough for Merribel, it’s good enough for me). OK, so this will be another routine visit to Sibley, except this time I will get my first mammogram…
Hi Alison,
You probably don’t remember me. I’m Laura Heckathorn’s mother. I remember
you well – you were such a good friend to Laura. From the time I met you, I knew
you were very special – not only different from other high school girls but gifted
with a great sensitivity and respect for others. I was so sad to learn of the
the cancer. It should never have happened to you. I will always remember
you fondly and find happiness in the good times you shared with Laura. I wish
you all the best and I will be praying for you. I think you are a very strong, loving
person and you will beat this.
Best to you,
Joy Bohlin
Allison,
I like that –Hyper-vigilant. Thank God you are.
Andrea has kept me informed of your ordeal (maybe not the right word, but what I’ll call it right now). I admire your strength and thank you for sharing your feelings with family and friends. It sounds like you have the best team of doctors.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Betsy and Frank