Tuesday, November 07, 2006

A Blessing

Our little family was sent a blessing today. I am so thankful!

Last week, the day after my mom visited her physician for a check up, she came upstairs to show me something. She had this huge, quarter-sized lump just above her left breast. I asked her how long it had been there, and she couldn't tell me. I asked her if it hurt, and she said no.

Of course, I immediately called her doctor and got her in the next day, Thursday. After taking a look at the lump, the doctor set up an immediate (as soon as possible) mammogram appointment and an appointment with a surgeon. I'm not a worrier. I wasn't worrying. I was praying, of course; but I wasn't worrying. I made it seem like nothing to her so she wouldn't worry; and she wasn't worrying either. Tough as nails, those Bailey women!

Today was her appointment to have the mammogram at 12:15. Of course, it was raining, and of course my driver-side wiper had gone beserk this morning. And so it was, me leaning to one side--mom's--to drive into Nashville to Baptist Hospital! Lord! If that wasn't a sight, I don't know what was. My poor windshield wiper was just kind of having convulsions way off the windshield, and I was leaning over towards the middle of the car so I could see. It really wasn't raining hard, thank goodness; so it really wasn't as bad as it sounds. But, again, I'm sure it was quite a sight! Mom and I giggled all the way into town.

I am always amazed at the quality of care here in Nashville. If you have a 12:15 appointment, you are taken in at 12:15. I followed mom every step of the way--doing her paperwork, to help her into her beautiful "robe" and then I sat and waited. They took the first set of mammograms and then they called her back for a second. It was only then that I began to worry. After her second set, they took us back to have a sonogram done of the "sight." I tell you, I was really praying hard by then. All kinds of things went through my head, of course. If she had cancer, would she be able to get through chemo and radiation at her age. Would I have to make this decision on my own and how much would my brothers be involved. My sister-in-law is a pharmaceutical rep and was just here in Nashville regarding something to do with cancer meds. Was this a sign to prepare myself for something? Would she be able to help me through the decision process? You know, all kinds of thoughts racing 'round my little noggin.

By about 2:30, the nurse came out and said I could go in and sit with mom and keep her company while the doctor looked over everything. Mom was so quiet, it was scary. I didn't know if she had begun to worry or if she was just relaxing. I kept the conversation upbeat and about nothing in particular. She just lied there. It was very eerie. It brought tears to my eyes seeing mom in a hospital gown and laying on a "gourney." I will never be ready to let go of my mom.

When the doc came in, he was very cordial and got right to the facts. It was a cyst! No cancer!! Tears welled up in my eyes, and I tried to keep myself together as he described the type of cyst it is. He even said there was no reason to have it removed unless it became inflamed. Hallelujah! I never want mom to go under the "knife" at her age; and it sounds like it won't be necessary. PTL. I asked the doctor if we should keep the appointment with the surgeon, and he suggested we do. It's always good to get a second opinion, he told us. Yes, of course! I wasn't thinking clearly by then.

When the doctor and nurse left the room for mom to get dressed, I just hugged her and we high-fived each other!! I still don't know if she ever had a thought of cancer in her mind. I don't think she realized how serious this could have been. When we left the room, the nurse was there to see if we had any more questions and to walk us to the door. My mom went up to her and said, "You have been so sweet, can I hug you?" Awwwww. Of course, I welled up again! The nurse said that had made her day. Awwwww.

Needless to say, the family took Nanna out to dinner tonight, and we celebrated!! Wooohooo! The angels were looking over my momma, and I am so very thankful.

19 comments:

Lena said...

Well, I'm sitting here just bawling! When I first started to read your blog my stomach just clenched up. My mom died from breast cancer at age 62. Her sister is battling it now. Needless to say, this is an emotional subject for me.
I'm rejoicing in your good news!
Give your mom a gentle hug..from Mrs. Staggs.
Here's one for you too. xo

TJ said...

I'm soooo glad your Mom is OK!!
I know how stressful that had to have been!
I feel silly now but when I emailed you your fung shway post was still up...I refeshed the screen and all of the posts showed up...I thought you just had not posted...WOW...I don't know what's up with Mozilla now!!
:-D

Farmgirl Cyn said...

PTL! I rejoice with you, Rosa! My mom had a radical mastectomy when she was 38 years old. She lived for over 20 years after that, but it hit at such a young age. I am very careful to have my annual mammogram and pap. I will NOT receive any of the sickness and diseases my parents had, in Jesus name! Congratulations.

Peggy said...

Oh I am so glad to read the ending of this post! What a blessing to have such good news from a stressful day at the hospital. give mom a hug from me too for being so sweet!

Susie said...

I was reading really quickly to get to the end of this post. I'm so glad it had a positive outcome for your Mom!
I miss my Mom every day of my life...

Janet said...

What a day you both have had but thankfully the outcome of it all was positive. Hugs to you and your mom.

Motherkitty said...

Thank goodness it was only a cyst. They can do a needle biopsy and drain the fluid if the surgeon thinks it's necessary. I'm sure, in the back of your mother's mind, she might have thought about cancer. But, she didn't want to worry you seeing how emotional you were waiting to talk to the doctor. Your mother is a brave woman. Don't know how old she is, but at whatever age, breast cancer is a scary thing. I've had two lumpectomies and a needle biopsy done, both negative, and I was scared both times.

The results are a blessing. And, thanks for sharing such an intimate story of your mother's experiences. You are a good, caring daughter. Enjoy her every minute. I wish mine was still with us, but alas, she has been gone since 1993. What I wouldn't give for just a day with her.

Anonymous said...

OMG....I had no idea of what was going on with Mom. I am so thankful to hear that it was just a cyst and nothing else to worry about. I know how very close you are with Mom and I know what you were feeling. I lost my Mom to breast cancer when I was in high school and I have to tell you...not a day goes by that I don't miss her being here with me and seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We have alot to be thankful for in our family, for our "mom" is here with us and she has been able to not only see all of her grand children, but has been blessed with three beautiful great grandchilden. I thank the dear Lord each and every day for blesing us and keeping our family healthy. Give Mom a great big hug fro me. I am so happy for all of you at the outcome. God bless all of you.
A great big hug for our Mom
xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

You've brought tears to my eyes! Especially with the line "I will never be ready to let go of my mom"...I know just how you feel. I'm so glad that your mom is OK.

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy to hear that your mom is doing ok!!!

Carole Burant said...

Oh Rosa, what wonderful news and a blessing for sure that it turned out to only be a cyst!! We love our moms and the last thing we are ready to do is let them go!! After reading your post, I let out a huge sigh of relief that it wasn't cancer...went through that with my dad and he died when he was 48...don't ever want to go through that with my mom! It brought tears to my eyes at the thought of her hugging the nurse...she sounds just like my mom:-) Hugs xoxo

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

I am sitting here with tears blurring the screen....I am so beyond delighted it turned out ok. It's, as I know, very difficult to see our mothers so vulnerable like that. I can't take away my moms illness but sometimes just the act of making her laugh when the going gets tough helps a little. I loved that she hugged the nurse....and I know all your mother felt strength from you as you waited.
XOXO

Anonymous said...

a very lovely story ... a wonderful outcome .. an answer to prayer indeed.

kansasrose said...

My heart skipped a beat when I started reading this...Thank the Lord your Mom is healthy...You are a good and loving daughter. Blessings to all of you!

Beth said...

Whew,,I had a hugh lump in my throat when I started to read this. Oh Rosemary,,I wish you had e-mailed me or called. I would have been sending some powerful prayers your way. PTL that it all came out ok. I know your were terribly afraid. And I also know what you mean about not being ready to ever give up your Mom.
So relieved now,,I just had to say a Thank you prayer! Give your Mom a hug for me! And sending a hug for you to my dear friend!

SnowWhite said...

what a stressfull couple of days those must have been, all teary here and so so happy for you all that she is going to be okay
xx
shona

paris parfait said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes. Thank God your mom is alright. My mom has been suffering from breast cancer for the past few months - she's just finished a course of radiotherapy, after two surgeries - so I know what a scare you've endured. xo

Anonymous said...

Rosa, I have goosebumps from reading your post!!! Blessings to both you and your dear Nanna... I am so happy it turned out for the best!

Shelley said...

I'm so glad it was a cyst. I know that caused you some moments of real fear. Thank the Lord it okay.

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