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.