On February 2nd, Blaze and I left NC and headed southwest. That was until a week later when my doctor called. I have to return to my home base for a diagnostic mammogram and possibly an ultrasound.
We turned around and slowly made our trek back home. It was only 4 hours but it felt like an eternity because of the week-long wait for the appointment. Instead of focusing on the what-ifs, Blaze and I went hiking.
After the diagnostic mammogram and while the radiologist reviewed everything, I found myself sitting in a cramped hallway alone. It was cold and I still had that damn pink gown on.
Finally, I allowed my mind to go down the slippery winding path of what ifs:
- What will happen if I have breast cancer?
- Hopefully, it’s only stage 1, but what if it’s not?
- Do I need to quit van life to pay for medical bills?
- Will I be able to work during treatments?
- What if it’s stage 4?
- Do I say F it and travel no matter what?
I allowed myself to go only so far before I forced the worried thoughts out of my head. And then, I found myself bracing as the radiology tech approached me.
She said that I have two benign cysts that are waxing and waning. No need for an ultrasound. PHEW!
I sighed, changed clothes, paid $480 for a diagnostic mammogram and climbed back into the driver’s seat of the van where Blaze was waiting for me. Thankfully, we were free to go on our merry way!
PSA: Get your girls checked, annually.
Michelle and Blaze 