A woman plays a beautiful rendition of Celine Dion’s, “Because You Loved Me” on a

grand piano outside the glass walls of the Cancer Center Waiting Room. The receptionist

gives me a clipboard with several papers to complete. I take a seat in a blue cushioned

chair between two women who both offer a reluctant, yet polite smile.

The music waves through my head as I complete the paperwork. At the top of the page is

a pre printed label with my name, my doctor’s name, and testing requested. The word

mammogram seems magnified, as if it were double typed in bold font. I guess they want

to make sure I receive the right test. I check off that I’ve never had cancer, and routine

screening as the reasoning for the test.

A woman appears in the lobby and calls two names. The women on each side of me

answer and somberly follow her through double doors beside the receptionist desk. I

can’t help to wonder if these women are here for a simple annual exam, or something

more serious.

Several people sit outside the glass walls near the piano. Ironically, with the exception

of the piano playing, it is as quiet as a library. It’s as if they’re waiting for something, an

answer, a cure, or maybe even a miracle.

As I sign the last paper on the clipboard, I remember my grandfather’s and uncle’s

agonizing battle with lung cancer, my friends that are breast cancer survivors, and my

dear friend that transitioned last year. I didn’t expect to get chocked up today; I was just

living out my to-do-list. But here I am with a painful lump in my throat and a heavy

chest, while I fight tears. It would be nice if the pianist would play something fun and up

beat.

I take one long deep breath, and return the papers to the reception counter. Before I can

return to my seat, the radiologist calls my name to follow her through the double doors.

She leads me to a room, gives me a pink and white robe, and points me to a set of lockers

to store my things. I quickly change and wait for her return. In less than five minutes,

she returns and directs me to the exam room. She gives me several instructions, but I’m

too busy thinking, “I hope she doesn’t find anything”, to really hear her. After a few

images are taken, she reviews them on her monitor to assure we’re done. I watch her

carefully, hoping to detect a facial expression for anything to be alarmed about. But

she’s probably done this a million times, and remains expressionless. In less than ten

minutes, it’s all over. There’s nothing left to do but wait to hear from my doctor, and in a

year, do it all over again. So I dress, and leave.

As I step into the elevator just outside the waiting room, I notice the pianist is gone, yet

several people still sit in silence. Their blank stares freeze in my mind as the elevator

doors close. I don’t know them, or what they’re waiting for, but my eyes welt again. I

can hear my friend’s voice the last time I spoke to her saying, “I’m alright.” “I’m going

to beat this thing!” I miss her dearly.

________________________________________________________________________

Having a mammogram can be a frightening event, but it is a necessary one for women

between the ages of 40 to 74. The Office of Women’s Health explains that, “a

mammogram allows the doctor to have a closer look for changes in breast tissue that

cannot be felt during a breast exam” (2013). It is important to know that certain changes

are normal, and only a doctor will know the difference.

Although there is numerous research studies conducted each year, there is no known

accepted cure for cancer. Leaving only treatments for various stages over a period of

time. The American Cancer Society reports, “there are more than 2.8 million breast

cancer survivors in the United States,” (2015). Statistics listed at www.cancer.org, (The

American Cancer Society’s website), illustrates that the survival rate increases with early

detection. The Office of Women’s Health advises that women over the age of 50 receive

a mammogram every two years and women under the age of 50 should consult with their

doctor. Most insurance companies cover the complete cost of mammograms with a

waiver on the office visit fee. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers low-cost or

free mammograms through its National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection

Program for those who qualify.

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments on mammogram screening, and breast

cancer awareness. Also, please feel free to comment on the progress of treatment and the

search for a cure.

References:

What are the key statistics about breast cancer? (2015, June 10). Retrieved from

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-keystatistics

What is a mammogram and when should I get one? (2014, August 28). Retrieved from

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/mammograms.htm

Mammogram fact sheet. (2013, June 21). Retrieved from

http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/factsheet/

mammograms.html#a