As I said in my last blog, I needed to have an ultrasound today, because I had unexpected bleeding. I must admit, I feel a little squeamish discussing my reproductive system in a public forum, but, as I have said before, I am sure I am not the only breast cancer patient, or any kind of cancer patient, who has had to have these kinds of examinations. So, today, I had an ultrasound of my uterus and ovaries, both from the inside and outside…a very invasive test indeed, but performed by a kind female technician. The test itself was not so bad. It was the anticipation, the fear, and the waiting. I was told I would have results on Thursday, and left the hospital, filled with anxiety, dreading the waiting. Once a person has had cancer, any test is scary – we know bad news is always possible.
I was home for about an hour, and the phone rang. It was my doctor, the gynecologist, calling to tell me that things looked good, and she wanted to run a blood test to see where I am in terms of menopause. I told her my oncologist had already run that test. She was able to look it up, and she told me I am not in menopause quite yet. I am borderline. It has been a long time since there has been so much medical interest in my reproductive status. Close to eighteen years as a matter of fact, back when I had Miss Cathy. The doc and I agreed I am about as examined as a woman can get. The good news is I am fine and healthy, and if I bleed it is no big deal. The good news is also the speed with which I got the results. There was none of the dreaded waiting. It shows just how much the people who do this kind of work every day understand how hard it can be to wait at the other end of the phone. It shows that they looked at me as a person, and not just a uterus and a set of ovaries to be looked over. I appreciate the kindness of that quick call.
Anyway, I guess I am a bit premature in planning a way to mark the life event of menopause. Not there yet! You know, I was getting used to the idea, and I have even figured out what I want to do. I want to have a menopause party, complete with period (pun intended) music, 60’s, 70’s, and early 80’s, and door prizes! They make menopause pajamas for women, specially designed to keep women cool. Those would make a great door prize. Prizes could also include icepacks for the back of the neck, earplugs and eye masks to help with those sleepless nights, a bottle of wine to assist with relaxation, or aspirin to help with the various aches and pains, and chocolate. For the guys, I think a bottle of wine for everybody, to help with that relaxation thing. Or maybe for everyone, champagne, to celebrate a new and wonderful freedom! Soon for me, but not yet.
And Cathy came home and told us she had survived the first day of her senior year. Less than a year from now, she will graduate, and celebrate the new and wonderful freedom of going off to college. Soon, but not yet!
