Do the right thing and reap the rewards
Today I went to my doctor’s office for a mammogram. Some of you are probably flinching just at the thought of it. Yes, it is uncomfortable. For some women it is painful. But the reality is that mammograms save women’s lives.
This was the second mammogram in a month. My first one left some questions in the doctor’s mind and she just wanted to double check what may or may not have been there. I was pretty calm going in for this retest because the technician at my first visit told me that it isn’t uncommon for women to be called back. It was her calm explanation that I focused on when the doctor’s office called to schedule the retest.
But what if I hadn’t focused on her words, but instead thought of the women I’ve known who’ve dealt with breast cancer? What if I went into denial and refused to return for another test?
Many times in our lives we have to decide what is the right thing for us to do. When you are faced with the question: “What should I do?” you can consider several factors…
First, consider how painful it will be for you. In my case, I could consider the short-term physical pain against the long-term mental anguish. Even if this second test indicates breast cancer, early detection typically requires less agressive (less painful??) treatment. Again the difference in levels of mental/emotional pain would also be factored in. And consider the guilt! How many times have you looked back on some situation on your life and said: “If I could do it over again, I would…” Well, imagine if I didn’t have the mammogram today, and one or two years from now learned I had breast cancer. Do you think I’d be beating myself up for my past poor choice? You betcha!
Second, consider the long-term benefits. Again, in my case, learning the status of my physical health is a key factor in future success. Short-term inconvenience and discomfort are a small price to pay to ensure that my body will support today and tomorrow’s dreams.
Third, consider how your decision impacts the people around you. For me, my decision impacts my husband and children. If my energy is focused on an unknown, like whether or not I might have breast cancer, then I can’t be here 100 percent for them. All decisions will be filtered through a “but maybe I won’t alive in 10 years” filter.
So today, for me, the right thing to do was go in for another mammogram. Were there other way’s I could have spent that 30 minutes? Definitely! I could have been playing Freecell solitaire. I could have been sorting through the mountain of dirty laundry that’s taken over a corner of my bedroom. I could have called to check on my mother or pamper myself with a manicure.
But my reward is greater than getting chores done or enjoying some self-pampering. My reward is peace of mind.
If you haven’t had a physical exam or mammogram recently, please call your doctor today. It is the right thing to do. 
