"There is nothing there," were the words that articulated out of the mouth of a wonderful doctor named Perrico at the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center. After going through a second mammogram and ultra-sound, this was his findings. And with one utterance from the doctor, I knew life could really begin. Besides my boys telling me they love me, these words were truly the sweetest thing I had ever heard.
What a journey this has been. I am so overjoyed and full of gratitude. There are genuinely no words to describe the conclusion of this heart-wrenching, emotionally draining, positively life-altering journey I had been on recently during this time of my life. Possibly facing a situation that means you could perhaps be dealing with your own immortality makes your daily outlook on life a more meaningful experience. The way that I viewed life before is conceivably not the way I view life now.
The most knowledgeable staff I had ever been around took great care of me from beginning to the end. From Amy, the very caring and compassionate nurse to the most personable and knowledgeable and "easy on the eyes" (lol) Dr. Perrico, a very difficult experience was made easier by their caring nature. Also meeting Jill Townshend the Breast Health Navigator who is very sincere about her work as well as Juli Dulay the manager of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center who did a wonderful intake with me was an added bonus to this experience. Meeting James Schultis the president of the HMHP devleopment foundation (who raises funding and dontations) to whom much of the gratitude is also owed. With that being said, the icing on the the cake was meeting Dr. Rashid Abdu the visionary himself.
The beauty of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center facility itself was second to none. The calm color of brown and soft blue hues and the warming granite around the facility made the experience feel even more like a home setting instead of a hospital setting.
Although this was my positive diagnosis, soon after, very heavy on my heart was the many women who did not or will not receive the same positive report as myself. Working at Hospice for many years, I have seen the very worst of these situations. Never taking for granted these women who are diagnosed frequently with breast cancer and fight a war with their lives was someones beloved mother, wonderful sister, dedicated daughter and loyal friend . I realized over those years working at Hospice, that God doesn't love the well anymore than he loved the sick. Breast cancer or any other illness was no respecter of person, dreams, color or socio-economic status.
Bearing all of these things in mind, I now urge every woman to advocate for other women who suffers from breast cancer. I persuade all women to support each other in making other's conscious of educational awareness tips like those that Dr. Perrico discussed with me; monthly self-exams and routines yearly check-ups. Also do not be afraid to get a second opinion just like I had received.
The tears I cried on this journey is nothing compared to the depth of joy in knowing I was given another chance to get things right in my life. My first novel will be published next month, my boys are happy and excited about their new adventure in life. No matter where this life will take us, most of all I can now say it is faith not fear that will ultimately sustain us all! Peace and Blessings until next time.
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