Today it mattered.

I had my yearly mammogram done on this past Wednesday. I always feel alittle apprehensive. I always do a quick breast exam before I go. I always remember feeling my mother's lump. I am thankful to be able to go for tests, exams and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As I stood there freezing, with my chest up against the metal tray that would eventually close down on my breast for the xray, I felt so good about doing this. My last mammogram was a year ago and it was clear. I felt good that I was up to date. As I received good results again, I think what a wonderful gift I have just received. I realize the mammogram doesn't always pick up everything, but I know I have done the right thing. It matters to take care of myself. It matters to take a break from stress. It matters to rest. It matters to go for check-ups, follow-ups and know when you aren't feeling so great. Today one of my patients asked how long I had been a nurse? I replied, "23 years." Thankfully, he SAID, he was shocked to hear that long. As I pushed the stretcher down the hall, I realized in 23 more years I will be 68 years old, the age my mother died from breast cancer. Yep, it mattered to take a few minutes of my time for a mammogram. In 23 more years, it may really matter.