Annual Mammogram

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer about 11 years ago.  She had a single mastectomy with reconstruction.  She didn't need chemotherapy or radiation, so she kind of lucked (if such a word exists) out.  Ever since then, my doctor has always wanted me to have an annual mammogram even though I was in my late 20's.  Every year I go.  Religiously.  I went last week and was told that my breasts are very dense, which I usually hear, but this time she alluded to the fact from now on, I should be doing a 3D mammogram.  Somehow I didn't think I'd get off Scott free this year, and I was right. 

Today I got a call from the nurse at my OB/GYN;s office.  I saw the number pop up on my caller ID and thought they might be confirming my annual appointment for Friday even though that seemed a bit early to be doing that.  But no.  It was to tell me that there was a change in my mammogram from last year so they need to do further testing.  I'm not one to get worked up and freak out about something which is good in a situation like this, but it puts things into perspective, especially being a single mom. 

I am Sidekick's only parent. God forbid something should happen to me, I know who will raise him.  Do I have a will?  No!  Should I?  Ummm... absolutely. It's never a good feeling to think about "what if" when planning for your child's future, and I have put it off for just about 3 1/2 years, but I fricken need a will, not because of this little blip but for the every day, freaky shit that can happen.

So... while I wait for my follow-up testing on Friday morning, I think I may begin the process of getting Sidekick's future and my estate together.  Do I really need a kick in the ass to do that???

According to the American Cancer Society, only 10% of people who have mammograms are called back for further testing.  But only 8% to 10% of those women will need a biopsy and 80% of those biopsies turn out be benign, so the odds are totally in my favor.  Let me take this as a wake up call and get my affairs in order, not because I'm doom and gloom about this abnormality in my mammogram, but because I needed to get it done years ago.