For those of us that celebrate, it’s almost Christmas! If you had told me even a few weeks ago that this close to Christmas and the anniversary of Michael’s passing I would be in good spirits and laughing, I’d have thought you were insane. Yet here I am.

Today, I traveled to Hazard to see Dr. Brashear for my post-colonoscopy appointment and then to the ARH Medical Mall to the Breast Center for a mammogram. I’m sure most of you are thinking that these activities do not seem joy inducing. What could have been a less than fun drive and experience was made so much better because my mom offered to come with me.

I always have such a good time with my mom. Truthfully, she is my best friend. She and I love to travel together and have been on many adventures including cruises, to New York, and to New Orleans. She is the one person who knows me better than anyone and loves me anyway. She is my example, role model, cheerleader, confidant and more. I’ve been blessed with her as my mother and today was no exception. We laughed and talked the whole drive and then she acted as my photographer.

My appointment with Dr. Heath Brashear at Hazard ARH went well. My colonoscopy was clear, and I don’t have to have another for 10 years! Whoohoo! Dr. Brashear shared the good news with me after the procedure, but at my follow-up he went into greater detail and gave me tips for good digestive health. Plus, he made talking about something so uncomfortable so much more normal, and I found myself even laughing with him.

Next, we headed over to the ARH Medical Mall and ARH Breast Center. I’d been to the ARH Medical Mall a few times, but my mom had not. She was so impressed! She remarked several times what a wonderful use of this space it is and how clean, comfortable, and welcoming it is. It felt so good for Mom to be as proud of ARH as I am. She also had no idea of the many services available and was pleasantly surprised!

The ARH Breast Center staff were amazing, and the office was so warm and welcoming. I loved the warm, soft gown I was given to wear for my procedure and the lockers that provided extra security and peace of mind. Once in the exam room, I was further impressed by the modern equipment, professionalism of the staff, and how easy they made the whole process. Having always dreaded mammograms and not having had one in well over a decade, this experience made me feel silly for not doing it sooner. I was so comfortable through the whole process and will be happy to get my exam annually. I hope you will too!

According to a study by Grimm et al. (2022), annual mammography screening in women aged 40 to 84 is connected to a 40% reduction in breast cancer deaths compared to those in the same age range who have no screening. Since we were there, I decided to stop by the ARH Community Pharmacy and get my COVID-19 booster. Again, the process was easy, the staff were friendly, and FAST! I really enjoyed chatting with the ARH Pharmacist and learning about her background. She is a proud graduate of Alice Lloyd College, and I really enjoyed learning more about the institution. It has a wonderful history and if you are unaware, please check it out!

It was such a great day and once again I found myself a bit shocked that I was happy. I didn’t believe it was ever going to be possible for me to be happy during this time of year again, but I am. Life goes on, and though Michael is gone, I know he would love the fact that Mom and I spent the day laughing. I’m so blessed with family, friends, coworkers, and the opportunity to experience quality healthcare. Tomorrow may be hard, but today was a good day. Thanks, Mom!

Oh and no official weigh in for me today. Dr. Brashear’s office has very modern tables that weigh you while you are seated for the exam. I weighed in at 210. I jokingly rejected that number and said that I think that the reason is that I had my shoes on! That is my story and I’m sticking to it.