"From the ultrasound we've determined it's definitely not a cyst. It's a tumor and it's slightly larger than a quarter. We only see this abnormal cell formation in your left breast, however, you need to have your right breast checked on a regular basis. We recommend a biopsy removal."
One week later...
"My name is Dr. Corn. So let's take a look at what we're dealing with. Oh, there it is. It looks like there is some abnormal cell tissue surrounding the tumor. We're going to take all of that out, do the biopsy and take it from there."
Yesterday...
I arrive at Thompson Peak hospital in Scottsdale around 8:45AM. The lobby looks more like a 5 star hotel and I am immediately greeted at the front desk, "Please have a seat Mrs. Barton and someone will be by to check you in shortly." I sit and wait with Tyler and Brody. We play with his cars and a baseball. He's just happy to be with Mom and Dad. A grandmotherly type woman calls my name and brings me back to her desk where she proceeds to fill out some paperwork, ask me general health questions including whether or not I have a living will. I answer by saying, "No, my entire net worth is sitting right next to me." Brody smiles and says, "Mama" when I look at him.
We are then escorted to the third floor where we wait until they call me back to pre-op. I kiss Tyler and Brody and leave them in the waiting room. I change into my hospital garb, the usual tie gown, slipper socks and cap to cover my hair.
More blood tests. More questions. An IV.
Everyone has been so nice and I'm strangely calm. I listen to the steady beeping of my pulse through monitors and the rest of the room becomes silent.
I gently brush my fingers over my breast. There it is. The terrorist. How dare you attempt to attack me or my family. A single tear wells up in my eye, but I stay strong. I have to stay strong. I am woman after all, and a mother. And this mother is starting a revolution.
The anesthesiologist comes in to brief me on what's about to happen. I listen intently, but he can see that I'm uneasy. Although babies are not allowed in pre-op, he sneaks in Tyler and Brody and I can kiss them one more time before they wheel me away. I remember the blinding lights of the O.R. and wake up in recovery groggy and sore. The terrorist is gone, but the threat remains.
This Mother revolution and her army will not give up without a fight. So terrorist beware.
