There are some things you WANT to be called back for:  a job interview or an audition and then there are others you DON’T want:  a call to the principal’s office for your child, or to your boss’s office after a disagreement with a co-worker.

I recently went to get my yearly exam from my doctor, you know the one, the one to go examine all our female parts.  It was as routine as any other yearly exam:  questions like “Has there been any changes in your medical history?  Have you had any problems?  Have you been doing your self-exams?”  After the short round of question and answer, polite conversation, and being “scraped and squashed” (I’ve over 40 which means mammograms every year now), I left the doctor’s office thinking, “That’s it until next year.”

Then a week later, the phone rang.  “Ms. Martin, we saw some differences in your tissue and need you to come back in and have a diagnostic mammogram,” the woman said.  She gave me instructions on calling to set the appointment and let me know that the findings thus far had been sent to my doctor.  When I got off the phone with her, I immediately called and set the appointment for the first available.  “What did they see?” I thought.  And immediately my thoughts went to the big “C” word.

This all happened during Breast Cancer Awareness month (October).  I’d already bought my ticket to Pajama Jam, a fundraising country music concert just for women and monies go to raise awareness for breast cancer.  I suddenly wondered if I would be one of those women who will have to fight for life, to overcome and to survive.

So what did I do?  I immediately sought prayer and went to my closest group of girlfriends… my “tribe of women” that I have come to know closely over the past 10 or more years.  Prayer is an AMAZING thing.  True friendship is also an amazing thing.  I had my tribe to immediately offer prayers as well.  I love knowing that when I ask these gals to pray… they will.  And you know what happened?  It was as though the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “I’ve got this.”  I felt at peace with the whole situation.

Now, I would be lying if I told you thoughts didn’t stay in the back of my mind for the remainder of the week and through the weekend until my appointment.  However, I did not let myself get caught up in worry.  I wasn’t going to truly worry until I had something to worry about.

A very close girlfriend checked in on me the day before the appointment and told me that the differences seen in the mammogram could very likely be just a cyst.  She explained how she got them frequently and that it may be nothing at all to worry about.  This was comforting to know.

The morning of my appointment came.  My morning devotion contained the following scripture:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)”

It was as though God was reminding me that He’s Got This!  And I trusted.  I trusted that no matter what the outcome, He’s Got This.  And again, peace was with me.  I went to the doctor by myself and wondered if I should have went alone.  Perhaps I should’ve asked someone to come with me in the event it was bad news?  Yet, I consoled myself with “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it…” and also that one of my very best friends works across the street from the doctor’s office… she’d have a shoulder to cry on should I need it.

I went in for the appointment and my phone was buzzing with texts of encouragement reminding me I have people praying and thinking of me.  I sat there realizing that each of the women there that day were likely having the same thoughts and pondering as myself.  They were each by themselves, too.  I was called back to the examination and the staff was warm and friendly.  They explained what they saw looked very likely to be a cyst, so as we walked through another mammogram and then an ultrasound, it was confirmed, and I was told it wasn’t anything to be worried about and about how common cysts are for women my age.  (Don’t you just love the “my age” reference?  LOL, it stinks to get “old”!)

So, I was able to begin texting my tribe and thank them for their prayers and let them know the results.  I feel blessed that it is not something more serious, but I also feel blessed by the experience:  my first response was prayer and seeking prayer from others.  And my first consoling from the Holy Spirit was “I’ve Got This.”   He truly does!  Thank you Heavenly Father for giving me peace throughout.  Thank you for close friendships of women who can relate.  Thank you for all blessings!