CHOOSE: THE RIGHT ANSWER

The first "right" answer was easy for someone in her 7th decade!

Are you pregnant? No. 

Would you tell the tech if you thought you might become pregnant? That's a moot point. But it was the admission lady's first day.

Yesterday's blog space holder informed readers that I would share my answers to question, "how does one accept hard experiences without giving into negative emotions," as soon as I was allowed to throw the little "revealing" gown/robe into the "dirty" bin. 

Here's what I learned. 

First of all, I must confess several wrong assumptions based on previous unpleasant mammogram experiences---my visits would mostly keep me at West clinic until mid afternoon. Not yesterday! Quickest time ever. 

Of course, the shock soon gave way to fear that Jennifer, “the smasher,” missed something. It took a bit of time, but chose to see the shorter time-frame as a ”God kiss” and went on about my hectic day.

Also, the “little” gown I have given in the past was replaced with one so large I could have hidden a baby elephant in there with me. Of course, care was still taken to avoid full frontal exposure.

Usually, certain body parts would freeze when they came in to contact with the large machine and I could easily fall over from holding my breath so long. 

No longer the experience. Machine was a bit chilly but I never even had to hold my breath one time.

Mrs. Liles you may get your clothes and sill see you in a year. What? 

"No extra pictures or ultra-sounds? Those are a part of my routine." 

Obviously, not this time.

Given my little pink sheet I quickly, stuffed it in my “tote" and didn’t read the fine print until later. I saw normal/ negative. Then I saw the "dense" column was checked and they weren’t talking about my thinking process. GULP. 

“Denseness of breast tissue made it harder to evaluate and may also be associated with an increased risk of cancer. Report will be sent to your doc and together you can decide options right for you."

Maybe they were just covering their tracks or passing the buck, based on previous law suits.

But God reminded me that a "new" worry was not today's answer. He is the One who is the answer so once again I choose to trust Him  (Psalm 38:15)

CHOOSE: LITTLE PINK PAD

Cancer Center.

Choose the little pink pad. Sounds simple enough.

But.....how do you choose the Pink Pad without also choosing anxiety, dread for the procedure without fear of the outcome?

So....how does one choose reality of a hard place moment without exacerbating the situation with negative emotions? Here's my list.

• Battle those fearful thoughts with the Sword of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:17)
• Know that the spirit of fear is not from God. (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Remember God’s goodness in a past cancer journey or difficulty and tell others. (Psalm 145:4)
• Recall God’s omnipresent promise. (Isaiah 41:10)

Give up the “what if it’s cancer” tremors and exchange it for “even if it’s cancer,” I know God can use it for good. (Move from “what if” to “even if” thinking---a tip I learned from Carol Kent)

Choosing the little Pink Pad was something to lead me to results I had no control over so........"when I am afraid," it's wise to put my trust in the hands of the One who is truly in control. (Psalm 56:3)