Waiting for the Test Result That Could Change Everything

I never expected to be in this position

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

I was sitting in the imaging waiting room in a hospital gown, rubber-soled socks, and clown-sized hospital pants, waiting for my procedure. A few seats away sat a woman who had lost her hair. I was vaguely aware of a TV show blathering to my left. I wanted this to be over.

But would it be, once I got through the procedure?

As I sat in that small room with two other women who looked like this was familiar territory, I realized that this test was a defining moment. It was the first time I’d had such a health issue — one where, based on the results, my life could either go on as usual or change significantly.

Earlier this year, my doctor had recommended a screening MRI, though I’d already had a non-concerning mammogram. I wondered why I had to go through the hassle of requesting time off work, taking medication for claustrophobia to get through the MRI, and the resulting conking out the rest of the day. After all, there was nothing wrong with me.

The results showed otherwise. In an unexpected turn, there were suspicious findings. A biopsy was recommended.

I researched my MRI results obsessively, looking up every medical term I didn’t know, diving into online…