A Woman's Work – Brooke Basically Blogging

Well, I am sure that you know exactly where this blog is headed. Haven’t you heard those words before?  Trust me this is not R-rated. This summer I finally put myself first. I took care of my health and well-being. My latest appointment was my friendly annual exam.

I love Dr. B. He has great bedside manner and is very easy to talk to when I visit. I appreciate that we have a chance to talk in his office first. Before we go into the examination room. He asked if I would mind if students observed my examination. I told him I was fine with that. In walked several student interns some of them male. Immediately, I felt like April, the giraffe. And I wasn’t even giving birth. Seriously, I was happy to help them out.

First, I was able to ask about my hot flashes and he laughed at me. Then I showed him my portable fan and he stopped laughing. With mommy being a breast cancer survivor. I take self breast exams very seriously. We went over my mammogram results from July and everything looks good.

Next, it was time for me to move to the examination room. The nurse was nice until she asked me to get on the scale. I told her nicely I was doing a silent protest against that devil. But I was down three pounds so that was nice. My favorite part is when the nurse asks about my last menstrual cycle and I proudly say. “I had a hysterectomy.” And she tells me that she’s jealous. Bless her heart.

While I was waiting. I thought about what women have to endure in life especially when it comes to our health. That’s when I thought about Eve and that damn apple. I have a few questions that I would love to ask Eve.

I thought about the 12 fibroid tumors that I had removed. I looked at my c-section scars, and other scars from surgeries because of my “lady needs”. And I thought wow, I am amazing.

In walked Dr. B and the gang. I almost forgot about them. It was time for my exam. The extra crowd in the room didn’t bother me. I asked my questions freely and the interns observed. I asked them if they had any questions and they did!!!!! I was the lucky patient to help them with their Q&A assignment.

When I look back, visiting the gynecologist was always emotional painful. I was going for more appointments and procedures. And being told that my body was not able to carry children. I always left in tears.

Ladies, I know it is not our favorite appointment. But it is necessary and important and so are you. Don’t neglect your annual appointments and remember to do your monthly breast exams.

Love,

Brooke