Friday, April 8, 2011

What Needs Doin'


I'm expecting a lecture and maybe 
even a bit of a scolding from y'all today.
All well deserved.

I have a confession to make here...

I've been avoiding something

Putting it off

Hiding beneath the covers, so to speak


I was supposed to go to a six month follow-up appointment
to check out something
which my doctor has been monitoring for a couple of years now.

Yep, I was supposed to go to that six month follow-up...

six months ago.


I've used the excuse that I was
too busy
too overwhelmed
and
too preoccupied

too.....everything
 
to schedule that appointment

when the real truth was

I was simply scared


I made that appointment today

six months late.

But at least I did it.

I am a health care worker, so I really have no excuse.
Except maybe the fact that I see things most of you will never see,
which makes the fear of
"what if"
even more palpable.


Keep those appointments, ladies.
It's okay, even normal to be scared.

Do it anyway.

Thus ends my PSA for the day.

:-)

Happy Weekend!



P.S.
photos are from my Romantic Country photo shoot,
click HERE to enter my Spring Romance giveaway!



84 comments:

  1. Good for your for getting back to it.I will thinkg positive thoughts and send them your way.Which reminds me I haven't been since child number two was born SIX years ago.I know, I know...I'll get to it.

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  2. Positive thoughts and love your way.
    - Joy

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  3. You don't need us to lecture you - you've been lecturing yourself for 6 months, right?!

    Well done for booking it NOW! Yes of course you SHOULD have done it sooner, but then I SHOULD have done all sorts of things (medical and otherwise) but put it off. We all get scared, and I am terrible for sticking my head in the sand singing "la la la". Sounds like you have good reason to be scared and my heart goes out to you. Just please make sure you GO. I hope you haven't got to wait long - having made that decision you need to be there!

    Take care, dear Anne.

    x

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  4. No scolding here. Just big 'ole hugs ,prayers and positive thoughts. You need to take care of yourself! Ok maybe just a teeny bit of scolding....but in a totally loving way:)
    ~Debra xxx
    Capers of the vintage vixens

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  5. The important thing is you made the appointment...even if you were a tad late. Good luck!

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  6. girl ... carry that flag!!
    love u to pieces
    we are your cheering section ya know ...

    I just went in March ... every March!
    everything checked out fine

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  7. Good luck at your appt. I have to make one too, thanks for the reminder :)

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  8. Hi Anne,
    I know what you mean. Life gets in the way of taking care of ourselves. I'm glad that you went ahead and made your appointment and I hope all is well.

    Yes, we girls are often afraid to go for checkups and tests, but when we do we always gain peace of mind.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  9. I'm PROUD of you! Proud for putting your fear aside to do what you know you should do, proud of you for admitting what's been holding you back and proud of you for being brave enough to share this with us. I've been putting things off too but not anymore!

    -Aaron {the girl with the boy's name}

    www.mudpiesandmarigolds.blogspot.com

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  10. Good for you for making your appointment! I'm the same way. I'm good about taking care of others but not always the best with myself. I get in the "fear" mode. I'll think positive thoughts for you! Have a lovely weekend.

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  11. I am glad you faced the music; I need to go to Dr and have been avoiding it. Haven't been right, since a flu shot. I think it killed my thyroid...blah! Hope all is well, for you~

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  12. Oh, been there done that! Call it my state of avoidance. Glad you made the appointment to follow-up. You have all of us to help you along!
    xo Cathy

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  13. Yep, I know that "what if" feeling and I've been guilty of it lately too. Now that you mention it my 6 monther with my dermatologist was totally ignored. Gulp.

    I hope all goes well for you. I lost your blog address for awhile and tried to remember it, but I've found you again now. Hurrah!

    Sending wishes for health,

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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  14. We've all done it and for the very same reasons...especially when you are over 50 you never know what you are going to hear next! It's all about the "numbers" at this stage of my life. Good luck on your 6 mos followup!~Hugs, Patti

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  15. Gonna pray for God's favor in your situation...always remember that God is BIGGER than anything. one of my kids is an RN, and she says that people in healthcare are the worst patients. I am a cancer survivor, and I don't let them "watch" anything very long...I say if it's in there and it's not supposed to be, I want it out...not knowing what your problem is...don't let it scare you, just do what you have to...
    LoL How's that for a bawling out...sorry~!!!
    take it easy and keep us updated.
    praying,
    glenda

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  16. Thank you friend for your PSA!!! ;)
    It's something each of us need to do, watch our health, follow-up...but probably many of us don't. My BIG excuse...I don't have insurance, no mula. $$$
    But even I know if I really pushed through the red tape, there are free clinics, Drs. that volunteer hours, ways around the no insurance dilemma.
    Congrats on concurring fear & looking life & the other, straight in the eyes!!!
    Good Girl,
    Hugs,
    Susie

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  17. Stuff is easier to fix earlier than later, go!

    xo

    Sandy

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  18. Oh I do this same thing so no lecturing from me. Keep your thoughts on great things - don't think of the what if's!! Lots of hugs from me to you.

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  19. Anne-SO happy your going.. Can Relate-Been there with a cancer on my neck-that was removd..I almost didnt want to know.. But turnd out ok..

    LOVE the Farmouse sharing.. YOur home is so Inspiring..
    Karryann

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  20. Glad you made that appointment! Nothing more needs saying except I'm thinking of you! hugs, Linda

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  21. We've all been there. At least you finally did it, okay? I'm really bad this way too. I make sure everything gets done for my kids, but I'm not so good at doing it for myself :)

    ~Tricia

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  22. Well, I think I WILL fuss a little......Some things we females just can not let go!! Make sure you actually go to your appointment!!! Personal experience talking here...

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  23. Aw, Anne I'm sure you will be fine. We have ALL been there! Hang in there and stay postivie.
    xoxo,
    Kim

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  24. Good for you, Anne, and thanks for the reminder, too..I needed that!

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  25. i need a good talkin to, i've got a few i need to make myself, thank you sweet friend! xo susan

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  26. Hello Anne, I will keep you in my thoughts for a great outcome. I just went through the same thing and everything came out fine. Your's will as well.

    Carol

    I love the way your blog looks, you must not use google, great font, great style.

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  27. Hooray for you Anne!
    No lecture from me because I suffer "fear of the unknown" as well.
    {Plus no insurance} but that is no excuse when it comes to our health!

    Hopeing all is well!

    Smiles,
    Dolly

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  28. I'm glad you made your appointment and glad you posted about it because it reminds me {and possibly others} that it is time to make an appointment of my own. Kudos to you, Anne!

    XO,
    Jane

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  29. Good Girl!!!
    *clapping*

    LuLu~*xoxo

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  30. yep, i am a bit behind on my visits too. thanks for the reminder.

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  31. Oh Anne, sending you love ~ prayers ~ and only positive thoughts! I know where you're coming from...fear of the unknown always seems to be a reason to put things off. So happy you took that positive step forward!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  32. No lecture here. I'm the world's worst.
    purty blooms!
    xoxoxo,
    D

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  33. Aw, what a good reminder. Hope things turn out well for you. Thanks so much for stopping by Kristin's blog today and leaving a comment about my guest post! I really appreciate that!

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  34. Sending you lots of thoughts and prayers. I'm a nurse myself and know how hard it is sometimes to face our fears! Be brave!

    Hugs!
    Karen

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  35. good for you girlie. that's never fun...but definitely necessary.

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  36. So glad you made the appointment now.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  37. GOOD GIRL! I know.. it is so scary isn't it. Proud of you for making that call.
    Kristin

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  38. My mom (a nurse of 35 years) put off drs appointments and bloodwork for years. When she finally got all that done....she was seriously ill, and has had lasting effects. Go early, and go often!

    My doctor says that there are two kinds of nurses...ones you see all the time for every little thing, and ones that you don't see until they're in ICU :P

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  39. point taken. as an ex~health care worker it is so true that the worst patients are in the biz. glad you took the step.

    hugs,

    shelley

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  40. I sincerely hope all is well with you. Thanks for the reminder to take care of ourselves even if it is scary at times.
    Take care, Linda

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  41. Good for you for making the appt. . . even if you are late, you did it!!

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  42. I know how that goes. Sometimes out of mind is the easiest path. Maybe not the wisest path, but the easier of the two. I am quite the procrastinater myself! All will be okay.

    Take care, Sue

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  43. Anne, thanks for the reminder of a 6th month checkup I have one due also. I hope to make mine this coming Monday....take care. Have a nice weekend. Hugs, sandi

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  44. Unfortunately many of us do this....well done on conquering your fear and finally making that appointment. Sending lots of positive energies and wishes for a positive outcome.I hope you don't have to wait too long for results. That waiting really sucks!

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  45. Most likely all of us at one time or other have put off those pesky, sometimes scary appointments -- me included. Don't beat yourself up for it. You got it done and that's what counts.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  46. I know how you feel! It has been 8 years and I am so afraid to pick up that phone and make my appointment. Because if I ignor it, it will go away, right. I wish you luck.

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  47. Why do we do that, I'm guilty of it ....

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  48. I can't fuss...I'm 6 months overdue on one thing and 2 months overdue on a couple of others. Since you did it, I'll call Monday and get some appointments made!

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  49. Oh Anne ~ you are not alone, my friend. Especially when we reach that "golden" age of 50 and things start going wonky with our bodies. I am so guilty of that exact same thing. I was supposed to have a colonoscopy 2 years ago...but fear of the unknown has stopped me from making that appointment (along with the fact that insurance does not pick up the $800 bill!). I will certainly keep you in my prayers, sweetie - that everything goes well and is normal at your check-up. ♥

    xoxo laurie

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  50. Oh, Little Anne, I'd never scold you! I'm just glad you went! I hope you're alright! I need to have a procedure done that I've put off way too long but I'm skeert! :( I know,it's no excuse.
    Love the pretty photo.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  51. Anne, I'm so proud of you for making the appt. I'm sure everything will be fine. HUGS! I've put off a gyn appt. for almost 5 years EEEK but I'm going next month.

    On a happy note, I love your new header! ...and I'm having a fabulous Shabby Apple giveaway, so stop by if you have a moment!

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  52. aww .. Anne .. i can sympathize with ya' .. sometimes i think it would be best to go through life knowing as little as possible .. there is something to be said for those who stick their heads in the sand .. it's true, what you don't know, can't hurt you .. then another part of me wants to know and deal with whatever it may be head on .. we are all better at helping others deal with difficulties than dealing with our own .. i know exactly what my middle sis should do / needs to do to get her liver functioning properly .. but can't seem to get a handle on my brittle diabetes .. keeping you in my prayers and thoughts .. love you ..
    Troy

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  53. wow, you have just told a story that is so familiar
    I wish you the best of luck.
    I was so scared of my results 3 years ago, and not going to get it dealt with left me with the most horrible pregnancy and hysterectomy afterwards.
    Please take care of yourself, hugs
    Amy

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  54. Guilty.
    Thank you for rattling the cage.
    Lifting you and results in prayer.

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  55. I am glad that you made the appointment. Have a wonderful weekend. I bought the Romantic Country magazine today. Time to make tea and relax and enjoy some beautiful pictures.

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  56. Anne!
    The fear of the "unknown" is often times worse than the outcome! I had a cancer scare in December..lots of biopsies and tests and worries and fear..had a hysterectomy on the 27th, right after Christmas...luckily it was caught very early BECAUSE I made "that" appointment!!! I've also been through the "come back in 3 months", a few times...then the 6 months...so far all OK...the great thing about keeping up with the appointments is that you rid yourself of the stress and fear of the unknown! Yay for you! Yay for taking the bull by the horns! Here's to your heath and happiness...good girl!!!
    Hugs,
    M

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  57. Hi Anne,
    That's so easy for us to do, just put things off. I can so relate to all the excuses and I'm glad you're finally following up. For some reason, when it's ourselves we're in denial. But for the sake of your Husband, please stay on top of it. I wish I would've made my Husband get regular physicals. Maybe we would have found out about his condition and he would still be here. He was way too young to go. I can't obsess about what might have happened or not have happened. The Lord was in control. I don't mean to be a downer, really! I'm glad you called yourself out girl - there's too many of us to nag and scold you now! ;). I'll be lifting you up in prayer.
    Have a blessed weekend,
    Missy

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  58. Yes, dear Anne, you know we healthcare workers are THE worst patients...I haven't had a physical for 8 years, since baby #2 was born. Because I'm scared. No reason in particular, just figure, I'm happy, seem healthy, don't want to hear anything to the contrary. Yeah, I get it. Glad you made the call. PERHAPS I will too ONE OF THESE DAYS...

    Hugs,
    Judy

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  59. It's understandable that you put it off, but I'm so glad you've made the appointment now. Make sure you keep it. xx

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  60. So glad you are keeping your appointment. So better late than not at all. I hope your results come out squeaky clean! SEnding my Prayers with you!
    Sherry

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  61. Fear is a good thing sometimes - I remember you doing a post on that subject a while back. I am in the same boat Anne. Too busy, too lazy, too fearful. I'm glad you did this post - thank yo. And you are so right. Don't put things off - ever! Off to make an appointment right now (well, after work anyway!). HAve a great weekend!

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  62. We in healthcare are the worst for taking care of ourselves. I think, like you said...we know what happens in dr's offices... we get stuck or put into embarrassing situations.

    Hope you do go soon to get checked.

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  63. Hi Anne, I'm guessing your PSA is for me! I had surgery a couple of times for precancerous cells. I also have cysts forming in my left breast that are being watched. I was supposed to go in February for my annual exams. We just had Spring Break and I never went ... in February or over Spring Break. :/ I know I need to. You are not the only one who keeps putting things off. Wishing you peace, health and happiness. Tammy

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  64. I think we've all done it. Just had all my tune ups (only a month behind schedule) and all good news this time. I hope your news is the same. Think positive.

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  65. Yep but wondering or not knowing is worse than the truth...keep that appointment my friend!

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  66. Don't they always say healthcare workers make the worst patients? I should know..I am one!

    xoxo

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  67. Annie,

    I truly hope and Pray that your tests results are fine Annie Girl. But I'm Sure that whatever the journey ahead holds, you'll handle it with Faith, Grace and Wisdom.

    IF you went to the Doc and they gave you "the bad news-whatever that may be," your perspective on life would most certainly change, at least to some degree. You'd appreciate some things a LOT more, and overlook and put aside those that had little importance in the "Big Picture, that we call life."

    BUT, IF you go to that same Doc, get the test results and ease your fears from the results, you life will Still change.......you'll look at things a bit different........

    You know when you get the Flu? You feel like something that's "Been Road Hard and Put away Wet." This goes on for several days and when you finally have the strength to run a comb through your hair, put on something other than your jammies and you once again feel that LIFE is Good and Thank you Jesus, Stars Above that you feel HUMAN again. We've all been there! It's a TREAT to go to the Grocery store, Work, whatever, because we feel human again.......

    A serious illness is like that 10 fold. And if you have to deal with one, your perspective will be dramatically altered. Unfortunately,,OR fortunately, we don't build strength or Character from the routine or the mundane. We build these attributes from Adversities.

    None of us truly knows what our LIFE holds, when it will change, when it will End. We, personally can only do so much to direct our lives and the footprint that we will leave.....the rest is in God's hands, God's plans.

    Wishing you all the Best my friend, and we're ALL here for you....the unknown is harder to deal with, get the info, THEN you can work towards a solution!

    Big Hugs, Love you to Pieces and a Bus on the Cheek to you and the Mister Twig!
    Shell
    (I'll be thinking and Praying for you!)

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  68. Positive and healthy prayers and thoughts are coming your way!

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  69. I am so glad you made the appt. I am way over due for a pap and mamogram. I too am busy and those things are way down on the priority list. I do hope and pray everything is ok with you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  70. I am the biggest procrastinator when it comes to doctors appointments but I thank God that I kept my routine check up appointment...and followed up on her thinking I had a heart murmer...and thank God that the tumer in my heart was detected early. This rare occurence usually goes undetected. With open heart surgery in February under my belt and the benign tumer gone I promised myself that after I went through that I need to keep myself healthy!!

    You can too. I'll be thinking of you and will be sending positive thoughts and loving prayers your way!

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  71. Who am I to fuss at you? I ride everyone around me like small ponies until they go to the doctor and yet I don't. I figure I'll be found in a little puddle somewhere someday due to my negligence of myself!
    Good for you for TCB.
    Deb

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  72. No finger waving here, Anne. Just happy to hear you made that appointment. Sending positive and healthy thoughts your way.

    BTW, I *finally* picked up a copy of Romantic Country Homes and your photo spread in there is more gorgeous in person than viewing online. What a fabulous talent you have. Can't wait to see more of your work in upcoming mag issues.

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  73. oh friend, i can totally relate. i am the worst.
    & not only do i procrastinate, i am queen worrier! seriously.

    i had an issue about 3 years ago. surgery. then followups freuently for a year. now i'm on a one year follow up. scheduled for 2 weeks away. and i've worried about it for over a month. good grief.
    us nurses!!
    praying your visit goes well
    & you have peace
    xoxoxoxo

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  74. I understand and I can relate. Thinking of you...

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  75. I'm the same....seems like when there is a bit of a scare we don't want to take it head on...I'm glad you did.
    Your in my prayers
    XO
    Kristin

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  76. Hi Anne,
    Oh gosh, just know I will pray for you, Hon...and hope all goes well! You are such a dear sweet person and I know God is blessing you and watching over you....sending hugs your way,
    XO
    Cindy

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  77. Dear Anne, I think you are going the right way!
    I hope you feel better soon!
    I wish you many positiv thoughts!!!!!
    Big Hugs,
    Yvonne

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  78. You sound like me Anne, I'm guilty of this too. I'm proud of you for taking control and telling us about it. There's nothing quite as freeing like the feeling of getting it over with though. Wishing you positive results with the resulting wonderful ease of mind to follow! xoxo ~Lili

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  79. I'm guilty of this too, and need to make a long overdue appointment. Wishing you a positive outcome and peace of mind knowing you finally did it ~ please follow through:)

    Sharon

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  80. You are a brave woman for sharing with all of us and opening yourself up to a public spanking. ;)
    Bravo for making the call today.
    Hugs~
    T

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  81. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone in my "fear of the what ifs". Blessings!

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  82. I finally went to get an ultrasound, after having pains in my stomach, for about 6 months. I have a cyst in my ovary, and have to see an oncologist. I'm 60, and they say the percentage of cancerous cysts are higher in my age bracket. I'm waiting for the authorization. I'm worried, of course, but glad I finally attended to this.. Don't wait, you silly girls.

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  83. No lecture from me and don't beat yourself up about it. Life gets in the way sometimes and we're all scared of the what ifs...The main thing is that you've done it now - good for you!! xo

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