On Wednesday, December 8, I kept my appointment to have a CT scan for my upper body, as well as a mammogram. These tests were ordered upon the discovery that I had cancer in my colon. While they removed the cancer, there was still a chance that somewhere else in my body might show something. So, in my realist mind, nothing was finished on my detour off the path of healthiness until all tests and screenings proved we were off this rollercoaster. How do I cope with anxiety?

The Psalms has always been my "go-to" source of comfort and reassurance - ever since I entered a solo and ensemble contest performing "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes". (Lisa, I think you accompanied me!). This passage spoke to me then, and still does today. However, I live in a secular world, influenced by "worldly" pleasures, and am a victim of my own vices. I like to shop.

Sunday, I picked up my granddaughter, Olivia, and we went for a "girl's day" to the Acadiana Mall. Our annual quest for her a Christmas dress and shoes became my mega distraction against dwelling on cancer, screenings, labs or anything related to such downers. My original appointment to review the scans was canceled last Thursday and I was rescheduled for today (Monday). Do these people not realize that patients like me are locked in to appointment dates; that we plan our worry, our anxiety, our bouts of panic around those dates and hours? Throwing a few extra days in prior to an original appointment can throw my obsessions off kilter(sp?). So, an alternative to scripture becomes grabbing my purse, credit cards and grand kid and heading to the mall! We had a wonderful day of it, topping it off with a brownie from Great American Cookie Company.

If you are anticipating, like me, the final results from the scans, here they are: CT scan of upper body - NEGATIVE. Mammogram - NEGATIVE. Blood work for cancer markers - NEGATIVE. I am cancer free!

Not everything is good - I managed to gain 10 pounds! WTF! Where did THAT come from?? (surely, not one brownie!)

Merry Christmas!