What a Health Scare Clarified for Me
Today, I'm starting with the end of this story: I’m healthy. Thank goodness!
But that’s not the true end because it's the motivation for the rest of my story.
On November 9th, after a routine mammogram, I received results that read, “Asymmetry/distortion. Recommend additional imaging.” My research told me that 80% of follow-up screenings are normal, 20% are not.
I scheduled the additional images and ultrasound for December 11th. At that appointment, a radiologist would read the results immediately. I would know if my world could go on or be turned upside down. I waited and pondered over those next four weeks.
Facing the unknown, humans cope in remarkable ways.
Thirty-three years ago, when my first husband survived a plane crash and spent weeks in a coma due to a traumatic brain injury, my first step in coping was imagining the worst and deciding how I would handle it.
Knowing I had a plan, I could deal with reality as it came. What unfolded wasn’t the worst-case scenario I’d imagined. It was a different set of challenges, but I could face them having mentally planned for the worst.
I returned to this same coping strategy, imagining the worst, while I waited for the four weeks to pass until my second screening.
My thoughts turned to the extraordinary women who have shown me what it looks like to be in the 20%. I thought of so many women I love, including some of you reading this, who’ve faced breast cancer, suffered its treatment, and won the terrible battle. And I thought of so many others who’ve lost. I grieved them and let myself feel the fear of joining their ranks.
I thought of the Christmas movie, The Family Stone, and of Diane Keaton’s character, her returning breast cancer, and its impact on her family. Damn, we love that movie, but I don’t want that to be our family story.
I thought of my friend, Rebecca, who hosted a party celebrating her 5-year cancer anniversary on October 22nd. This gathering made me realize it had been three years since my last mammogram. I worried that I’d let our broken healthcare system keep me from getting proper care for too long. I scheduled mine the next day.
Four Weeks to Reflect on What Matters Most
Over the four weeks between the initial screening and the follow-up today, I thought of the people I love, the places I’ve loved being, the people I’ve loved meeting, and the work I’ve loved doing.
I thought about my assignment to stand for Love itself, what I’ve done, and where I’ve faltered.
I thought about many of you facing your own health battles. You carry heavy burdens, yet you live, give, and love.
After imagining and planning for the worst, I made a plan for another scenario: What if my tests are normal? What if I get the privilege of entering 2026 healthy and strong?
That was clarifying.
Today, when I learned that my tests were normal, I called Jim. I cried with relief.
Then, I got busy again, working on my Bold Plan for Love in 2026, with new strategies, more programming, and more ways to impact. It includes some bigger stretches, more creativity, and more working at my uncomfortable edges, too.
Hold me to it! Your reminders, encouragement, and presence always strengthen me. If you see me playing it small, I welcome the reminder that I’m on the Bold Plan!
And heads up! This means I’ll be inviting you to more in 2026, too! Expect more opportunities to engage and learn, to share resources, and spread the word. More options for you to help tip this beautiful planet back toward Love, to care for each other, and create the better future and world we all want.
Loving Leader, sometimes life stops us, and we get clear. Sometimes it's when the plane crashes. Other times it's when the test is negative. Whatever the case may be for you, what clarity are you taking into 2026? What impact are you determined to make or to keep on making for your team, your family, or your community? Your unique expression of Love matters! And I'd love to hear what that is for you!
