probably nothing

30 December 2005

For the last four months, when my friends and family said, “Well, it could be worse,” I have replied, grudgingly, “I know. I could have cancer.”

Today, at an annual exam, my gynecologist conducts a breast examination, massaging each breast slowly to check for abnormal growths.

“I just have to do a routine check,” she says, “even though it’s unusual for anyone your age…”

“I know,” I interrupt, “though I do have one business school classmate who has breast cancer…”

“Well, I feel something here…” she says.

And I stop.

“…it’s probably a cyst,” she adds quickly. “Probably nothing. We’ll just have you go in for a sonogram, to make sure…”

Be careful what you ask for.