I had been hearing that getting mammograms annually was a waste of money. Since I am on Medicare that meant little to me except if the government was going to limit them.

I am a firm believer in annual mammograms because after only one year mine showed a growth that could not have been seen a year before. It was in a spot where I never would have felt it either. By the time I felt the growth I would have been in big trouble!

Thanks to the annual mammogram my cancer was found when it was less than a centimeter in size. I had a lumpectomy. That revealed that it was cancer so I had to go the following week for a look at my lymph nodes. Thank heavens nothing had gone to my lymph nodes.

A trip to the doctor revealed that I had to do radiation for thirty-six treatments. I would not have to do chemotherapy. I would follow up the radiation with a drug to be taken for the next five years.

Folks, that was now seven years ago. I am still considered a cancer patient, although I am now a survivor. I must confess when they told me what they expected following my annual mammogram it was like a punch in the gut. I asked questions. I had a trip scheduled the next week. Should I take it? The doctor asked how long the trip would be. I told him it was a week long. He told me to go and enjoy myself so I did.

At this point I told no one. I did not want the children to worry while I was off having fun. When I came home I scheduled my surgery. While I was on the phone with the doctor a strange thing happened. A voice spoke to me loud and clear. It said, “You will be all right.” I never had anything happen to me like this, but I believed the voice. I knew God was speaking to me to calm my nerves.

I went through all of the tests. During my time of testing I used the old hymns to keep me focused. I sang the words in my mind to occupy myself while I was in and out of a machine. That worked well for me. I relaxed and was able to endure the testing.

Finally, I shared my diagnosis with everyone. I needed to know what the plan was before I was able to share. My children were concerned, but very supportive. My son took me to the hospital and stayed with me. My daughter came a little later. Both of them were with me even though it meant they had to take time from their jobs. My daughter took me home. I will not forget the kindness they showed to me when I needed it most.

A week later I was off to Chautauqua for a week. I was sore but recovering just fine. That fall I made the first of two trips to New York City with the grandchildren. My granddaughter, her mother, and my daughter-in-law had a wonderful time. When you see the city through the eyes of the children it is a wonderful experience. The following year I took the boys. I took them both at once since I did not want the younger one to miss out just in case things did not go as planned. We, too, had a great time. I am sure it is something the children will not forget.

Now that I can look back on things I am thankful for the technician who found the cancerous lump. It could be removed easily. Now seven years later I rejoice that I am well and able to do all of the things that I want to do.

After I had gone through that experience and came out on the plus side I decided that I needed to give back. I was so thankful that I was healed. I took training for hospice. I trained to be a lay speaker for church. I just felt that I had to share my experience in a positive way. This was my way to give back and possibly encourage others.

Throughout the process my faith was strong. I prayed. I never asked, “Why me?” I accepted the diagnosis and the treatment knowing at the end that all would be well. After all, the Lord told me so.

Now, annually, I give thanks for another year of good health as my birthday approaches. The Lord promised “hope for the future”. I take no day for granted.

There is a song I hear on the radio that really speaks to me. The words were written by Colton Dixon. Each time I hear it I sing along giving praise to the one who healed me. The chorus of the song speaks volumes. It says, “Let them see you in me. Let them hear you when I speak. Let them feel you when I sing. Let them see you. Let them see you in me.”

As I attempt to live my life with the Lord at my side that is my greatest hope. I want to be the hands of God, the eyes of the Lord, the ears and the feet of him who I owe everything to.

If you are over the age of forty please go get your mammogram. Be sure to get one every year after that. It just may save your life as it did mine.

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, Pa. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.