Testing...1,2,3

I’m one of those nerdy types that loved school. I enjoy learning new things. (Disclaimer- I enjoy learning what I want to learn about not what I HAVE to learn.) My favorite teachers were the ones who went beyond the textbook and dug deeper into the subject. Through the years most of our vacations have been to national parks or historical places where I gained so much knowledge. I learned about geology at the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. I learned how the trees grew so tall in Yosemite. I heard so many great details of the Battle at Little Big Horn and how Mt. Rushmore was created. I soaked it all up at Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Washington D.C.

Even though I loved school and enjoy learning, I never liked being tested over my knowledge. I would get anxiety and worry about getting an A. College exams were the worst! I still have nightmares about those! I studied for days, staying up late the night before, just trying to cram it all in.

As you get older the word “test” takes on a new meaning. These are the tests you can’t study for and improve the results. When I was younger I was excited to take a pregnancy test, wanting so badly to “pass”. I’ve had blood tests, eye exams, and even a test to check the function of my gall bladder. (I failed that one!) It seems the doctor always wants you to take a test, especially after a certain age.

In the last few weeks I've had to have images and tests done that were not pleasant, but they were necessary. Ladies, you know how much "fun" a mammogram is (or a "smush and push" as I call it). Now imagine having to get so far into the machine that the label is imprinted on your sternum. The tech actually got my ribs in one image - so she had to do it over! Yes, loads of fun. The ultrasound wasn't bad, just weird. I was expecting to hear a heartbeat.

After test results from the biopsy came back with a cancer diagnosis, the surgeon wanted a breast MRI. I've had an MRI on my knee, but I've never had a breast MRI so I didn't know what to expect. If you've ever had a massage, picture the table with the circle for your face. Now take out the part of the table where your chest is. Yep, the girls just hang around. No one informed me that there was an IV involved until about 30 seconds before it was inserted. So I lie face down, gravity working on the chest area (at least they aren't being smushed), face down in the circle, arms up like Superman, and wireless headphones over my ears. At first I thought the music was a little loud, but then the machine started and I could barely hear any melody. Noise canceling would have been a better choice. Ten minutes or so later I was finished and trying to get off the skinny table. There was no massage! I can add that to my list of "things I never thought I'd do".

Some tests can be scary. Some may be physically painful. Some are emotionally draining. No matter what the test, there is a reason for you to have it. Most medical tests help catch a problem you may have and allow you to get the treatment you need to change the results. Many times it's a change in diet or exercise. You might have to stop a habit like smoking. Maybe you need to take some medication. Often times surgery is needed.

Whatever the prognosis, I encourage you to take the test. Listen to that little voice inside when you think something isn't quite right. Tell someone about the symptoms you are experiencing, no matter how insignificant you think they are. You may be like me and have test anxiety, but taking a test, or even a series of them, is a small price to pay for saving your life.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12