Full Body Exam 

January and February were committed to having a full body checkup. I had dental, vision, blood, hearing, gynecology and pelvic floor exams. I also had my very first mammogram and colonoscopy. They found a mass in my right breast which resulted in a biopsy that was bloody and painful and left me with a bruised breast. The great news is that it was nothing more than scar tissue from my 6 years of breast feeding, where I experienced a lot of breast infections. The colonoscopy showed a polyp that was removed and biopsied and a collapsed rectum. The polyp biopsy also came back negative, but the collapsed rectum is something that is going to require surgery someday. They think the collapsed rectum is from the force of childbirth. I have follow up appointments next month.

My 4 babies certainly did a number on my body.  I joked with my girlfriends that my babies powerfully came out of my vagina like little tornadoes while wreaking havoc on my insides, then breastfed like little savages. I know that’s dramatic, but that’s what it seems like.

I know that this is a lot of private information, but I share this because this whole experience made me reflect on the fact that we are given just one body.  Am I challenging my mind to expand in knowledge and experiences? Am I seeking healthy ways to process stress, frustration and anger? Am I listening to my body when it is telling me to slow down? Am I eating foods that provide clean nutrition and proper fuel? Am I exercising in ways that support my overall physical health? Am I practicing self-care that allows me to feel good on the inside and outside?

We are each tasked to care for this one body that is uniquely made in the image and likeness of God. Seeing my body in this new way has really challenged me to take notice of ways that I am doing things that honor my body and when I am not.  I feel it is important that we share our health journey with others we love and trust. It may give them space to make their own doctor’s appointment or address a warning sign that they have been ignoring.

As I check in with my body after 40 years of use, I want to make better choices on how I treat it. It is the only vessel I must hold my children, see sunsets, walk on the beach, serve others, create new things, feel love and experience all the joy and sorrow life offers us. I am proud of myself for taking the time to focus on my health and after a few minor procedures later this year, I will be all tuned up and ready for another 40 years.