Was...Was That a Sit Up?

Lying there on the table, with a regal purple but cheap hospital gown, my flapjack boobs hanging to my sides, I discovered something incredible. I can do sit-ups. Me, Jamie Rose, can do sit-ups!

I woke up late today, too late to go to the gym and be home in time for mom responsibilities. I made up for it throughout the day, but my days always feel quite strange when I don’t start them off in the water. I did a lot of planning this morning, exciting but stressful, planning out all the days of our December trip. I hope by planning with so much detail that I won’t be caught off guard by any surprise expenses. Plus, I do enjoy my checklists!

I had an appointment at the Breast Health clinic today because of some worrisome symptoms. The nurse was fantastic. She was happy to talk just as much as I am, so we had a cheerful conversation as we reviewed my and my family medical history. After she was finished with her nursely duties, she handed me the dreaded open-front gown. In the past, these things have never fit me, even the largest ones. I told my husband there was no way it would fit me, but it did! I don’t know if they’ve started making them larger or if it’s because I’m getting smaller. I laid back on the bed to wait for the doctor.

The nurse came back in the room, so I instinctually raised up to the sound of the door opening. After I answered her question, I laid back down and then realized something. I audibly gasped. Was that a sit up? I’ve never been to lift myself up using only my core. So, I decided to lift my legs and try to do a proper sit-up. Y’all. I did 25 of them before I started feeling lightheaded. The last time I had tried to sit up unassisted was when I went to the cardiologist at the end of September. In those two-ish weeks, I have gained enough strength to not only raise myself up, but 25 times in a row! What!! That gave me great pride.

After that awkward exam, I walked away with orders for a mammogram, ultrasound, and blood work. Also, referrals for genetic testing and dermatology. I can’t wait for the day I go to the doctor, and they just say, “All good, see you next year!” But taking care of myself also means doing the things my doctors want me to. I walked the 1/4 mile from the office to the car with almost no difficulty and just a twinge of pain. Last time I had been to that hospital, I had needed to be pushed in a wheelchair. Today, all I needed was my own legs. I celebrated that as I walked, something I will never again take for granted.

That appointment took literally all afternoon so there’s nothing much to say about the time I’ve been home since. Just the normal running after toddler things. I have a feeling tonight will be a 7:30 bedtime at the latest, mentally and physically exhausted tonight but in a good way. Going to hop in bed and cuddle with my kiddo for a few minutes before I go to sleep.

I should stop wearing my old clothes. While it’s awesome to see how much they hang off me now, I feel far more confident in clothes that actually fit. But unless I get rid of them, I’ll keep going back to the comfort of those familiar, baggy clothes. The office had a little backdrop set up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so I stopped for a picture.

Have a great week, my friends! And please, please get your checkups and take care of your bodies!