The results are in
The loss of Eddie spurred me on to get some testing done on me. I have a history of breast cancer (mother, possibly her mother, my paternal grandfather) and so after finally getting a new family doctor (which was harder than it really should have been), I had the mammogram and ultrasound done. Bloodwork was also added in.
Basically, I'm very healthy :)
I have good cholestoral, sugar levels and thyroid function.
More importantly, they found no traces of breast cancer. I think this will hit me more later, as I'm feeling a little like "I told you so", which was what my doctor said (See, I told you you wouldn't have it). There is still one more hurdle to jump and that's getting screened for the BRCA gene which is a highly good indicator of breast cancer developing. Though I'm not a fan of Angelina Jolie, her public ordeal has certainly done women's health some good. I figure once the screening happens, I will have something concrete to work with. "What-ifs" are just too susceptible to rampant and horrible speculation. Having real information will allow me to better prepare for decisions and consequences.
Still, I'm feeling pretty good right now. I might even buy a pair of shoes tomorrow ;)
I'm also feeling better about adopting a cat. The biggest factor holding me back was the idea of getting a cat only to have to give it up again because my health became bad. I couldn't live with the guilt of setting up that animal in a safe and loving home only to have to abandon it. My second biggest holdback is my continued and strong feelings for Eddie. I still miss him everyday and though it's something I've become used to, it's still an unpleasant feeling. Comparing the new cat with Eddie is inevitable, but I want to be as unbiased as I can be (that is, mentally ready) before adopting. My doctor also stated that I should get a pet, so there is that.
For today, though, things are good. And maybe they will be tomorrow, too.