Post Reunion Milestone

If you're a regular reader, then you know how much I've whined about the unexpected downside of reunion (technically, we haven't met yet-just talked) as I've had to "integrate" the clay footed version of my birthmother and her foibles. (I am not "foible-less," but my hypocricy stands as evidence of the fantasies we adoptees do spin in the absence of solid information).

Anway..and it's a big titted anyway...today I got up at six a.m. to touch-up my roots, shave my legs and wax my face (my husband wanted to know why bother with that end), plus hot shower and slathering of fresh, citrus moisturizer...all in preparation for the much-dreaded Well-Woman Exam.

It's hard to explain to a husband why you need that extra boost of confidence to get you through the indignities of being poked and prodded by a man still wearing his Dockers. (Okay, I could have chosen a female doc but this guy's not just good, but a scream).

I was especially nervous because the last two years I've had tit lumps the size and shape of shrunken heads that required dianogistic ultrasounds and caused weeks of extreme anxiety. Besides, I'm a recovering hypochondriac (adoption related-definitely) and even though he kept telling me they were probably benign, I was sure it was cancer.

So we started off the Well-Woman exam with these two positives:

--I lost 15 pounds in one year and;

--I was able to fill in my medical history...no female cancers, some high blood pressure on the maternal side, the usual stuff.

The doctor congratuled me...said that WAS a big deal to get such complete information from at least one bio related parent...and - WHEW! - no lumps!

So today is a GOOD day and despite all the nasty, negative things I've had to say recently.

I'm celebrating the fact that I took control of my adoption and my life, that I searched, found and found out and even though my birthmother does have osteoporosis and some other ailments, they are REAL ailments...not ones imagined by me and, of course, can not so easily be elevated into serious, life threatening inherited diseases. Knowing is much better than not knowing.

And if I had to thank my birthmother for something, today I would thank her for passing on some pretty excellent health genes. She is, after all, 83, and has never had cancer, diabetes or even a touch of dementia (which both my a-parents did and do).

Of course, I still must have The Mammogram but I believe I can do so this year with much less anxiety.