At 9ish (my usual bedtime), I left my computer and went into the den to say goodnight. Chuck and Lisa each came over and hugged me. They told me I had a doctor's appointment the next day. I said, “Is this about my mammogram?” At this point Lisa said to Chuck, “I told you she knew -- you can't keep secrets from Mom!” (I foster their impression of my mind-reading abilities--I love being a witch.)
They now knew that my crankiness had not just been due to menopausal mood swings. Menopause is such a good excuse for so many things: forgetfulness, bitchiness, wearing weird hats, etc. I'm a very pragmatic person, and I love being humored.
I was fairly sure that the growth was malignant. The three previous matrilineal generations of my family were rife with breast cancer, so I knew the chances were that I was genetically at risk. Given that knowledge, I had chosen some time ago to mitigate the damages. I was a vegetarian, mostly out of guilt. I don't smoke tobacco or drink alcohol or coffee, generally kept low stress and high humor levels. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, therefore aerobic exercises are out, but I can and do walk and hike.
Through various 12 step programs, I had worked through my issues for the most part, and was now speaking to all my living and many of my dead relatives. I liked my job fairly well. I get along with everyone with whom I choose to get along. However, I am a witch and always have needed people in my life to annoy. (Theory: If someone is pompous, arrogant and otherwise anal retentive, they are wearing a target on their forehead. Who am I to pass up the opportunity to take pot shots at them? In my opinion, they are just little gifts from the Goddess.)