The past few months, my email inbox and phone text messages have been buzzing with appointment reminders from the optometrist, dentist, primary care doctor, gynecologist—and now health screenings for cancer.

Today, for instance, a Cologuard rep called me to remind me to complete my colorectal cancer home screening kit.

It initially triggered my anxiety, but the rep was so kind that I felt the tension lifting from my body, and I ended up sharing with her my anxieties.

“I just recently turned 45, and it seems like now I have to do a lot of health screenings,” I said to the Cologuard rep. “It’s a bit overwhelming, if I’m being honest.”

“Ahh yes,” she said to me. She said she completely understood how I was feeling.

“It just feels like it all came crashing down, doesn’t it?”

We both laughed, and I replied, “Yes! That is EXACTLY how it feels—it feels like it’s all crashing down on me.”

The rep was very compassionate and shared a way I can reframe my anxious thoughts on the health screenings.

She encouraged me to look at it like this: I’m simply taking good care of my health by getting routine preventive care. She reminded me that screenings can catch things early—before they become serious.

I didn’t mean to unload my heavy feelings onto a complete stranger 😆, but I am thankful for her kindness and helping me out!

“Cast your care upon the LORD, who will give you support. He will never allow the righteous to stumble.” Psalm 55:23