Happy anniversary to me. One year ago, I had a mastectomy.

Just saying that makes me feel like I'm in some kind of 12-step program. "Hello, my name is Julie Weight and I'm a cancer survivor."

I don't feel like a cancer survivor, although I'm not sure what cancer survivors are supposed to feel like. Every time I look in the mirror, move my left arm, get dressed and go to the doctor for a checkup, I'm reminded that I did, indeed, have cancer. In spite of all that, it's rather easy to forget I'm a cancer survivor.

So by now everyone knows my excisional biopsy was positive for cancer. DCIS with microinvasion, to be precise, with DCIS at every margin.

We all know what comes next. More surgery, punctuated by lymph node localization so they can do a biopsy at the same time.

April 25, 2007.

It's not like I forgot this "anniversary," but I did have to look at my medical records to find out the exact date. That was the day I had a biopsy for a lump in my left breast. I said I'd blog about it after a year and so here I am.

The biopsy itself isn't really the story. The real story is what leads up to the biopsy and what happens after the biopsy. The real story is about being the patient instead of the MT.

Behold the poor burger. On the one hand, maligned by advocates of healthy living; on the other hand, consumed in record numbers by Americans. It seems people are saying the right thing in public - and doing something else when the rubber meets the road.

How is this like McScription... er, transcription? I am glad you asked.

I'm pretty sure nobody plans on starting a business that isn't profitable. However, in medical transcription, I am pretty sure that a lot of small companies start up with no real plans at all.

Forbes: 10 Least and Most Profitable Businesses

I think I'm on to something here when it comes to answering the question: "Why would facilities make highly educated physicians with high earning potential spend the time to input their own medical records?" What chain of events would have to occur to make the time it takes for "once and done," performed by the MD, look attractive?

I think I've figured it out. Actually, a friend of mine figured it out and was not only kind enough to share, but encouraged me to come here and do what I do best.

The Advance for HIM 2007 Salary Survey results are in and of course, I have something to say about the results.

I want to be Dr. House's MT. I'll bet it pays better than a real MT job. I could go from saying "I'm not a doctor but I know a lot of them," to "I'm not an MT but I play one on TV." How cool would that be?

I think it's great that more print magazines are making articles available online so you can all go read for yourself the article I'm going to reference. "Uncertain about Certification," For the Record Vol. 19, No. 25.

Although the Letter to the Editor (September 2006 issue of Plexus, now AHDI's Matrix publication) is a year old, the topic being discussed is still current.

I stumbled on this discussion at MT Stars. The comments divide about half and half between MTs who are outraged at the perceived insult - and MTs who seem to have a grasp of the underlying problems that prompted the Letter to the Editor.

AHDI Track article by Tina Whitecotton (Advance for HIM, Vol. 17, No. 23 November 5, 2007)