I Found a Lump in My Breast!: One Woman's Story
"Two weeks ago today, I found a lump in my breast. Needless to say, I was in a state of panic. I couldn't call a doctor until Monday. The weekend seemed to go on forever. On Monday morning, I called my doctor's medical assistant and told her what I found. First, she attempted to calm me down; second, she told me to make an appointment for a mammography and a sonogram.
Upon her advice, I called an Imaging office nearby, but they couldn't accommodate me until August. They suggested I call another office. I did, but was not able to secure an appointment until the end of the month.
I called back my friend and told her what had transpired. She told me there was a window of time in which they estimate the necessity for testing. Although I was listening to the words, I could not comprehend their meaning intellectually.
The last two weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. Some days, I am literally drained from the emotional angst; other days I tell myself it's going to be okay. On Friday, I had a scheduled appointment with my regular doctor. Coincidentally, there was a chart on the wall describing the percentage of woman prone to breast cancer based on age and family history. Since no one in my family has had breast cancer, my statistic was anywhere from 7% to 19%.
Given the fact I am post-menopausal and overweight, my research revealed I may be at risk. However, I am also prone to developing cysts.
On Monday, I will go for the tests. According to my doctor, if the radiologist determines the lump is a cyst- I may have to wait some time before I hear anything. Conversely, if the lump is cancerous, I will know within 24-48 hours.
The bottom line is it doesn't matter what the statistics say or what my research reveals - I have a lump - and I am frightened."
As the healthcare debate takes center stage in the political arena, Women's Health issues continue to be at the forefront of our discussion. Early detection and prevention is the key to any potentially serious condition.
This website will address a myriad of Health issues concerning women today. I invite you to peruse this site and if there are any topics you would like addressed, feel free to Contact me.
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What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
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