Breast Cancer effects 1 out of 8 women.
When I found out I needed my biopsy I knew there was a co-worker I needed to speak to. I didn't know her very well, but I heard she had breast cancer years ago. I approached her and discreetly explained what was happening to me. She immediately understood we needed to talk. I will always appreciate her sincerity. She prepared me, and warned me not to look ahead, just deal with what I know. I asked her what kind of breast cancer that she had? I remember her stressing to me that everyone is unique, and there are so many different types of breast cancers, and not to compare hers or others to myself. That stuck in my mind. It was true. There are so many parts of it (cancer in general) to consider. She was a wonderful help to me before, during and after.
Her understanding me, her listening to me, helped me to deal more then she'll ever know.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Terror on the Web
Okay. I have my appointment scheduled with my surgeon. I'm waiting again. I have 3 weeks until my appointment. Now what do I do??? I have to do something! I was given 'Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook' book by Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN from the the Breast Center. They highlighted a few areas to read over, like 'Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Surgery', 'Lumpectomy Procedures' and lasting 'Radiation Therapy.' Normally I'm ready to read over anything and dig in, but this was different. I didn't want to read about this. Not medical stuff! It made me weak in the knees, but I knew I had to be informed. Denial wasn't gonna help me.
I would come home on my lunch break and the first thing I would do was Google "breast cancer", and the terror began. Oh. My. The stories. They were plain heart wrenching and down right scary. It seemed like every site I ended up on was doom and gloom! After about a week of this self inflicted emotional roller coaster I realized this scare tactic was not going to help me in anyway! I had to get a grip. Constant Googling was going to give me a heart attack before I died of Breast Cancer!!! It was like driving by a car accident, I HAD TO LOOK!
I had to start forcing myself daily to stick to the "official" Breast Cancer sites. You know, stick to the facts. I had to consciously force myself to only look at what I knew I had. I could NOT worry about what I MIGHT have! What good was that going to do for me?
I would come home on my lunch break and the first thing I would do was Google "breast cancer", and the terror began. Oh. My. The stories. They were plain heart wrenching and down right scary. It seemed like every site I ended up on was doom and gloom! After about a week of this self inflicted emotional roller coaster I realized this scare tactic was not going to help me in anyway! I had to get a grip. Constant Googling was going to give me a heart attack before I died of Breast Cancer!!! It was like driving by a car accident, I HAD TO LOOK!
I had to start forcing myself daily to stick to the "official" Breast Cancer sites. You know, stick to the facts. I had to consciously force myself to only look at what I knew I had. I could NOT worry about what I MIGHT have! What good was that going to do for me?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Chest X-Ray & My Little Brain
I went for my chest x-ray. The Tech was fast, in-and-out. But I still had to wait for the results. More waiting again.
I think it may have been a day or two later I receive a call the nurse from family doctor. The x-rays were clear! Yippee! It wasn't like, well, let's go celebrate, but it was a small relief. It did ease my mind.
It was amazing how many thoughts could pass though this little brain of mine! Calmness and positive thoughts one minute, then terror the next! AND this was JUST the beginning of my roller coaster ride. Oh. Mercy.
I think it may have been a day or two later I receive a call the nurse from family doctor. The x-rays were clear! Yippee! It wasn't like, well, let's go celebrate, but it was a small relief. It did ease my mind.
It was amazing how many thoughts could pass though this little brain of mine! Calmness and positive thoughts one minute, then terror the next! AND this was JUST the beginning of my roller coaster ride. Oh. Mercy.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The visit with my family doctor
This doctor's appointment wasn't because of Breast Cancer. It was actually a follow up from a previous visit. Guess what the previous visit appointment was for? Stress. I was so stressed with life. I wanted a family desperately. Our adoption plan was just creeping along, and we hadn't had a placement call for foster parenting yet. My sister-in-law just announced their pregnancy and it seemed like everyone around me was moving forward with happy lives, with babies showing up everywhere! Yeah, Ha. I thought my life was stressful then?! Wow! Now I really had something to be stressed and depressed about. This was something my family doctor knew all too much about. She too wanted children, but had none. Adoption was difficult , almost impossible when she was younger. She understood my pain. She also understood my fear of my breast cancer news. Her mother and and aunt died from breast cancer many years ago. This evil thing, breast cancer, effects so many lives.
Anyway, I was fortunate to have a caring and understanding doctor. She was super supportive! Anyone that gets diagnosed with cancer goes through the fear that it MUST be through their entire body! I was at the point. Every ache and pain I thought must be cancer growing and taking over my body. I didn't know enough about where my cancer was. Was it ONLY in my breast? Did it travel elsewhere? What kind was it? Aggressive? Slow growing? I had no clue. My doc understood this. My ribcage hurt at times, which I always assumed it was because of that stupid pulled muscle! Now. Well, now, I was fearing the worst. My doctor tried to assure me, it probably WAS just part of the pulled muscle issue, but hey, that's what I thought it was before! Yeah, right. Guess what it turned out to be? Breast Cancer. So, she did what she could to help, and what she could do to try to ease my mind. She sent me for chest x-rays. That would at least be able to tell me if I any "unusual" growths or something .
My visit ended with a big hug, and she told me if I needed anything to call her anytime. That's a good doctor. I was glad to have her on my team.
Anyway, I was fortunate to have a caring and understanding doctor. She was super supportive! Anyone that gets diagnosed with cancer goes through the fear that it MUST be through their entire body! I was at the point. Every ache and pain I thought must be cancer growing and taking over my body. I didn't know enough about where my cancer was. Was it ONLY in my breast? Did it travel elsewhere? What kind was it? Aggressive? Slow growing? I had no clue. My doc understood this. My ribcage hurt at times, which I always assumed it was because of that stupid pulled muscle! Now. Well, now, I was fearing the worst. My doctor tried to assure me, it probably WAS just part of the pulled muscle issue, but hey, that's what I thought it was before! Yeah, right. Guess what it turned out to be? Breast Cancer. So, she did what she could to help, and what she could do to try to ease my mind. She sent me for chest x-rays. That would at least be able to tell me if I any "unusual" growths or something .
My visit ended with a big hug, and she told me if I needed anything to call her anytime. That's a good doctor. I was glad to have her on my team.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Scheduling my 1st surgical meeting w/Dr. D
I called nurse Lynn who scheduled my surgical appointment, explained that I would rather scheduled with Dr. D. She warned me that she is a very popular doctor, and there might be a long wait to see her. She also told me that my cancer actually was not a rush, so I don't need to rush into seeing any doctor. I could take my time. That was so difficult to hear, because I wanted this all behind me. Little did I know how long this journey really was going to be!
Anyway, I stuck with my gut feeling. I wanted to see Dr. D. It ended up there was a long wait. I was scheduled for November 6th, 2008. Okay. I'll wait. Let this all sink in, and prepare myself for what she's gonna say. Time to do research, and prepare.
I allowed myself to have good and bad days, but the thought of cancer was ALWAYS in my head. I was afraid it was never going to ever go away.
Anyway, I stuck with my gut feeling. I wanted to see Dr. D. It ended up there was a long wait. I was scheduled for November 6th, 2008. Okay. I'll wait. Let this all sink in, and prepare myself for what she's gonna say. Time to do research, and prepare.
I allowed myself to have good and bad days, but the thought of cancer was ALWAYS in my head. I was afraid it was never going to ever go away.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Day After "You've got Cancer"
I really was an emotional roller coaster the next day. Exhausted one minute, positive the next, and then moments when I felt like I could just plain faint from fright.
I liked that the breast center picked and prepared surgical consultation for me for first thing Monday morning. That was customer service plus 1! BUT I couldn't help think that maybe I should ask around to see if anyone else had gone through the same thing, and did they have a doctor they liked? This doctor who I was scheduled with was a man. I'm sure he was good at what he does, but I've always felt more comfortable with a women physician.
Anyway, I talked to a ton of people over the weekend, very, very helpful people. A big thanks to Tammi and Lisa! The same doctor's name kept coming up over and over! She was a women, everyone loved her, she had GREAT success rate at what she did, and plus I liked her last name!
Great. I have my surgeon. Now all I need to do is call and schedule an appointment!
I liked that the breast center picked and prepared surgical consultation for me for first thing Monday morning. That was customer service plus 1! BUT I couldn't help think that maybe I should ask around to see if anyone else had gone through the same thing, and did they have a doctor they liked? This doctor who I was scheduled with was a man. I'm sure he was good at what he does, but I've always felt more comfortable with a women physician.
Anyway, I talked to a ton of people over the weekend, very, very helpful people. A big thanks to Tammi and Lisa! The same doctor's name kept coming up over and over! She was a women, everyone loved her, she had GREAT success rate at what she did, and plus I liked her last name!
Great. I have my surgeon. Now all I need to do is call and schedule an appointment!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Biopsy Results...Finally
I took off work Friday afternoon. Ted and I tried to occupy our minds by having lunch, which I could hardly eat, and taking a short walk around a local park. My knees were weak. I couldn't wait to hear my results, but I was terrified of what I was going to hear.
As soon as we arrived at the clinic, we were escorted into the same private waiting room. My husband Ted was trying to destract me with some light conversation about the waiting room decor, but it wasn't working. All I wanted was to know, did I have it or not? We waited in the room for about 15 minutes, thinking any minute someone would walk in. My stomach sunk. I knew this wasn't good. I told Ted, "They're gathering all the Breast Cancer literature and info for me. They're gonna tell me I have Cancer".
The door finally opened and a doctor and nurse I haven't seen before walked in. Welp, I know for sure this is not good. The first thing the doctor told me was, "I'm not going to make you wait any longer. You're biopsy came back positive for cancer." I remember leaving out a breath. The nurse, Lynn, that accompanied the doctor told me it seems like I was prepared for these results. Yes, I guess deep down I knew, but who wants to think they have cancer? They tried to explain to me what kind I had from what they could tell from the biopsy. They hoped it was only DCIS, which the full term is Ductal Carcinomas In Situ, which means, they hope it's containd in the cell in my breast duct. They hoped it was only Stage 0. STAGE 0??!! I never knew there was a Stage 0! That gave me hope. Worst case it could be Stage 1, with possible invasive cancer, but they would not know until surgery.
The doctor asked me why I came in for a Mammogram??? I told her about my pulled muscle, and she was shocked! "Well, this definitely does not have anything to do with a pulled muscle!" she told me. "You must have a guardian angel looking over your shoulder, because it's very difficult to find it this early."
Isn't that strange. I'm told I have cancer, but feel fortunate at the same time?! It was a feeling I've never experienced. I'm not even sure I could describe it. My adrenaline was going, but at the same time I felt relieved. No more waiting. I know now.
Nurse Lynn set up an appointment for me to talk with a surgeon Monday morning at 9:00 am. Wow! They weren't wasting any time. But I was assured this was not a rush, and I could take my time deciding my course of action. Thank goodness.
Next step - How do we tell our family and friends?
As soon as we arrived at the clinic, we were escorted into the same private waiting room. My husband Ted was trying to destract me with some light conversation about the waiting room decor, but it wasn't working. All I wanted was to know, did I have it or not? We waited in the room for about 15 minutes, thinking any minute someone would walk in. My stomach sunk. I knew this wasn't good. I told Ted, "They're gathering all the Breast Cancer literature and info for me. They're gonna tell me I have Cancer".
The door finally opened and a doctor and nurse I haven't seen before walked in. Welp, I know for sure this is not good. The first thing the doctor told me was, "I'm not going to make you wait any longer. You're biopsy came back positive for cancer." I remember leaving out a breath. The nurse, Lynn, that accompanied the doctor told me it seems like I was prepared for these results. Yes, I guess deep down I knew, but who wants to think they have cancer? They tried to explain to me what kind I had from what they could tell from the biopsy. They hoped it was only DCIS, which the full term is Ductal Carcinomas In Situ, which means, they hope it's containd in the cell in my breast duct. They hoped it was only Stage 0. STAGE 0??!! I never knew there was a Stage 0! That gave me hope. Worst case it could be Stage 1, with possible invasive cancer, but they would not know until surgery.
The doctor asked me why I came in for a Mammogram??? I told her about my pulled muscle, and she was shocked! "Well, this definitely does not have anything to do with a pulled muscle!" she told me. "You must have a guardian angel looking over your shoulder, because it's very difficult to find it this early."
Isn't that strange. I'm told I have cancer, but feel fortunate at the same time?! It was a feeling I've never experienced. I'm not even sure I could describe it. My adrenaline was going, but at the same time I felt relieved. No more waiting. I know now.
Nurse Lynn set up an appointment for me to talk with a surgeon Monday morning at 9:00 am. Wow! They weren't wasting any time. But I was assured this was not a rush, and I could take my time deciding my course of action. Thank goodness.
Next step - How do we tell our family and friends?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Biopsy (with an Angel) & Afterward
I was scheduled for the biopsy at 1:30 in the afternoon at the local breast health clinic. It really was a beautiful facility, very modern with relaxing music playing in the background. My husband came along with me to my appointment. I was SO NERVOUS!
We were told the procedure would take approximately 45 minutes to an hour. The actual biopsy takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, but most of the time was used to position the breast in the mammogram type machine. How were they able to do all this? Well, clinic had a new state-of-the-art machine which allowed you to lay on a table on your stomach, and place your breast through a hole. You got to be kidding me. Nope, it's true. Then they use a specially made mammogram machine which compresses the breast. The Techs make sure everything is in position (your breast), and they're able to see the area of concern clearly and precisely before they call in the Radiologist.
When I entered the Biopsy room, the lights were low, and I could hear soft, relaxing zen-like music playing. It probably helped, but my heart was still through the roof! Really. It actually was VERY high. Thank goodness I had two very sweet and comforting Nurses to helped me through each step, helping me lay on the table, getting me comfortable, and even covering the rest of my body with a warm blanket. Once I was situated, and everything was good-to-go, they raised the table to make room for the Radiologist to work. Talk about being in an awkward position!!! I remember laying there looking at a beautiful painting, and the table rose, and all I could see was a blank wall. I was thinking, "that's stupid, why didn't they hang the picture higher?"
Anyway, tears started streaming down my face. I was trying to keep it together. One of the nurses, her name was Colleen, came over and held my hand. She tried to keep my mind occupied with light chit-chat. It's crazy, but I can't remember what she looks like, but I remember thinking she looked and sounded like an angel! I was able to relax a bit. She really was so comforting! The whole procedure did not take long once the doctor came in. They took what is called a core biopsy. The doctor numbed the area before taking the biopsy. AND if you've ever had ANYTHING done before, you know the "numbing" part is the WORST! And it was. The Radiologist was quick, and the biopsy felt like a pulling sensation. She took 3 samples to make sure she had all the suspicious spots. They warned me the tool the doctor uses makes a loud spring-like sound during each sample. I'm glad they warned me. Then I was done.
They patched me up with some bandage, took my blood pressure, and heart rate...and everything was MUCH lower. I felt very relieved it was all over. I was so happy when I saw Ted in the waiting room. I scheduled to hear my results with the Radiologist on Friday....3 1/3 days away.
AFTERWARD...
We drove home, and I was feeling pretty good and positive. BUT that changed later on in the evening. This was the worst part. THIS WAS THE WORST PART OUT OF MY ENTIRE EXPERIENCE...was the waiting. Did I have it? Did I have CANCER? Was I going to die? I didn't want to leave my husband. I was too young to die! I wanted us to be parents together! I wanted to be a Mommy! Was the cancer spreading through out my body right now as I speak? All those little pains that I had, was it cancer or just from too much exercising, or not enough exercising??? Every fear, every question went through my mind.
I remember saying, "Well, I guess there are more people dead, then there are alive?!" I clearly was thinking way, way out of my box! Who thinks like that?!? But it was true. Oddly, it didn't make me feel worse.
My husband was fantastic! He laid on the bed with me, and tried to be as supportive as ever. He reminded me to pray, and boy, did I pray! I don't know how I would've done it without prayer and my husband. Now, all I had to do was go to work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning. It really was one of the most difficult things I had to do...just wait.
We were told the procedure would take approximately 45 minutes to an hour. The actual biopsy takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, but most of the time was used to position the breast in the mammogram type machine. How were they able to do all this? Well, clinic had a new state-of-the-art machine which allowed you to lay on a table on your stomach, and place your breast through a hole. You got to be kidding me. Nope, it's true. Then they use a specially made mammogram machine which compresses the breast. The Techs make sure everything is in position (your breast), and they're able to see the area of concern clearly and precisely before they call in the Radiologist.
When I entered the Biopsy room, the lights were low, and I could hear soft, relaxing zen-like music playing. It probably helped, but my heart was still through the roof! Really. It actually was VERY high. Thank goodness I had two very sweet and comforting Nurses to helped me through each step, helping me lay on the table, getting me comfortable, and even covering the rest of my body with a warm blanket. Once I was situated, and everything was good-to-go, they raised the table to make room for the Radiologist to work. Talk about being in an awkward position!!! I remember laying there looking at a beautiful painting, and the table rose, and all I could see was a blank wall. I was thinking, "that's stupid, why didn't they hang the picture higher?"
Anyway, tears started streaming down my face. I was trying to keep it together. One of the nurses, her name was Colleen, came over and held my hand. She tried to keep my mind occupied with light chit-chat. It's crazy, but I can't remember what she looks like, but I remember thinking she looked and sounded like an angel! I was able to relax a bit. She really was so comforting! The whole procedure did not take long once the doctor came in. They took what is called a core biopsy. The doctor numbed the area before taking the biopsy. AND if you've ever had ANYTHING done before, you know the "numbing" part is the WORST! And it was. The Radiologist was quick, and the biopsy felt like a pulling sensation. She took 3 samples to make sure she had all the suspicious spots. They warned me the tool the doctor uses makes a loud spring-like sound during each sample. I'm glad they warned me. Then I was done.
They patched me up with some bandage, took my blood pressure, and heart rate...and everything was MUCH lower. I felt very relieved it was all over. I was so happy when I saw Ted in the waiting room. I scheduled to hear my results with the Radiologist on Friday....3 1/3 days away.
AFTERWARD...
We drove home, and I was feeling pretty good and positive. BUT that changed later on in the evening. This was the worst part. THIS WAS THE WORST PART OUT OF MY ENTIRE EXPERIENCE...was the waiting. Did I have it? Did I have CANCER? Was I going to die? I didn't want to leave my husband. I was too young to die! I wanted us to be parents together! I wanted to be a Mommy! Was the cancer spreading through out my body right now as I speak? All those little pains that I had, was it cancer or just from too much exercising, or not enough exercising??? Every fear, every question went through my mind.
I remember saying, "Well, I guess there are more people dead, then there are alive?!" I clearly was thinking way, way out of my box! Who thinks like that?!? But it was true. Oddly, it didn't make me feel worse.
My husband was fantastic! He laid on the bed with me, and tried to be as supportive as ever. He reminded me to pray, and boy, did I pray! I don't know how I would've done it without prayer and my husband. Now, all I had to do was go to work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning. It really was one of the most difficult things I had to do...just wait.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The First and Only Mammogram
What a way to start my week...with a mammogram! Again, they asked me why I was here for my first mammogram, especially at the age of 36. Again, I explained it was due to a pulled muscle. I got another little she-must-be-crazy looks.
I put on my little robe, sat in the waiting room, and waited for my name to be called. I will not lie, I was scared to death! The Tech didn't really want to exchange pleasantries. She was all business. Probably because she has seen a million boobs since the beginning of October...remember it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month....I was hearing this EVERYWHERE!
Yes, the mammo was no fun, but I've been through worse. The Tech sent me out to the waiting room, and told me the Radiologist will review my films. I sat and waited and waited. It felt like FOREVER! Then my name was called. The Tech told me the doctor wanted another picture of my left breast...yes, the left one. Oh. Mercy. I'm now shaking. She takes another picture, a couple more pictures in fact. Then I'm told to get dressed and wait in the waiting area again.
I was dressed in about 30 seconds. I sat in the waiting room like I was told. Two Techs came out and informed me (with one of those head tilts) that the Radiologist wanted to talk with me. They escorted me to one of those special rooms I've only heard about. I knew this was not good.
The Radiologist came to the room...and yes, it felt like it took forever! He told me they found a few tiny, tiny spots in my left breast that looked suspicious. He didn't like the look of them, and wanted to have a biopsy done. He said about 70% of the biopsies are non-cancerous, which still didn't seem to make me feel better. And he also said that my pulled muscle had nothing to do with what they found. Of course, I was hoping and praying that I didn't have it, but deep down I knew it was cancer. The only thing that gave me any comfort was hearing the word "tiny." If I remember correctly, he even said "tiny" twice. I scheduled the biopsy for the next day.
I put on my little robe, sat in the waiting room, and waited for my name to be called. I will not lie, I was scared to death! The Tech didn't really want to exchange pleasantries. She was all business. Probably because she has seen a million boobs since the beginning of October...remember it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month....I was hearing this EVERYWHERE!
Yes, the mammo was no fun, but I've been through worse. The Tech sent me out to the waiting room, and told me the Radiologist will review my films. I sat and waited and waited. It felt like FOREVER! Then my name was called. The Tech told me the doctor wanted another picture of my left breast...yes, the left one. Oh. Mercy. I'm now shaking. She takes another picture, a couple more pictures in fact. Then I'm told to get dressed and wait in the waiting area again.
I was dressed in about 30 seconds. I sat in the waiting room like I was told. Two Techs came out and informed me (with one of those head tilts) that the Radiologist wanted to talk with me. They escorted me to one of those special rooms I've only heard about. I knew this was not good.
The Radiologist came to the room...and yes, it felt like it took forever! He told me they found a few tiny, tiny spots in my left breast that looked suspicious. He didn't like the look of them, and wanted to have a biopsy done. He said about 70% of the biopsies are non-cancerous, which still didn't seem to make me feel better. And he also said that my pulled muscle had nothing to do with what they found. Of course, I was hoping and praying that I didn't have it, but deep down I knew it was cancer. The only thing that gave me any comfort was hearing the word "tiny." If I remember correctly, he even said "tiny" twice. I scheduled the biopsy for the next day.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Silly Doctor's Appointment
Today I went to my OBGYN office for the boob check up. The nurse sort of acted like I was crazy for coming in for a pulled muscle. All I wanted to do was get this visit over with, and have the doctor say all is well! Please no small talk! The doctor came in, listened to my explanation for my visit, and did a physical. She told me she was not concerned, and everything looked fine. She thought I might as well go for a mammogram just as a precaution, then go directly to the physical therapist, because it "probably is just a pulled muscle." My doctor said it would probably be pretty easy to get in for a mammogram appointment quickly because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and they're scheduling extra appointments. "Oh, yeah, how about that", I thought to myself.
Friday, October 3, 2008
How It All Started
About 8 years ago I pulled a muscle doing jumping jacks. Nothing exciting, but somehow I pulled a muscle located between my chest and shoulder blade. Apparently this muscle is very hard to pull, and just as hard to repair. About 2 years later I finally had enough and went for physical therapy. It helped, but I always seemed to re-pull it somehow over the years.
Again, I re-pulled this stupid muscle doing something. We were remodeling our house, so it could've been from lifting or pulling numerous things. I happened to mention this one day to the girls at work. I explained that I have this annoying pulled muscle and some days the pain shoots from my shoulder blade around my side and to the left side of my breast. These two co-workers told me I better go to my OBGYN because it cold be something serious like breast cancer! What?! Oh, that's just silly I thought to myself. How could I have breast cancer? I'm only 36 years old!? It's just a pulled muscle!
About 15 minutes later I happened to speak to one of our teachers who just so happened to recently recover from breast cancer. During this conversation she mentioned that 90% of breast cancer starts in the left breast! I felt a warm sensation run from the top of my head down to my arms! I was immediately concerned. Without mentioning anything to anyone, I went to grab my cell phone. Of all days, I left my cell phone at home. I knew if I didn't call my doctor right now I would chicken out. I know myself well enough. So, I leaned over and asked my dear, sweet cubical buddy if I could borrow her cell phone to make a quick call.
I made an appointment to see one of the Nurse Practitioners at my OBGYN office that following Tuesday. I was surprised how concerned I was when I went home that day. I did some research on the web about breast cancer (almost fainted due to my over active imagination!), and noticed pain was usually not associated with breast cancer. I didn't have a lump or anything, but I was still unsettled about it. I chatted with my husband, and mentioned that maybe I should just cancel the appointment. I probably don't have it, and for goodness sakes, I'm only 36! "Don't you dare cancel that appointment", my husband told me! "You would be fortunate if they caught something (like cancer) early. You'd regret it if you waited a year down the road", he encouraged me.
Again, I re-pulled this stupid muscle doing something. We were remodeling our house, so it could've been from lifting or pulling numerous things. I happened to mention this one day to the girls at work. I explained that I have this annoying pulled muscle and some days the pain shoots from my shoulder blade around my side and to the left side of my breast. These two co-workers told me I better go to my OBGYN because it cold be something serious like breast cancer! What?! Oh, that's just silly I thought to myself. How could I have breast cancer? I'm only 36 years old!? It's just a pulled muscle!
About 15 minutes later I happened to speak to one of our teachers who just so happened to recently recover from breast cancer. During this conversation she mentioned that 90% of breast cancer starts in the left breast! I felt a warm sensation run from the top of my head down to my arms! I was immediately concerned. Without mentioning anything to anyone, I went to grab my cell phone. Of all days, I left my cell phone at home. I knew if I didn't call my doctor right now I would chicken out. I know myself well enough. So, I leaned over and asked my dear, sweet cubical buddy if I could borrow her cell phone to make a quick call.
I made an appointment to see one of the Nurse Practitioners at my OBGYN office that following Tuesday. I was surprised how concerned I was when I went home that day. I did some research on the web about breast cancer (almost fainted due to my over active imagination!), and noticed pain was usually not associated with breast cancer. I didn't have a lump or anything, but I was still unsettled about it. I chatted with my husband, and mentioned that maybe I should just cancel the appointment. I probably don't have it, and for goodness sakes, I'm only 36! "Don't you dare cancel that appointment", my husband told me! "You would be fortunate if they caught something (like cancer) early. You'd regret it if you waited a year down the road", he encouraged me.
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