Photo: Western swallowtail flutter by It is very eye opening to find out that there are many younger women who have breast cancer. Women in there 20's and 30's are diagnosed every day. Many have young children.
I'm 41 and my first mammogram that I had at 38 showed the calcifications that I'm am now being treated for. The radiologist back then actually missed them. We only found this out when we them picked up the films a few weeks ago. Ron looked at them as we sat in the car and, yep, there they were. I am a very strong advocate to have a copy of all your medical records.
It's your body; your health; your life.
I had another mammogram at age 40 at a different center and the radiologist saw the "calcs" in my left breast and noted them as benign.
This year (Aug 16th)my gynecologist felt a lump in my right breast and ordered a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound.
But during the mammogram (Aug 24th), after they had taken the first pictures, they decided to do extra macro x-rays of my left breast. It was then decided to do an ultrasound on both my breasts.
(Sept 4th) Ultrasound done of both breasts. I watch on the screen and see the interior of my breasts; they reveal many benign cysts (which is what the gynecologist felt.) The technician was great - very compassionate and gave me a warm blanket and soothing music playing. These do make a difference! I was also meditating, reflecting on kindness for my body and ultimately the inherent vulnerability of our human body/condition.
Breasts tend to be a more private part of the body. Suddenly having to bare all to various medical personnel is an 'interesting experience'.
A balance between letting go, doing this to be healthy and also connecting to all the other people who have health issues, this is what we have to all go through.
At the end of the test I ask if I can have the results of the test right away. The technician comes back 10 mins later and I know from her body language and the way she says "well, your right breast is fine (right there you know the bad news is coming) but the radiologist recommends a ultrasound guided core biopsy of the left breast". Yum -doesn't just everyone want one of those?!
My beloved husband was patiently waiting for me, I had been gone almost 2 hours (I also had a pelvis ultrasound that had an all clear). I tell him the results and we schedule a biopsy for 17th Sept. I do tons of research on the net and find a video clip of a vacuum assisted core biopsy, it's easier for me if I know exactly what's gonna happen.
The 17th Sept looms closer and after a few days of sitting with this I realize I need more time as I have been researching the whole breast cancer (BC) scene on the net. I’m like a dry sponge just soaking up all the information. I like to know pretty much everything and then some. I reschedule for the 1st October. Phew – breathing space.
I’m on a mission to learn and give myself the opportunity to come up with a truly wholistic health plan to support myself through this. I believe my body is saying "okay time to now take care of me”. 20’s and 30’s – “Young and Immortal”. I’m 41 – the party's over.
The 17th Sept looms closer and after a few days of sitting with this I realize I need more time as I have been researching the whole breast cancer (BC) scene on the net. I’m like a dry sponge just soaking up all the information. I like to know pretty much everything and then some. I reschedule for the 1st October. Phew – breathing space.
I’m on a mission to learn and give myself the opportunity to come up with a truly wholistic health plan to support myself through this. I believe my body is saying "okay time to now take care of me”. 20’s and 30’s – “Young and Immortal”. I’m 41 – the party's over.
The girl guide /scout motto “ Be prepared”. One never knows what is around the next corner – Be prepared!
Biopsy time - next post!
Biopsy time - next post!
