Image from mirror.co.uk
I never thought that I would be sharing this post and in the midst of writing, I am still in dazed of events which happened to me a few days ago. No..this is not a death post but rather an awareness post to all.
Let me keep this short and sweet....
What happened was....
A few days ago, I felt tenderness and pain on one of my breast. The feeling is new to me and pretty unusual.
I did a random check and I felt a lump. Worst thing is, it was painful to touch...and yes, I was worried. Who wouldn't, right? I quickly make my way to see my doctor the next day. She did the examination and acknowledged that there is indeed a lump but assured me not to worry about it because it may be a case of fibrocystic.
What are fibrocystic breasts?
Fibrocystic breasts are characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one
or both breasts. The lumpiness is due to small breast masses or breast cysts.
The condition is very common and benign, meaning that fibrocystic breasts are
not malignant (cancerous).
Source from medicine.net
My doctor then issue a letter of referral, directing me to do an ultrasound, just to be on a safe side. She then gave me a good recommendation, suggesting me to do the ultrasound at hospitals or specialist centers, as some may have special promotions, since it is pink october month, which is Breast Awareness Month.
Could I say that am I lucky that my breast became painful, which coincidentally falls on the Breast Awareness Month??
Anyway.....I manage to make an appointment in one of the hospitals ( a reputable one ), which had a really good deal. Since this is the first time for me doing this procedure, I was pretty 'blur' and was fumbling in the waiting area. Actually, I wasn't so nervous about the procedure, but rather the results. But, by God's grace, He kept me calm and gave me the peace that He is with me.
Efficiently, I managed to get the results in an hours time and the doctor was very, very patient and professional to explain the results to back to me. The results was....let's put it this way, unexpected. In fact, there's more than meet's the eye. It's not life threatening now...but I do need to do the ultrasound on a yearly basis, just to monitor the condition.
This experience has been a wake up call for me. I mean, I never, ever thought or see myself going for breast examinations..at my age. It didn't occur to me that my breasts are in such a state, until I did the ultrasound! But through this experience, I see this as a blessing in disguise from the Lord. Really, it is.
So to everyone out there, please have your breasts examined if you haven't done one in your life. It's better to check now and know the condition of your breasts, so that we can take more precaution in the future. I am encouraging this because it is Breast Awareness Month and do take the opportunity of the deals that some are having now.
This post is based on my honest and personal experience and is not influenced by any parties.
Praise God! Glad to hear it is non-cancerous. Precaution is better than cure. I had my compulsory base-line mammogram done last year. And I still have the tidak-apa attitude when it comes to month self-examination which i need to change!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn:)) Yeah, the whole process and news were a bit overwhelming but thank God, it's non cancerous. That being said however, I still need to go for regular check-ups. I think my next mth self examination is going to be a challenge cos seriously..I can't tell the difference! What about you? Just curious..
DeleteSame here, I cannot feel the difference. I have never felt any lumps or bumps (are they the same?) and feels smooth. I thought as long as there is nothing unusual, I am ok, for now.
DeleteMy Doc taught me to 'know your breast better' by identifying your lumps and bumps. What I understand is all women somehow, will have some cysts in their breast due to hormonal changes. Some big, some small and some will subside, where some will stay. She mentioned that smooth ones are ok, where else rough and uneven ones, needed to be checked. If you noticed pain or changes on your breast ( discharge, pimpling ), then you need to see a doctor asap.
Deleteomg that is scary. I'm glad to hear you're alright. I can't tell what my lumps and bumps in my breast are. Sometimes they feel weird, sometimes they hurt, sometimes I get random sharp pains but my doctor tells me everything is fine and normal. I live in Canada and we don't pay for ultrasounds but my doctor almost never suggests it. It's always a struggle to get her to send me for an xray or to a specialist. Perhaps it's time I insist since it CAN happen at a younger age. xo
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole:) Yeah, it is scary but I thank God I discovered that it is non-cancerous. I can't really tell the difference neither but for my case, it was painful, even when lifting my arms. It was when I touched the sore part, which was a medium lump, in comparison with the other breast.
DeleteI highly suggest that you go for a check up first and then request for an ultrasound. Going through the ultrasound is a much safer bet! Push your Doc for it! Haha..Hugs! :P
Thank you for this post, Alexandra. I have also been wanting to go for full breast examination but I don't know how to begin. I can't feel any lump but sometimes my breasts feel sore--they did a month ago. Not sure if it's just hormonal.. But really, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that the condition is not cancerous and I hope it's not anything serious.. but I'm more glad that whatever it is, you were able to detect it early.
Hi Vivi! It is always advisable to go for full breast examination on a yearly basis. I sincerely don't want anyone ended up like me, who take things for granted and who goes for the examination only when pain occurs. Early discovery is always safe!
DeleteThanks for posting this as wake up call! And thank god you are alright. I have never got mine checked too...and the last time i did self-examination was months ago :( i had a relative who had breast cancer in her 40s, she detected it but had one side removed in the end. she's now cancer free but very cautious of her lifestyle. strangely enough, she has always been a health-conscious person and exercises regularly, so i am guessing this cancer can strike on anyone!
ReplyDeleteHI Xin! Yes, definitely a wake up call for all women and I believe many are still unaware of the importance to do check-ups ( and I was one of them...) and lesson learnt, I guess. Early detection is always better.
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