If you are 35, go get your baseline mammogram.
If you are 40+, get your yearly mammogram.
Also, do your monthly self exams.
Ok... off my soap box now. The rest of this post will get a bit personal and a bit blunt, so read at your own risk!
I must admit that I didn't follow my own advice for a long time. I didn't go get my baseline mammogram. I occassionally did self exams, but not regularly. I hit 40 last year, and I put off getting checked. And truthfully, that was really stupid on my part. My grandmother died of cancer... it started in her breasts and moved to her liver. Of course, this happened long before I was ever born, so I never saw her suffer through any of it. But still, there is a family history there that I should not have ignored.
I finally went and had my first mammogram about a month ago. A day or two later I was called to come back so they could get some more films on one side. I didn't think a whole lot about it since the tech had told me not to worry if I did get called back... around 50% of all first timers do. I asked them if I could put it off a few weeks until I was home for spring break, and they said yes.
I went in on Tuesday to get more films done, but as it turned out, they wanted to do an ultraound instead of another mammogram. That sent off warning bells in my head, but of course they couldn't tell me anything. They have to get the results to my doctor first, which they did the next day. I got a call bright and early on Wednesday morning that I needed to come in to see the doc. I ran by and grabbed Barry to go with me for moral support, and was so thankful I did. It turned out that I had an abnormal spot that showed up, and they couldn't tell what it was. They recommended that I get a biopsy, and thankfully they were able to get me in that day. Can I just say, the techs, nurses and radiologists at the
Breast Center at the Women's Pavillion are awesome!! So comforting and nurturing.
We didn't get the results until today, and thankfully we got the "All Clear". I have a fibroadenoma, which is a very common benign tumor. I have to be checked a little more often now, but I'll take it. I'm so thankful today! It's been a long week. My sweet hubby took the week off work to stay with me and help me keep my mind off of things. He's the best!! We celebrated today with a quick trip to Nashville and dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.
I love my family, and appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers on my behalf this week. I am truly blessed.
5 comments:
Oh my sweet friend - how scary that mush have been! I am so thankful that you got the "all clear". My co-worker and friend is going for her biopsy this Friday and I hope she receives a similar verdict! As for me, since my mom died in 2005 from undiagnosed breast cancer that then invaded 7 other organs, I am vigilant about getting checked - I got my "normal" results in the mail this afternoon - so all is well for another year. Thinking of you.... {{{{ gentle hugs }}}}
Kim. So glad to here. What a way to spend spring break. I am so glad you had the support of you hubby and cheesecake. That is the way to celebrate.
We've been praying for you all week, and were so relieved to get the news yesterday... can't imagine how incredibly relieved you were! Yay to a good call from the doctor!
I've had you in my thoughts not knowing exactly what you were dealing with. So glad to find out things aren't bad! I was going to pull you aside at Stamp Club and ask if everything was ok. Now I know all is going to be fine. :)
Kim, I am so glad that everything turned out ok! I love you lots!
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