Got Boobies?

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The title is a tad bit titillating <insert eye roll>, but this is a serious post. Needless to say we all have breasts and this is just my story, one I hope will help someone.

Journeying back some 10 years ago, the 2001-2003 timeframe was one of the stormiest periods of my life. Inside of a couple years, I made quite a few major life strides, but was also set back a few notches through the loss of my mom. She passed in February 2002 and I was still in transition by the time 2003 rolled around. My gynecologist discovered a breast lump during an annual exam that summer. This news not only emphasized the fact that my rock was no longer a phone call away, but that I didn't have the comfort and benefit of hearing her consistently encouraging and positive outlook on life. I knew then I would have to manage this one on my own. Talk about a dark, lonesome period of life. Unless something is really bothering me I deal with it and try not to dump unpleasant news on others. During this time, I also realized that unless you’ve experienced a similar situation it’s hard to relate, explain or even empathize.

Back to the main point...

In the summer of 2003, one of the most skilled breast surgeons in the area removed the fibroadenoma (a common non-cancerous tumor) and everything was fine.

The doctor suggested I have an annual mammogram to keep an eye on it, but I haven't…

This past January a slightly painful inflammation popped up, but it went away quickly so I wasn’t too alarmed and presumed it was “just a cyst”. I mentioned it to my doc and by the time she checked there was enough there to prompt her to give me a mammogram referral to rule out anything abnormal. Fast forward eleven months...winter blizzard, hot as hell summer...and I still hadn’t scheduled the appointment. I asked my sis if she would schedule hers on the same day, I knew that would keep me from delaying this further. Why wait so long? Honestly, I’m not worried or scared so I’m not exactly sure. We had our mammos last week and I also had a sonogram. The radiologist called me into tell and show me a lump that's present...again. I wonder if he thought it was strange that I wasn't stressed and basically had an "oh, that again" reaction. I'm scheduled to have it biopsied in mid-December and expect the same results as last time.

It took me a couple days to finish this post. Not because writing this would stir up unpleasant memories, but because I sincerely want to be an effective advocate for preventive health care. To reach those who have minimal experience with the system and all the cogs that make it work (or in many cases, fail to work) in a straightforward manner. Many of you have not reached the wonderful gateway to 40, neither had I when this happened the first time which emphasizes the importance of having an annual preventive care exam. In my case, if not for the standard clinical breast exam neither of the lumps would have been found as early as they were.

So after all of this background info, my main point to remind and encourage everyone to familiarize yourselves with and stick to the recommended preventive exam guidelines. If for nothing more than your peace of mind.

Just a few parting thoughts...

Ladies, get to know your breasts and body in general. Self exams only take a few minutes and help familiarize yourself with what's normal for you. Heck make it a team effort and ask your spouse/significant other to assist you *wink*. Make a mental note of any changes (no matter how slight) and mention it during your annual well woman exam. Believe me, it's better to know if something is going on rather than wait. The current clinical guidelines related to the age to begin and frequency of routine mammograms are being debated, but as with all personal health matters please consult your physician.

Guys, you’re not off the hook. Your preventive care exams are equally important.

Wishing you the best of health!

Resources

• For clinical-based information on all things gynecology-related, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' website is a good resource.
• If you are uninsured or under-insured, check out your local community health center for quality low-cost or free health services.

And, of course, the obligatory disclaimer -- This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.