I Found A Lump in My Breast: Here's What Happened Next
Being a grown-up is about so much more than paying bills. As much as I'd like to avoid dealing with anything that requires a trip to the doctor, sometimes it can't be ignored and you just have to be brave.
The Discovery
I have to be honest, this is possibly one of the scariest things that has happened to me and really isn't helped by the fact that I have health anxiety.
To be blunt, I'm well acquainted with my boobs. So when I noticed that one felt slightly lumpier than usual, I panicked a little. I put it down to being on my monthly cycle and pushed it to the back of my mind. That was February.
Then, I let another month or two pass, until I couldn't ignore it anymore. Don't do what I did. No matter how nervous you are, go to the doctor.
Going to the Doctor
I made my appointment on a Thursday morning, for later that day. I HATE GOING TO THE DOCTOR. My mom was with me because she had an appointment already. When they called my name, I was terrified. Walking to the doctor's office felt like a trek.
He was very friendly and asked questions about my family history, when I found the lump, whether there had been any discharge from my nipples and to describe the lump itself.
He called for a chaperone and we headed into an examination room. This was the point where I burst into tears. I think it was the fear of the unknown. I had to take off my shirt and bra and perch on the end of a bed that was in there.
I then had to put my arms above my head, hands on my hips and then rest my arms by the side. He said it was good that there was no change in the shape of my breasts. He checked what he called the 'four quadrants' and my lymph glands. I started to feel better once I had seen his reaction and a couple of minutes later, I was dressed and back in the other room.
He explained that he wasn't worried (relief) but that I'd have a letter come through the post, to go the hospital and figure out exactly what the problem was.
Waiting. I think that's the worst part of a health scare, isn't it? Waiting and fear of the unknown. I have to admit, I did venture on to the NHS website and then a couple of forums, in an attempt to put my mind at ease. Be careful, if you're going to do that - you may end up on blogs and websites that are going to make you feel worse.
My appointment at the breast clinic
One week after my doctor's appointment, my letter came through with details of my appointment at the breast clinic. I suddenly felt terrified all over again. The letter advises that you may wish to take someone with you. I ignored that because I didn't want people go out of their way for me - although a couple of people did offer and that was very kind of them.
The letter says to allow for two hours, as there may be a range of checks that they have to do and there's obviously a little waiting around to do. I arrived bang on time, signed in and then walked down the corridor to the waiting area of that department.
I'd held it together until that point but once I had to give my details again, I was quite visibly upset. I forgot my date of birth. They ask you to change into a gown and wait to be examined. In the room was a nurse and an extremely friendly doctor.
I was asked the same questions that my own doctor asked previously and then lay on the bed, to be examined. The doctor told me I had lumpy breasts (lol) and was quite reassuring that he didn't think anything was seriously wrong.
Next up was an ultrasound. I was led into a very dark room and asked to lay down again. I got my boob out for the second time that day and they put the gel on. I didn't mind the ultrasound one bit; the radiographers who were in there talked to me the whole time - I guess to distract me - and before I knew it, it was over.
They told me what the problem was, immediately. I had developed a harmless cyst. At 5cm, apparently it's quite a big one - probably not helped by the fact that I'd left it two and a half months before getting it checked out.
This was the point where I really felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I went back out into the clinic, to wait until the doctor was ready to see me again.
Finally, it was going to be sorted. Sigh of relief. The doctor drained the cyst that same day. He literally stuck a needle in and drew out whatever was in there. I was fascinated but I'll spare you the gory details. The doctor told me not to leave it so long, next time. I happen to agree with him. The sooner you get it looked at, the better.
The whole appointment, start to finish, only took one hour. I was shocked. It felt like much longer.
At this point, I have to say how thankful I am that we have the NHS. The Breast Clinic that I visited was extremely efficiently run and I wouldn't have been anywhere near as calm as I was, were it not for all of their lovely staff.
I've seen young women not much older than me who are facing breast cancer head on and I have a renewed respect and empathy for you even having to think about surviving something like that. I've especially been inspired by Lolli who was just given the news that she is cancer free, with a road to full recovery ahead of her. She blogs over at Girl Stole London. Her 'tit-tees' are t-shirts which are helping to raise not only awareness but valuable funds. This woman is incredible. I have a renewed respect for how she has been so frank and honest. You can shop the range here. I'm copping myself a 'mammaries' design, as soon as my next invoice clears.
Ladies, if you have any concern whatsoever about your health, please go to the doctor as soon as you can. Yes, it's scary but your body will thank you. There are so many people who are around to reassure you. I didn't realise but breast lumps are quite common and many of them aren't anywhere near as serious as you think. I know that the most natural reaction is to jump to the worst conclusion but please, get checked out and find out what the problem is.
A special thank you to my parents, Aunty Sonia, Bek, Lisa and Benjamin for being supportive and prayerful. Love you.
The Discovery
I have to be honest, this is possibly one of the scariest things that has happened to me and really isn't helped by the fact that I have health anxiety.
To be blunt, I'm well acquainted with my boobs. So when I noticed that one felt slightly lumpier than usual, I panicked a little. I put it down to being on my monthly cycle and pushed it to the back of my mind. That was February.
Then, I let another month or two pass, until I couldn't ignore it anymore. Don't do what I did. No matter how nervous you are, go to the doctor.
Going to the Doctor
I made my appointment on a Thursday morning, for later that day. I HATE GOING TO THE DOCTOR. My mom was with me because she had an appointment already. When they called my name, I was terrified. Walking to the doctor's office felt like a trek.
He was very friendly and asked questions about my family history, when I found the lump, whether there had been any discharge from my nipples and to describe the lump itself.
He called for a chaperone and we headed into an examination room. This was the point where I burst into tears. I think it was the fear of the unknown. I had to take off my shirt and bra and perch on the end of a bed that was in there.
I then had to put my arms above my head, hands on my hips and then rest my arms by the side. He said it was good that there was no change in the shape of my breasts. He checked what he called the 'four quadrants' and my lymph glands. I started to feel better once I had seen his reaction and a couple of minutes later, I was dressed and back in the other room.
He explained that he wasn't worried (relief) but that I'd have a letter come through the post, to go the hospital and figure out exactly what the problem was.
Waiting. I think that's the worst part of a health scare, isn't it? Waiting and fear of the unknown. I have to admit, I did venture on to the NHS website and then a couple of forums, in an attempt to put my mind at ease. Be careful, if you're going to do that - you may end up on blogs and websites that are going to make you feel worse.
My appointment at the breast clinic
One week after my doctor's appointment, my letter came through with details of my appointment at the breast clinic. I suddenly felt terrified all over again. The letter advises that you may wish to take someone with you. I ignored that because I didn't want people go out of their way for me - although a couple of people did offer and that was very kind of them.
The letter says to allow for two hours, as there may be a range of checks that they have to do and there's obviously a little waiting around to do. I arrived bang on time, signed in and then walked down the corridor to the waiting area of that department.
I'd held it together until that point but once I had to give my details again, I was quite visibly upset. I forgot my date of birth. They ask you to change into a gown and wait to be examined. In the room was a nurse and an extremely friendly doctor.
I was asked the same questions that my own doctor asked previously and then lay on the bed, to be examined. The doctor told me I had lumpy breasts (lol) and was quite reassuring that he didn't think anything was seriously wrong.
Next up was an ultrasound. I was led into a very dark room and asked to lay down again. I got my boob out for the second time that day and they put the gel on. I didn't mind the ultrasound one bit; the radiographers who were in there talked to me the whole time - I guess to distract me - and before I knew it, it was over.
They told me what the problem was, immediately. I had developed a harmless cyst. At 5cm, apparently it's quite a big one - probably not helped by the fact that I'd left it two and a half months before getting it checked out.
This was the point where I really felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I went back out into the clinic, to wait until the doctor was ready to see me again.
Finally, it was going to be sorted. Sigh of relief. The doctor drained the cyst that same day. He literally stuck a needle in and drew out whatever was in there. I was fascinated but I'll spare you the gory details. The doctor told me not to leave it so long, next time. I happen to agree with him. The sooner you get it looked at, the better.
The whole appointment, start to finish, only took one hour. I was shocked. It felt like much longer.
At this point, I have to say how thankful I am that we have the NHS. The Breast Clinic that I visited was extremely efficiently run and I wouldn't have been anywhere near as calm as I was, were it not for all of their lovely staff.
I've seen young women not much older than me who are facing breast cancer head on and I have a renewed respect and empathy for you even having to think about surviving something like that. I've especially been inspired by Lolli who was just given the news that she is cancer free, with a road to full recovery ahead of her. She blogs over at Girl Stole London. Her 'tit-tees' are t-shirts which are helping to raise not only awareness but valuable funds. This woman is incredible. I have a renewed respect for how she has been so frank and honest. You can shop the range here. I'm copping myself a 'mammaries' design, as soon as my next invoice clears.
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| Source: www.girlstolelondon.co.uk |
Ladies, if you have any concern whatsoever about your health, please go to the doctor as soon as you can. Yes, it's scary but your body will thank you. There are so many people who are around to reassure you. I didn't realise but breast lumps are quite common and many of them aren't anywhere near as serious as you think. I know that the most natural reaction is to jump to the worst conclusion but please, get checked out and find out what the problem is.
A special thank you to my parents, Aunty Sonia, Bek, Lisa and Benjamin for being supportive and prayerful. Love you.
This post has been long but it's important to talk about more than just fashion, food and fun. See you in my next post.
Lots of love,
Melly
xox
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