Greetings to all! Spring is beginning to spring - I know this because the company that takes care of the actual pool has been in touch, always the first sign that Winter will soon be behind us!
If you are of a certain age, you might remember the Archie comics, and the two female characters therein. They were often envious of the attention given to one or the other by the hero of the comic, Archie. Enough background.
I had a small problem with my right breast last year, right around the time of the hip surgery in March. I saw the breast specialist in June, who is one of a handful of surgeons in the country who can do this particular procedure - no cutting necessary! Without saying too much (so as not to gross anyone out), the procedure was done and sent to pathology, and thank the good Lord, it was benign. At my check-up, I was given a date for February of this year, for a mammogram with an appointment. From now on, I will have to have a radiologist on hand to look at the pictures, and will have an exam following. I kept the date.
So, I have the mammogram, and have to wait for someone to look at the pictures. The tech came in and said, "We need a couple more pictures."
Now, you know this isn't good. "On the right breast?"
"No, the left."
Humph. In my mind, I dubbed the right "Betty" and the left "Veronica", and wondered just how jealous Veronica had been. Turns out, pretty dog-gone jealous.
After the second set of pictures, the radiologist met with me, and recommended a biopsy of a 'small cluster of calcifications'. We set it up for the following week: a needle biopsy.
I despise needles. It was a good thing nobody told me ahead of time the gauge of the needle. All in all, there was mild discomfort, and I moved on with my life. The results were in the following day - positive. Oh, and there was another 'suspicious' cluster - could I come back for a second biopsy next week?
If any of you reading this have gone through this, you'll understand - and I don't want to put anyone off who might have to go through this in the future; we do what we have to do, no matter the amount of discomfort we might have to go through. The second one was a little more unpleasant, but I think that's because of the first one not having completely healed. Also, because this radiologist, more than competent, missed the cluster, probably no more than by a millimeter. So easy to do, I'm sure: they are pinpointing the area through mammography, figuring out the latitude and longitude, and hoping to hit the mark. She got it on the second try. Needless to say, I am still feeling a bit tender, and have the most beautiful shades of purple showing through!
The second showed the same results as the first. An appointment is scheduled with the same surgeon I had last summer, but I fear this one will involve some cutting. I'll soon find out.
Veronica is smugly smiling at Betty, but she has NO idea what she's in for!
Feelings? Positive. They say it is treatable, so I'm going with that. I also have some very good friends who have gone through much worse with breast cancer, and they are still alive and kicking. We all have our crosses to bear - and mine is nothing compared to those who have not been given the same hope.
Know that I didn't post this for pity or sympathy, but rather as a reminder to get the girls checked every year. This was found during a routine exam - no lumps felt at all, but because it is an early detection, there is hope. Please get checked, for all our sakes! Guys, too - if you find a lump, go get it checked out.
Looking forward to sitting with you at the pool this summer - it won't be much longer! And, of course, the Stress Pool is always open! Come on in anytime.
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