Being in my 40s, I’ve come to accept that the annual ta-ta torture (aka mammogram) is just part of life. It’s never fun, but necessary. This year, though, felt different. I noticed a lump, it has been there before but now felt more pronounced.
I wasn’t panicked; past exams didn’t raise any concern. Still, I knew it was time to get it checked again.
As I mentally prepared for best and worst case scenarios, I couldn’t really allow many of the worst cases. We already have full schedules of getting back to normal and finishing up Tracy’s leukemia maintenance. And to be totally honest, we need a medical break.
A New Doctor and A New Discovery
Since we recently moved, I also needed to find a new doctor. I chose a nearby hospital that could handle everything in one place.
After the mammogram, they confirmed the lump was still there and this time, the shape and size looked suspicious. They followed up immediately with an ultrasound, and that’s when the tone of the conversation changed. I needed a breast biopsy.
Biopsy of the Lump: What I Expected vs. What It Was
Honestly, the thought of the biopsy was far scarier than the procedure itself. Once they numbed the area, I barely felt anything. The results came back as a sclerotic intraductal papilloma and thankfully, it appeared benign. Still, the lump had an odd shape and a larger size, so they urged me to see a surgeon to have it removed.
Surgery: Removal of the Lump
Waiting for the surgery made me more nervous than going through it. I received general anesthesia because I didn’t want to be awake for any part of it. The surgical team removed the papilloma and sent it to pathology for confirmation.
Hearing the surgeon say, “We got it all,” was an incredible relief.
Recovery: Better Than Expected
Recovery has gone smoothly so far, with very little pain, just some soreness and fatigue. The most uncomfortable part? Wearing a tight compression wrap on my chest to prevent fluid buildup (a seroma). I’ll need to keep it on for a few more days, but I’m counting down to the moment I can breathe freely again.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Now… the Waiting
This part, the not knowing, is the hardest. But I’ve learned I’m stronger than I gave myself credit for.
- Trust your gut. Even if you’ve felt it before, if something changes, get it checked.
- You’re allowed to be scared, but don’t let that stop you from showing up for yourself.
- The unknown is hard, but manageable when you break it into steps.
- Ask questions. Every medical professional I met was willing to help me understand what was happening.
- Don’t underestimate your resilience. You’re stronger than you think.
- The power of prayer. I know that God is with me through all the ups and downs in this life.
If you’re going through your own version of this journey, whether it’s a lump, a biopsy, a scary test, or just a gut feeling, know that you’re not alone. I’m still in it too, waiting, hoping, and reminding myself that I got this.
UPDATE: I received word that my results have come back negative, no concerns!
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