Sometimes I'm confused by what I think is really obvious. But what I think is really obvious obviously isn't obvious...
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do...
They say Knowledge is Power, and I am a true believer in this be it "good" or "bad" either way it is up to you the individual to deal with it in the best way possible.
As a woman we all have to do or should do certain yearly checkups after reaching a certain age. I am not very keen on going to the doctor, but I do recommend the yearly visit to your OB-GYN. Have your regular Pap Smear test just to make sure all is good.
Another yearly exam is the mammogram, and this also is after a certain age. A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts to look for changes that are not normal. The results are recorded on x-ray film or directly into a computer for a doctor called a radiologist to examine.
A mammogram allows the doctor to have a closer look for changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt during a breast exam. It is used for women who have no breast complaints and for women who have breast symptoms, such as a change in the shape or size of a breast, a lump, nipple discharge, or pain. Breast changes occur in almost all women. In fact, most of these changes are not cancer and are called “benign,” but only a doctor can know for sure. Breast changes can also happen monthly, due to your menstrual period.
Being conscientious about my health and because I know I have cystic breast tissue I have been very meticulous and make sure I do my yearly exams. This year was no different. Started about 3 weeks ago and of course the mammogram showed "suspicious" tissues. Always does due to the cysts. As usual the next step is a breast ultrasound.
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Breast ultrasound does not use X-rays or other potentially harmful types of radiation.
Breast Ultrasound Facts
So as usual, I also get the breast ultrasound. I am expecting to hear the usual...cystic breast tissues bla, bla, bla.... This time that was not the case, the radiologist sat me down in her office and with a serious face reviewed her findings with me. To put it mildly she did not like what she saw. After a half hour in her office I had my next step to this procedure.
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I have to say though not happy with the outcome of the ultrasound, I am of the type who would rather know and know fast so that whatever the outcome is I can then deal with it. I know many who would rather pretend all is good and not know facts. Not me.
Biopsy was scheduled for yesterday. The process itself was fairly easy and if you have a good doctor that's even better. My only fear was the needle and due to some perverse sense of mine, I have to look when he pokes me with the needle. Hate it, but what can I say can't stop looking. I just want to know everything that's going on. Needless to say I asked a million questions per minute and the doctor was good in keeping me informed of everything step by step. Made the process so much better...like I said, Knowledge is Power.
The process itself lasted about 20 minutes. A few pokes with the needle some suctioning and I was all ready to go home. Now to wait a couple of days for the results. At least I know what the worst case scenario is and how to attack it. Right now I am not scared. Arvid and my family are a lot more worried than I am right now. I know that whatever the outcome is I have the best support team around me..Arvid and my family. Knowing that I will deal with anything. Of course I am hoping it will only be cysts again..
You hope for the best, but plan for the worst..
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If we value the pursuit of knowledge, we must be free to follow wherever that search may lead us. The free mind is no barking dog to be tethered on a ten-foot chain....
~Nadiya~