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.
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of the tissues inside the breast. It can show all areas of the breast, including the area closest to the chest wall, which can be hard to study with a mammogram.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.
I was now looking at a breast biopsy of two areas although more areas were of mild concern, these were the most pressing for now. A lot of things go through your mind at the time, but the one that stands out is Cancer.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.
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..
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~
