Well It's been about 2 months since I have blogged. I forgot what my g-mail account was & I didn't feel like trying to find out. ANY-WHO... I've had several people ask me what type of procedure I had and at first I didn't really want to share because it is a bit awkward to me to share with men but I've since then decided that it is important to share my experience. With it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all, it seems like the perfect time to share.
With that being said... NO I DO NOT HAVE BREAST CANCER!!! I just think it is important to throw out a PSA every now and then if it pertains to those around me. So...here we go:
Back in 2005( I know... 7 years ago) I found a small knot in my left breast. It freaked me out and so we went to my family doctor who sent me to a surgeon. The surgeon said it was just benign and would shrink up in a few months. It did shrink up, but it would always grow and then shrink again. We didn't really worry about too much after that point. However, it starting hurting all the time and so when I went in for my yearly appointment back in February, I asked my OBGYN about it. She referred me to a specialist. They did a sonogram and decided to do a biopsy. The mass was about 3cm at the time, and the biopsy came back as abnormal tissue.So nothing to worry about right? WRONG!
After my biopsy the mass was hurting more than ever. I went back in September for my 6 month follow up. This time the mass was close to 5 cm. The doctor suggested I meet with a surgeon. I met with her and she reviewed my sonogram films. She said that after looking at it she felt that the specialist just pulled regular tissue. Basically the mass was so defined in the films that she knew it was a tumor. This didn't mean it was cancerous, it just mean it was a hard mass, unlike a fluid filled cyst. She said that it is very hard to get samples of a tumor with a needle because they are hard to penetrate. So she suggested that I have it removed. about 2 weeks passed and my appointment was scheduled for the 9th. That is where the fun begins...
OR NOT!
So my procedure was at USMD in Arlington. The staff is great there. I think the best part of the day was when the nurse handed me an over sized gown to put on and told me that I couldn't even wear my underwear! She took my blood pressure immediately after informing me that I'd be going commando and it was SO high. like abnormally high. She took it again and it was excellent. I think she just shocked me with that news.
Finally dr. feel good arrived ( AKA the anesthesiologist). I started getting overwhelmed knowing it was time to go into the O.R. and so I started crying. he put 2 shots in my I.V. and told me those were my margaritas. I said bye to Chris and Robina and they wheeled me out. As I was crying the anesthesiologist referenced Jeremiah 29:11 to me which I think is super awesome! We made it to the O.R. and he asked me if I went to church.... I told him yes and where I went to church. Next thing I know.. I'm waking up in the recovery room. I woke up around 1 p.m. and I got to leave the hospital around 3:30ish. It was ALL downhill from there! I'm talking nausea, pain, and no appetite.
It's been one week since the procedure. They sent the tumor for a second biopsy (which is great since the surgeon thinks they missed it) Although I really wanted to see what it looked like. :-/ I go in Friday for my post op appointment and I'll get the results then. It's healing up slowly. Today is the first day where the pain is not too bad. The only issue now is that somehow.. and I do not know how.. I've managed to jack up my ankles... ( who does that?) It hurts SO bad to walk and I cannot explain how it happened. Hopefully it goes away and then I'll be back to my normal crazy self.
So... for my PSA to you guys... mainly ladies of course. I don't care if you are 15 or 51.... you need to be doing self exams. If you notice anything unusual GO TO THE DOCTOR! Although mine wasn't anything dangerous.. it was painful and it obviously was not supposed to be in my body. Although it is rare, young women can get breast cancer so make sure you get it checked out. I know several women who have had breast cancer and I know they will agree with me....
On that note... I'll end this looooonnnngggggg blog! Hopefully you guys found this informational.. or at least amusing.
Until next time,
Bri Sosa
