A Lump

I know that this is a personal subject, but it is an important one. Many women have never done a self breast exam. I'm sure some women never think about it. Others may not have done this because they don't know how to perform an exam correctly, and still others are afraid of what they might find.

I found a lump in my breast over a year ago. This has happened before, actually quite frequently before my menstrual cycle. I waited until my cycle was complete, and it didn't go away, so I made a call to the doctor. After I was examined, the doctor was concerned , and wanted me to go for a mammogram and a sonogram. The diagnosis? I have Fibrocystic Breast Disease. Basically, I have very lumpy breast tissue.

I promised to "keep an eye" on this particular lump, and report any changes. When I went for my yearly physical this year, my doctor reminded me that he wants me to have a mammogram every year. I'm just 36, so this is a bit unusual.

Guess what I got to do Monday morning?


Yep. I had to be at the hospital by 8:40 AM. I changed into a gown, and cuddled up to this machine.

I brought my camera along. I wanted all
of you to see what the machine looks like
in case you have not seen one before.
Your breast is placed on the black table,
and compressed by the translucent piece.


Ladies, this is an uncomfortable procedure, but it is NOT excruciating. I'm not sure how it is everywhere, but the women who work in this department of our hospital are outstandingly kind.

Please do a self breast exam monthly. It's so simple, and really could save your life. If you are unsure how to conduct this exam, you can go here.

To learn more about Mammography, go here.

By the way, my results are not back yet. The same lump is still there, and we need to see if it has changed.

ETA: I received a letter in the mail this morning 7/14/07, and it says that the mammogram was clear, with no concern for cancer. Yea! Thanks for all of you who prayed!