Back in 2001, when doing a self examination, I discovered a rather large lump in my breast. Alarmed, I made the decision for a medical opinion to be sure of what it was rather than risking it to become something big. Nevertheless, I remember that the process was rather scary.
I was referred by the family clinic to visit the hospital, where I was given a biopsy. This procedure involved a huge syringe-like apparatus which is injected into my breast for a tissue sample to be pulled out. Boy did that hurt!
Some weeks later, I went for a radiology where the doctor smeared some sort of jelly on my breasts and used a scanning device to observe the lumps and take an ultrasound picture of it.
After a month later, the results arrived and I was relieved to hear from the doctor that the lumps were benign and was caused by fibrocystic changes.
I guess should not have worried too much as fibrocystic changes are a common trait among women. Many of my girlfriends has confided that they have similar issues too. Interestingly now, I dont even feel these lumps that I felt back in 2001 which would mean that the lumps has shrinked on its own accord.
Still, with breast cancer being the most common cancer among women, with about 1,100 women diagnosed in Singapore a year. Its good to practise prevention before something big happens.
October is breast cancer awareness month and I’m putting on my pink ribbon in rememberance of my little encounter.
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I had the same case too 2 years back and had them removed. Which then had me visitng the hospital again cause there was an infection which led to bleeding and me visiting the poly for almost 6 months. ^_^ Nevertheless, alhamdulilah its not cancer right.
So women out there, keep touching your breasts! Prevention is better than cure.
Ps. Selamat Hari Raya. =)
Wow, I’m glad you are alright, Hani. Yours seem to be more serious than mine as mine was benign and I didnt need any surgery. Did your doctor recommend you to take the surgery? Mine said that for my case it wasnt necessary because of my age (at the time) and it was normal for a growing woman.
And yes, its good to do a self examination at least once a week :) We’re supposed to do a physical exam once every three years too. Hehehe
Selamat hari raya to you too Hani! :)
Hi, self breast examinations are very important. That’s how my mum found her lump and they found it to be cancerous so she had a mastectomy. So yeah, carry on with the self-examination. It might just save your life.
The beauty of the Internet — I can say “I’m glad your breasts are okay” and not even get in trouble for it ;)
Mintea
Oh my, is your mum alright?
Shane
Hahahaha! I know that the title of this post can be a little bit misleading. Just a tad though :P Hehehe
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