I am not sure where I learned about self breast examination but I do it from time to time. I've always had problems with my monthly periods so I keep a record of dates when I have them and other issues I notice such as UTI as I also often have this problem. Based on my record, I felt the lump on the lower portion of my right breast on March 2015.
Not sure about the lump so I decided to check it regularly the following months. The lump does not go away with my periods, I also started feeling short needle-like pains on my right breast. In June, I felt itchiness on my right breast. It was a disturbing itch that I needed to run to the ladies room to scratch it. The lump, pain and itchiness were driving me nuts that out of nowhere, I squeezed my breast and there was discharge, light orange in color. I tried to smell it if it was pus or anything, there was no smell. Everyday after that I would squeeze my breast and there would be a tiny bit of discharge. One time, I examined my breasts in front of the mirror and there I saw a big dimple, right where I could feel the lump.
Do you check Google whenever you feel sick and try to find a "diagnosis"?
I do! I would check Google when my kids are sick and try to find home remedies. Google (the internet) is a good help all the time.
Search for breast lump.... Breast Cancer will surely be one of the recommendations. This scared me! So I started reading....and I got more scared. On the list of signs of breast cancer, I have them... a lump that does not go away, itchiness, discharge, dimpling...so do I have breast cancer???
My mind was really troubled, I would cry at the thought of having cancer. Just looking at my kids brings buckets of tears and fears that I won't be there for them while they grow up. Too much emotions gripped me.
I visited the GP for referral to see a breast specialist. I had to wait 2.5 weeks. August was filled with hospital appointments. Ultrasound, Mammogram and Biopsy.
On the afternoon of August 31, 2015, the doctor looked at me and said "I am afraid I don't have good news for you, you have cancer". The nurse handed me a tissue.
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