Never Too Young

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought it would be fitting to share my story. 

In the Fall of 2001, ten years ago, I was a 17 year old high school senior with normal teenage worries.  Never once had it crossed my mind that I should be aware of my breast health.  All that changed when I was catching an itch on the inside of my left breast.  I felt a knot that I knew shouldn't have been there.  I freaked out, told my mom, and off we were to the next available doctor's appointment.  The doctor confirmed my discovery and sent me to a surgeon in Eagles Landing.  They immediately scheduled me for a lumpectomy.  A week after the lump removal surgery I went to get the results.  Thankfully, the results were not life threatening.  The lump was a calcified deposit that formed into a lump.

Fast forward three years; I am now 21 years old.  Recently married and starting my new life as a wife.  In the shower one day, I felt sore places all throughout my breasts.  Naturally, I freaked and off I went to the doctor...again.  She, too, confirmed my suspicions and sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound.  The mammogram came back inconclusive and the ultrasound showed fibrous cysts.  I was then diagnosed with fiber cystic breast disease.  Again, not life threatening, but worrisome nonetheless.

So, fast forward again to last week.  I am 27, mother to two beautiful babies, and wife to my high school sweetheart.  Last week I woke up from a dream with shooting breast pains.  I feel around and find what I believe to be lumps.  I got a doctor's appointment for this past Monday.  The doctor felt like it was not suspicious, but to be sure she sent me for an ultrasound.  That leads me to today.  I went to the Spivey Station on 138 in Jonesboro.  Let me tell you this, that place is WONDERFUL.  If you ever need the services of a women's center that specializes in breast health, this is the place.  Top notch for sure.  I got an ultrasound by the technician and she was so reassuring and informative.  She immediately took my results to the doctor and he gave me the all clear.  What a relief!!

I know what you're thinking...hypochondriac.  Well, not really.  I never go to the doctor.  But I immediately freak out when it comes to my body and dealing with issues that can't be solved with over-the-counter medicines.  The purpose of telling this story is this:  YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO YOUNG.  Breast health should be a concern for all women.  Cancer doesn't know age, color, race or gender.  Do your monthly self checks.  One day that could save your life.