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I started with that intro to let you all know that I am doing well. No melancholy here. The doctors' visit went well although it was confirmed that there definitely is a lump in there. Dr. Kenny ordered an ultrasound and biopsy. We will know more after that. It may very well be just fatty tissues lumped together or simply a benign lump. We will not know the answer until after the tests. Either way, the lump has to go so I would need a surgery to remove that. Most likely I'd go to Oahu. Maybe we can hold a Tweetup at the hospital Oahu Peeps? :)
I wanted to write this post to share with you how I ended up discovering the lump in my breast. There could be a lesson here. This may be of help to somebody someday.
A few months ago, we found out that @MrsHawaii was diagnosed with a breast cancer. She started a blog and I read it to know how I can pray for her specifically. A few weeks later, I felt some itchiness in my boobs. No rash, no mosquito bites, just some random itchiness. Then I remembered that Mrs. Hawaii said that's one of the first things that happened that led them to the discovery of her breast cancer. So at that time I thought I better get my yearly mammogram done since it's been almost 3 years since I last had it done.
However, I am the kind of person who always procrastinate on doctors appointments. I know I needed to get a mammogram but I wasn't motivated enough to actually call and schedule an appointment. I'd rather go to work or stay at home with my kids. Besides, I didn't want to be "psycho-somatic" on this. I just kept on thinking I am fine. I did a quickie check on my boobs while in the shower and I didn't feel lumps at all. So everything was ok. Some occasional random itchiness still happens but just totally ignored it.
Now, about a week ago, we heard that one of our friends was diagnosed with a pancreatic cancer, Stage III, and he had to go to the mainland to be treated. We knew it's fatal and we hoped for the best. Yesterday, Father's Day, we got a text saying that he died. One week! One week from the diagnosis, he died.
We started talking about cancer. How some types of cancer can easily be treated when caught on an early stage (like breast cancer) and how others are just fatal, and when you're diagnosed with it, you better get the life of your family in order. And so we talked about the importance of being diagnosed early.
Last night before I went to take a shower, I did another self-exam on my breast. This time I did it carefully, and systematically, just like what some of the brochures on self exam teaches. And that when I felt the big lump on my right breast. I told my husband about it, I showed him where it is and he confirmed that the is a lump in there. First thing in the morning I scheduled a doctor's appointment. No. correction: first thing in the morning, I posted on Facebook. yep, posted about it on Facebook and asked for positive thoughts and prayers.
Holly molly, you guys rock! I got hundreds of likes and comments. What a supportive family and friends I have! I am truly blessed.
Now here is the question - am I worried? The answer is "no". I have the peace that passeth all understanding. I am positive that everything is gonna be alright.
I have to be honest though, I do not have the "name it and claim it" kind of faith. I am more of "whatever God's will is, I will abide because I know He knows the best for me". I did think ahead. I did ask myself serious questions like, "what if it is cancer and I'm gonna die, will I be ready?". The answer is yes and no. Yes, I am ready in a way because I know that I will go to heaven because of Jesus Christ. But no, I am not. In a way I am not ready because I want to stay longer on earth. I want to see my son get married, I want to see my daughter get married, I want to be able to take care of my grand kids. There are still a lot of things I want to do in life. I know.. I should not even be thinking about death - but taking into consideration the fact that we just got a word that out friend just died, i couldn't help but think about life and death.
Now back to my boobs, cancer or not, the lump will be taken out and I will go on with my life.
This little "incident" of a lump made me appreciate my family and friends, and life, even more. Oh sure many of you I only see on Facebook, but really I can feel your love and support.
So on to my little boob adventure. I hope KLOUT does not make me an authority on boobs after this :)
I will probably do another blog post after the test and once we get the results. Then we can all party to celebrate the fact that it's just a benign lump, right?
A hui hou!
* I am not doing a grammar check or spelling check. Not even proofreading as I am ready to go to bed. Will proofread tomorrow. Let me know if when you find the typos as I am sure there are :)
UPDATE:
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4843390995683827463#editor/target=post;postID=3346283297186441794
6 comments:
I love your peace that passes understanding. It carries us through the storms,doesn't it. I had one of those lumps removed, and it was wonderfully benign, and that was the end of the story. Hoping and praying the same for you. All my love to you, dear Liza.
Liza! I'm so sorry that you lost your friend. That is terribly sad and so fast :(
I will be praying your lumpectomy goes well and that it will be the end of a boob talk ;) Glad you got checked out! You know you have a community world-wide (and local, of course) and loves you and will be following this closely. Your positive attitude is awesome. All will be ok! lots o love and aloha. xoxo
Liza, you are such an example, and such a wonderful writer. Thank you for your example of faith and diligence. All the love of the Lord and the world to you!
You are so magnificent Liza. Your heartfelt and factual sharing is such a gift and I am so glad to hear that it is generating lots of love and support for you. This is a side benefit of being social - you know we have your back! (And dare I say your boobs, in our hearts and prayers.)
Love, Rox
So I've been soooo busy the last few days and haven't been paying much attention to anything so I'm just finding out now. I think you have such a great, healthy attitude towards this whole thing, and I hope that I can follow your example. The peace that we receive when we just leave everything in God's hands is priceless, and you have that sweet faith. I'll be praying for you and your family Liza. God bless.
Liza, thanks for visiting our blog and leaving a note on the website. We are so honored to have you by our side. We are going to eventually post links to breast cancer related sites, and we will include yours in our links!
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