This year of 2013, I went through a terrifying ordeal a few months back, and it was about my breast health. In March of 2013 I did a self-breast test and I felt a lumpy feeling, I thought okay, women get this sort of thing when their menstrual cycle comes around, but mine came and went and the lump was still there, so in April, I had a full medical examination from my doctor and I asked him to send me to have an ultrasound done, and so I went there and then they said that I need a surgical biopsy done of my left breast, and so the results came back a few days later stating that I do have a Benign Phyllodes Tumor which is Fibroadenoma, which happens to women who are 15-35 years of age and if left untreated, it can get bigger and harder to remove, so mine was caught in time because I saved myself the hassle in the long run. I did a self-test after I showered. It was something that I was really frightened about. I could not believe that this was happening at my age and I just jumped and had to get this problem corrected and for my future. I said at 28? How can this be?
I have always read that women need to do self tests. So at the end of June, 2013, I had my day surgery to remove the Benign Phyllodes Tumor and apparently it was about 8cm’s in length, then I had my final Day surgery Last month in September, 2013 to remove just a little bit of the tissue around so that it will never come back again. I did not stay overnight in hospital. I was in and out in a few hours. They put me to sleep, checked my blood pressure and everything else before I left to go home from hospital. I asked the doctor if I am at a higher risk in future in developing breast cancer, she said no. She said benign Phyllodes tumor happens and if it is properly surgically removed, there will be no risk. I am so relieved. It was the scariest thing I had ever gone through in my life. I automatically thought that I had the malignant kind and I lost weeks of sleep due to being so worried about the lump I found, but I thought too much and the results came back in my favour and it was a huge blessing. I felt at ease and I can sleep better at nights knowing that this is all over and I had my surgeries and I can go on with my life. in about a couple of weeks I will be visiting my doctor to discuss about my surgery and what happened.
I never really told a lot of my family members or friends about my situation, but I decided to write about it and share with everyone because this is something that cannot be kept secret, because I can be saving someone elses life and I can be preventing a serious health issue to others and give them this advice to go get assessed from your medical professional. Taking preventative measures is crucial.
Spreading and raising awareness on breast health is imperative and It is so important to get checked out, no matter how old you are. It does not matter if you are young or old. Things happen at all ages. It can save your life. Early detection can save you big time. Monthly do a self test, look at your breasts in the mirror before or after you take your shower, if you feel like the shape, colour, and the feeling of your breast is not right, have it checked out right away, if you feel extra sensitive after your periods and warmth or prickling like an orange peal, or nipple discharge or unusual pain again have it checked out. It could be other health problems too that need to be addressed and dealt with accordingly not necessarily in relative to your breasts. It can develop in 1 or both of your breasts and either left or right.
Health is the most important thing above anything else. without it, we have nothing. Health is wealth.
Be aware always because I care about everyone and their best interest. I wish you all the best . My thoughts and prayers to women who are going through the tough one right now.