In December 1999 I found the lump. I ignored the occasional nausea, thinking that I had eaten too late, too much, too fast…etc.. I thought that the lump was a benign growth because 1) I had one removed a short time before and 2) I had received a glowing mammography report.
In December 1999, the world was worried about the clocks on computers stopping when the year rolled over to 2000. A few hours after the clock rolled over and I realized that my lump was still there, I knew I had to deal with the lump.
The date given to me for this exam was in May 2000. The lump was a little inflamed but ottherwise, caused no issues. In February, I mentioned the lump to my GYN. Although, he was not alarmed---he recommended an earlier appointment since the lump was visibly inflamed.. After a few phone calls, I secured an earlier appointment on April 3.
I spent my 44th birthday getting a mammogram. After several films, the Radiologist explained his findings, showing me the site of my lump. Where there had been nothing in previous films, there was now a large lump. The Radiologist recommended that my doctor schedule a biopsy.
Things moved very quickly. A week later, I had an outpatient biopsy. Within hours the surgeon callled me about the malignancy.
Only someone who has been through this can attest to what happens next. So many decisions. Mastectomy vs. lumpectomy. Lymph node dissection vs. Sentinel node removal. Breast prosthesis. Hair prosthesis. PET Scans. MRIs. Blood Work. And then finally surgery.
One moment I am smiling the next moment I am coming apart the seams. I found the ability to laugh at myself and when it go to be too much…I would get in my car, roll up the windows, scream to the top of my lungs and then give it up to God through prayer. Very therapeutic.
The surgery to remove my cancer and change my life forever was performed on April 21, 2000. This was the beginning of my journey as a Breast Cancer Survivor.
Washington, DC