All images by Ivory Door Studio
Sit down and get comfy, because I’m like Biggie (I’ve got a story to tell). This week’s edition of Truth Tuesday is real, raw, scary and informative.
Remember the Truth Tuesday from a couple of weeks ago titled Use Your Words? I talked about me not using my words and communicating vaguely with Anthony. The issue I had was personal, and you know what I do when I have an issue. Yep, I go to therapy. Listen, I don’t play with my mental health! I had a 10am appointment for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 22nd).
While taking a shower that morning, I felt a lump in my left breast. Initially, I thought I really didn’t feel it. After comparing it to my right breast, I knew there was something there. I continued to get ready for my therapy session, but decided to call my OBGYN just to be safe. The nurse said there was an appointment available at 11am. I quickly cancelled my therapy session and headed in the opposite direction. I text Anthony and let him know.
I wasn’t given too much information that day. A breast exam just like I did in the shower was performed, and I was told I needed a mammogram and an ultrasound. It was scheduled for 6 days later. I left the medical center distraught, and immediately text my mom to call me ASAP. She called and I said “mommie, I have a lump in my breast”. Her voice was so calming and strong at the same time. She said, “that’s okay, it happens and it’s going to be alright”. She has a way of making me believe things will be fine even when I’m terrified.
A week later, Anthony and I arrived at the medical center for my mammogram and ultrasound. After both of those were completed, we had about an hour and a half wait until my appointment with the general surgeon. He told me that he was unable to make a diagnosis based off my mammogram and ultrasound, so I’d also need a biopsy. I told him I HAD to get that procedure performed that day. He came back five minutes later and said it was approved.
The nurse told me it would feel like a bee sting. LIES!!! It hurt, and I have a high threshold for pain. They located the lump and then decided on an entry point. He stuck a needle in the entry point and then used some machine to get tissue from the lump. They bandaged me up, and said the bandages would fall off in about a week. (They just fell off this morning.) He said my results would be available in 2-3 days. Yooo, waiting 2-3 days for results that could significantly change your life is nerve-racking to say the least.
Anthony and I left the medical center both of us very nervous and anxious. We did pretty well under pressure. We only got in one argument that day lol. We had a trip to Jamaica planned for that Friday. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 5:45am. I told him there is no way I can get on a plane on Friday morning without knowing the results. If I didn’t get the results on Thursday, we decided not to go to Jamaica.
The next two days were HELL! I mean I couldn’t concentrate on anything. I slept on the couch (why, I don’t know), but Anthony also slept in the living room with me in our oversized chair. There was anxious tension those two days, but he was amazing with his support and love.
Thursday morning the surgeon called and informed me the tissue was benign. I have very dense breasts, which I guess from a vain standpoint is good because they’re perky and not fatty. But dense breasts are difficult to accurately read on mammograms. The surgeon said I had nodular fibrosis breast. Through some research I discovered fibrocystic breasts are pretty common, and it affects about 3 million women. It can occur in women of many ages, but most commonly in women 20-40. The surgeon wants to monitor the lump (yep, it’s still there), and I have another appointment in March.
I have a crazy relationship with my breasts. First, I’ve had them since I was in 3rd grade. I hit puberty pretty early. I remember my mom taking me to the doctor because I was developing so quickly. I’m a 36D, but most times you can’t tell because I try my best to keep them “hidden”. Don’t get my wrong, they make certain clothes look great, but I’ve always shied away from “putting the girls out there”.
Now, I have this weird feeling of betrayal. It’s like I’m angry at the left one because it forces me to pay attention to them when most of my life I’ve been trying to hide them. I’m sure my feelings will change, but currently I’m a little confused about my feelings regarding my breasts. It’s been very awkward taking a shower since I found the lump. I will continue to do self-exams, and I encourage others to do them too. They could literally save your life. I’ll keep yall posted on this journey.
By the way, Jamaica was AMAZING!!!
Until next time loves…
So happy it was Benign! It is important for women (and men!) to do these self exams because this truly can save a life. I plan on being around for a while and don’t want to check out early due to something I could have caught sooner.
I absolutely agree Sarah!!! ❤
Thank you for sharing! This was such a good read! So happy it was benign!
Thanks so much for reading!
This was informative. I’m happy you know what the lump is but WHOA what a rollercoaster ride.
A definite rollercoaster! Our little meet up on Thursday night was needed.
What a blessing that is!
I agree Emily!
I loved reading this. It was a roller coaster for me; I can only imagine how you felt! I’m so glad it turned out the way it did. And SO glad Jamaica was fun!! 😉
I usually love rollercoasters, but not this one lol. Thanks, Jamaica was a ball.
This is so scary. Thank you for always being so candid.
Yes, it was definitely scary.
Hey Sheena! Glad that the results came back clear. I had a very similar instance happen to me a few years ago and it was the exact same story. Great post, informative and transparent.
OMG, I’m so happy you’re fine! Thanks for reading.
Thank you for sharing! So glad it was benign and that you’re okay!
Thanks so much!
Such a raw beautiful reminder.
Thanks Danielle ❤
I’m so so happy this had a happy ending for you!! I went though it as well, so I know how terrifying it is!
I’m sorry you had to experience this but glad you’re okay. ❤
So glad you’re okay. I found a limo earlier this year…it’s so scary. As usual…thanks for sharing.
I hate to hear that but so happy you’re doing well ❤
Sheena omg!!!!! Thank the Lord is was benign. This just brought me to tears. I will keep you in prayer now and in March. And you mom is right everything will be ok. Thanks for sharing your true story. Have a blessed day!!!!!!😃
Rachel, thanks so much for your continued prayers! I truly appreciate it. Thanks for reading. ❤
Thank you for sharing this so open and honestly! Truly a great read. I love the part about your momma being your calm and steady. They have a way about them.
Yes, moms are the best. ❤
Thanks for sharing Sheena! Talk about truth?! WOW! Soooo happy everything came back okay. We gotta link up soon chick!
Thanks love! Yes we do!!! ❤
Good to hear that not only do you stay on top of self-exams, it was benign. My grandmother just found a lump and unfortunately, its cancer. Stage 1 though so we are very optimistic. Great post!
Cherise I’m praying for you and your family!!! I’m happy that it was found at stage 1.
I know that was a very scary experience for you and I appreciate your transparency. I can totally relate because I actually had to have surgery to get two lumps removed back in 2011 and I wasn’t told if they were benign or not until AFTER they were removed. So I was spooked! Thank God they were benign but yes it is so important to do those self exams because you never know! Xo
Oh WOW!!! I’m so happy things worked out well. I’m sorry you had to go through that.
Thank you for sharing! My grandmother had breast cancer so this topic is near to my heart. I love the pillow and you’re beautiful!
Prayers for your family ❤
Thank you for sharing your story and for your Courage, Great pics!
Thanks for reading
So happy the results were benign. And I love that note about mom. It always amazes me that some how moms know exactly what to say to convinced you everything is fine. I only hope I have the same affect on my son as he gets older.
From your blogs I know you already have that affect on your son. ❤
Well Praise God it was benign!!! My mom didn’t have to have a biopsy but they told her she had lumpy breast, I am assuming it was something like this so we had to wait on results when she had a mammogram, I tried to play it off but I was so scared for her!
Mom’s always know what to say to ease your fears!
Yes, the waiting is the hardest part. I’m so happy everything was okay with your mom. ❤
Thank you for sharing! This had to have been a terrifying process, the not knowing, I’m glad you are okay and enjoyed Jamaica!
Yes, the not knowing was the worst. Thanks, we had a great time.
What a rollercoaster of a ride! I’m glad that the report was positive for you, and that you were able to go to Jamaica, and enjoy yourself. Praying for your continued clear reports, and your good health!
Thanks you so much
You look so beautiful and carefree in the pictures! I’m so glad to hear it was benign. I’m also glad to hear you had an amazing support system through your mom and husband.
I have the same issue with lumps so it makes it extremely difficult for me to do a self exam. Your post reminded me to at least know my breasts well enough to know if there’s a new one. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, they were major supportive and I’m always checking the girls lol
I’m glad your results were on the positive side. I have very dense breast and although I am young for the start of mammograms, I’ve been getting them for a few years now due to family history.
I’m sure they will continue to have me do them as well. I’m happy that you’re getting checked out.
I’m so glad you got the answer you needed and you’re OK.
I had a similar scare from a fluid filled cyst when I had an infection.
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that. I’m happy you’re fine.
Oh that is nerve-wracking info to find out for sure! So glad you got it looked at quickly, and that it turned out to be ok. Glad you had your mom and husband supporting you through it!
Thanks so much ❤
Amazing story – I was literally on the edge of my seat like ‘Will she get the results in time for Jamaica? What will the results be?’ so glad they were in your favor and you could enjoy your trip!
I was on the edge of my seat last week too lol. Thanks so much!
What a relief. Mom mom went through this same exact situation and had the same results in October. I was freaking out on the inside as one of my former teachers passed away from breast cancer earlier in the month. Waiting to hear the results is the most nerve wracking time. I’m glad you are ok. And good for you that you are doing your own exam.
I’m happy your mom is doing well ❤
Sheena, I’m glad to hear that your lump is benign. I applaud you for going to get it checked, because so many of us don’t. Glad that you enjoyed Jamaica! My husband and I are planning to go next year, so if you have any tips, please share. 🙂
Thanks so much Terin! We have a travel agent that books our trips and she’s amazing. If you want her info just let me know. Thanks for reading!
I am so glad to hear that the results were benign. Praise God! I have a cousin (37) that just went through chemo and is now undergoing a mastectomy. It has been a rough road for her and her household but she’s a fighter and always reminds women to check your breasts. It’s not a game.
Prayers for your cousin ❤️