False Alarm, but still...

OK, my faithful friends. My oncologist recommended a visit to the breast surgeon. I called, got an appointment in another 2 days and continued to try to find the elusive lump in my breast. No such luck. I e-mailed my surgeon (isn't technology marvelous?) and asked him if I should schedule a mammo. He replied that if I had one within the past 6 months, I didn't need an additional film.

So, I saw my surgeon, who gave me a thorough exam, including a round of breast exam with his eyes closed to "really" get the feel and NOTHING. He concluded that it was probably just an oddity that my oncologist felt. He then suggested I have a mammogram in two weeks. I laced into him. He said that since my last mammo was five months ago, it couldn't hurt and it should make me feel better, since neither he, nor I, nor the ultraound tech or doctor could find anything.

Like a good patient I scheduled the mammogram for two weeks later. I am happy to report that the new, quicker than ever, (but no less squishy) digital mammo reported no changes from my previous mammo.

All have concluded that my oncologist misinterpreted what he felt and that I am fine. It's a relief, but an teeny weeny part of my mind keeps wondering if the oncologist was right and we are all too reliant on modern technology.

I can easily live with this small, self-doubt (it's something that cancer survivors feel with every cough, ache, twinge, etc.) The anxiety becomes less obvious with each passing year, but it never goes away completely and that is a good thing. It keeps you on your toes, makes you appreciate the here and now.

So, ladies (and guys), keep doing your self-exams, have a mammo, get a PAP smear, a regular physical, eat right, exercise and enjoy life! Here are some good websites to share and gain info about breast health and breast cancer and I haven't included many links lately in the body of articles: http://www.susanlovemd.com http://imaginis.com http://komen.org http://cancer.org http://natlbcc.org

Thankfully, Linda

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