05 June 2008

Health wealth #3

So, for those of you who read yesterday's post are familiar with a health issue I was faced with last year. You also read how important it is to listen to your body when it's sending you messages. Today, I will continue the story...

It's June 25th (2007) and I have an appointment to get my right breast biopsied due to the mass that was visible on the mamo and the ultrasound. I went alone and waited patiently for my name to be called. The nurses are very friendly and explain the process to me. Dr. Peggy comes in and goes over what she'll be doing and why. I nod in acceptance and proceed to undergo the biopsy. Several pieces of tissue is removed from the mass on the side of my breast and is placed in a dish, which'll be sent to the pathologist. Having the smaller mass biopsied was optional, but Dr. Peggy advised getting it biopsied too; so I agreed. Typically, I have an extremely high pain threshold, but when the machine was pressed down against the first incision, I immediately wept and nurse Leslie was right there rubbing my back and comforting me. She asked if anyone was coming for me and I said that I'd driven myself. She felt really bad for my discomfort and for the fact I was there alone.

Upon completing the biopsy, Dr. Peggy explained that the tissue samples would be sent out and when the results came back, they'd call and I'd have to come back in for the results be they positive or negative. I asked if they could simply tell me over the phone, but they said, that's not their policy and a face to face is how it would happen. I managed to go back to work (ice pack in bra) and make it through almost the rest of the day.

Fast forward now two days later to June 27th....
I'm at work doing my daily tasks and I get a call from nurse Leslie telliong me my results were in and I needed to come in the next day. Knowing that I wouldn't get the results over the phone, I agreed to come in on my lunch break. I had no sooner hung up the phone and my GYN called to tell me he had my pathology results in and they were positive. He does not believe in witholding test results as he feels it heightens the anxiety. He explained the results to me and said, "once you get over the shock of this call, get on the internet and do your research." He gave me the name of the breast surgeon he wanted me to see and told me to call and make an appointment to see him

Surprisingly I didn't cry at first; that happened when I called my bestie and told her. I calmed back down and went to see a friend from my former work group who'd had colon cancer the year before and told her. She immediately teared up and she held me close to her. We got ourselves together and she called her oncologist to get me an appointment. I some how managed to make it through the rest of the day and on the ride home from work, I had to come to terms with the news that I'd just been diagnosed with breast cancer!

More next time...

Love!

10 comments:

Darius T. Williams said...

Wow...wishing u strength. We r all waiitng on the rest of the story.

A.u.n.t. Jackie said...

sending you light blessings peace and healing energy.

you are fortunate to have good health care..or health care at all, which is how so many women beat breast cancer.

Blu Jewel said...

darius - thank you for your well wishes and stay tuned for the rest of the story.

jus - thank you for all of your kindness and love and sorry you weren't the first. take that up with Darius! *lol*

aunt jackie - thank you for the positive energry. yes, i am fortunate to have health care and GOOD health care. more importantly is that i USE it.

Love!

kit von b. said...

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE ur new pic! just had to say that....

-KB

Blu Jewel said...

karrie.b - thanks lil lady. you know that's big coming from you.

Love!

Mizrepresent said...

Awe Blu, i am hanging by a thread, but knowing you are telling us history, and i see and hear you now...i know there is a happy ending, that's what i'm holding on to lady!

Believer said...

I can't imagine the shock of hearing that and then having to push through your emotions to take action.

What a blessing to have someone who is close [in relationship and geographically] and understands the intensity of this kind of reality.

Thank you for sharing such a personal and tender experience.

Wendy said...

As others have said you are amazing and stronger than you know. I will be back to check up/in with you. Prayers up.

Roddykat said...

Hi Goddess,

I'm in catch up mode as always. much thoughts and love are always sent your way. I know I don't know you that well, but I believe I do know you well enough to say that you will conquer this as you have with anything else that has been thrown your way.

Peace

Anonymous said...

Oh wow reading this is quite sad, but like MzRepresent said..seeing your healthy,pretty pics and reading your posts I know your'e fine...and that's reassuring...
I hate hearing/reading these kind of stories...but will stay tuned

I had a aunt that passed of breast cancer, and I watched her go thru so much pain....you are right tho' as women, humans period we must watch the warning signs...be alert