When I Found my Breast Cancer Lump

OCTOBER 17, 2013

Journal Dump #001

In October of 2013, I was enjoying our annual family camping trip and noticed a hard lump on the side of my right breast.  I noticed it because sometimes if I lay on it the wrong way, it hurts.  I typically sleep on my stomache or on my side, with a pillow to hold.   My partner and I both tried the whole breast exam thing but since neither of us really had any clue what we were feeling for, it was useless.  I couldn't tell the difference between what was supposed to be there and what didn't belong.

A coincidence or a sign?  After thinking about it day and night, then coming home and immediately jumping online for more googled information, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks.  A post on a cancer services site that read "If you notice a dimple in your breast, that can be a sign of breast cancer.  Come in for your free mammogram during breast cancer awareness month."  Several months back, I noticed that my right breast began sucking itself inward.  My partner and I always joked that this breast must be the one that kids enjoyed the milk from most and that is why it is doing this droopy funny looking thing.  I had just turned 40 years old so I thought this was part of the aging process.

Well, since I don't believe in coincidence, I pretty much knew in my gut (the gut always knows best) that something was wrong.

After a few pestering phone calls from my Mom, asking if I made the mammogram appointment yet, I finally called.  I called Cancer Services of Onondaga County in Upstate New York, since they were offering free mammograms for the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

I had idea the journey I was about to take...

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