#160 - Don't Like Breast Exams

Check Up

I just got back from my 3 month check up with the oncologist. (Since starting Letrozole meds) I was thrilled to hear my blood work looked great. I even got some hair compliments, since this was the first time I walked in the office, wig-free!

Then I was told to put on a gown. I hate breast exams, especially since it was one such exam that got me on this road, last May.  But in truth I was a oddly relieved when I knew I was getting one. 

Since June

After diagnosis,( but before my lumpectomy) it seemed like everyone in the world was focused on my breasts. It's an odd thing to have so many doctors and nurses handling those "turkeys" as my Great Aunt Margueritte used to call them. After a few weeks the focus changed.

Post Surgery

Then suddenly the focus was on the scores, the tests, the machines, the chemo, the radiation machine.  Even if I was examined, my scars were being looked at, or my skin. "What about these lumps!" I asked repeatedly. I was told they would go away... post surgery stuff... not to worry.

Time Goes On

Then after Christmas, I suddenly wasn't seeing doctors on a regular basis. There was no one checking up on me to make sure all was well. For 3 months, I tried to believe the doctors were right about those lumps being okay. 

All's Good!
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So, today I was happy to have a breast exam by the oncologist and to hear the words again, that all was okay. Some of the "lumps" are just tightness due to radiation. It will go away and massage can help.

It was a relief to have a good report today. But I still have more than a month until my diagnostic mammogram. I'm going to be really, really happy to get that one behind me.