In the winter of 2012, I walked into the ob-gyn office for a routine checkup. The exchange went something like this.
Doctor: Have you been checking your breast lately?
Me: Yes, to the best of my ability.
Doctor: Then what is this lump am feeling? Have you felt it?”
It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and today I am sharing how NOT to handle a lump in your breast. Learn how this experience forced me to face my fears and take my health more seriously.
No woman wants to ever hear those questions. I looked at her in shock and disbelief. I remember thinking about a million things before I muttered the words “No, I have not.” Then I began praying, Lord please don’t let it be cancer.
I was freaking out. She began to comfort me by telling me that I shouldn’t worry too much until I see the specialist (easy for her to say). But it was too late, in mind I had cancer, and my life was over.
I cried uncontrollably for what felt like hours, somehow I got myself together and went home. I promised to make my appointment.
When I got home, I sat on my bed and was overwhelmed with fear. In my mind, I was planning my funeral. I wanted to make my appointment, I really did, but that would make it real. That would make me face that there was a chance I might have cancer.
So I waited, I didn’t mention anything to anyone. I went on about my life and waited. For a while, I convinced myself to forget about it. Four months later, I got the courage to tell my best friend and my boyfriend (now husband).
Both got on me about waiting so long, but they had the same message.
It is better to find out, and do something about it, than to wait and do nothing.”
That same week I finally made my appointment. I went to the first meeting, and I was petrified. I was told I had to come back to get my tests done. This time I did not procrastinate, I made my appointments right away.
Something about having my loved ones behind me really made feel like I was being held accountable. After all, I knew they would ask, and I knew I couldn’t lie to them.
In the end, it turned out that I didn’t have cancer. I did have to get the lump surgically removed because of its size, but more importantly, I was okay. Both my best-friend and my boo accompanied me to my surgery.
Why am I sharing this story with you?
Two reasons
First, it is October aka Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I want to remind you that it is crucial that you are regularly checking your breast for lumps. Fellas (I know you are here), I encourage you to be open about talking to the women in your life about breast cancer and how it impacts them.
Second, I don’t want you to let fear get in the way of your well-being. As I reflect on my experience, I know I should have done things differently. For starters, I should have told someone right away, this was a very emotional experience and going through it alone actually made it worst.
Instead of drowning myself in a glass of water, I should have scheduled all the appointments ASAP. It turns out that I did not have cancer, but if I did those months I sat down procrastinating out of fear, could have been detrimental to my health.
Once I spoke to my loved ones I felt so much better. I felt able and accountable, which pushed me to take care of myself. I often think back on this experience and feel that transitioning to a healthy life is not that different.
Both can be emotionally draining, fear can paralyze you, and both can impact your health. But if you tell someone, if they hold you accountable, if they support you and encourage you, you will come out victorious. iAmHealthyFit is here to do just that.
Earlier this year, I found a second lump. This time, I did not wait. I told my husband right away and went to the doctor the next morning. Once again, it turned out to be nothing, but this time, I was prepared not let fear get in the way.
Do not forget to leave me your comments below! Have you or anyone you love experienced a breast-cancer scare? What is your advice to help those in that situation?
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