So much had happened in a short time and I want others to understand why it’s important to have a mammogram. I knew I was going to be okay but the word “cancer” instigates fear. Everyone is different in processing their thoughts and I have an emotional personality so I knew I had to have courage and discover a better me after cancer.

    A couple of weeks before my diagnosis, I was watching “The Doctors” talk about the importance of having a mammogram, no matter how old they are. In the back of my mind I remembered thinking. “It’s been awhile, so maybe I should go for one. However, there’s never been breast cancer in my family so I had time.”

   The following Monday I had an appointment for a mammogram. The nurse told me it would take a few days for the results. The following day the nurse called me to tell me to go to the hospital for another mammogram because they found a few small spots called microcalcifications on my right breast. Microcalcifications are tiny bits of calcium that may show up in clusters or patterns (like circles or lines) and associated with extra cell activity in breast tissue. Usually extra cell growth is not cancerous, but tight clusters of microcalcifications can indicate early breast cancer. Mine were three tiny dots in a row so the clinic made an appointment for me to go to the hospital for another mammogram proving it may be cancerous.

    After the mammogram, the tech took me for an ultrasound and was painful since my breasts were still sensitive. The technician pushed paddles hard into my chest, for a proper outcome. When she said she was bringing the results to the doctor, I shrugged it off as routine. She then told me that the doctor wanted her to do a more thorough job in the lower part of my breast and I then felt fear. After bringing the results to the doctor, she informed me the doctor wanted to speak to me. He said he ordered a biopsy. I was astounded at the speed they arranged the procedure, but grateful. I learned to meditate knowing it would help me in the coming months. After the biopsy, I found out I had “Ductal Carcinoma in Situ”. Having a Mastectomy made me realize how starting a support group would help other women.

Written by  Maryanna Sinclair.

See all articles by The Thursday Writers