Monkey Wrench

Wed, 3/27: I knew something wasn't right. I'm a healthy 34 yr old athletic woman who works out 4-5 times a week between the gym and running cross-country. I've run 3Ks, 5Ks, half-marathons, walked/run to raise awareness for various non-profits, served with the Peace Corps for over 2 years (Disclaimer: it takes a strong, badass, passionate person to serve in the hardest job I ever loved for FREE) but as I sat at my desk at work my Spidey sense was on fire. My right breast was not feeling right. 

By the time my girlfriend picked me up at 6pm to attend a show my speed bump of a boob was on fire (burning/stingy sensation located in one area of my right side). Needless to say, I done took off my bra whilst in the car on the way to the theater-- I was super uncomfortable. 

Later that evening, after returning home,  I examined myself and where there use to be regular tissue now felt like a 'lump'. My right breast always felt different from my left; however, it never had a 'lump'. Honestly, I had routine check-ups and inquired, but no Dr. gave me reason to worry because plenty of women have differences in their breasts (size,fibrosis, cysts, changes depending on the time of the month, etc). I, nor any of my previous Dr.'s, felt a 'lump' --EVER! Being the calm and collected woman that I am I tried not to think much of it, made a mental note and went to bed.

Thurs, 3/28: Fast forward to Thurs morn.... the stinging subsided but as I'm getting ready for work i look in the mirror and realized that my lil girl on the right (nipple) was droopy--melancholy. Whereas b4 she was perky, standing proud with her nipple ring like her sis Lefty now she appeared as if our nipple ring was holding the weight of the world-- dragging her down. No longer was my right nipple perky. She looked like a wilted flower tired of holding her head up. I scheduled an appt with my Gyn.

Fri, 4/29: On the table with my Gyn as she exams my lil girls. She feels 'the lump'. I feel the pressure of her fingers on 'the lump'. "I think its a cyst. Im referring u to get a mammo and ultrasound..." she shares with me. 8 months short of my 35th birthday, I schedule my first adult mammogram.