On May 30, 2018 after having a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, I was directed to have a Fine Needle Aspiration of my left breast. The doctors told me that the lump in my breast was not likely cancer. They told me that for women my age, 35 years old, it …
Read More »What to Expect: Colectomy
The week of Thanksgiving in 2018, I was diagnosed with colon cancer which was found through a colonoscopy. The day that I found out, I was given an appointment for the following Monday with the surgeon. However, I was in such awful pain that I did not feel that I …
Read More »What to Expect: Vaginal Hysterectomy
Ever since I can remember I had excruciating painful periods and excessive bleeding. The cramping was so bad that I would take tons of ibuprofen just to get by. I was in misery every month. I was so afraid that I never went to the doctor. Of course, the writing …
Read More »What To Expect: Wire Localization Biopsy of the Breast
In June 2019, I had a diagnostic mammogram that came back suspicious. I was sent for a breast MRI that determined that I needed further evaluation and was told to have a wire localization biopsy. On the day of the procedure, there were no special instructions. The first part of …
Read More »Taming the Endo Monster
For some women, dealing with endometriosis feels like being in a state of perpetual PMS. For others, it becomes a game of Jekyll and Hyde during that time of the month. Or during ovulation. Or all the time. It is different for each woman, but I would think that all …
Read More »Let’s Get Real – Rheumatoid Arthritis Facts vs. Myths
Lately, I’ve been trying to figure out ways to bring about more awareness about Rheumatoid Arthritis. By awareness, I mean making people aware of the facts surrounding this disease and erasing some misconceptions. So today I want to present a little list of Myths vs. Facts. Myth: RA is what …
Read More »Early Detection Can Save Your Life – Breast Cancer
Many of you may have heard at some point about how early detection of breast cancer (or any cancer) can save your life. It may seem like smoke and mirrors, but I am proof positive that early detection can save your life. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer, …
Read More »Caring For Aging Parents
Parents have always been the caregivers. They worked, provided food and shelter, and raised families. As our parents age, they face a reversal in that role and find themselves needing care. This can be a difficult change for aging parents to accept. In many cases, aging parents do not want …
Read More »Lupus Symptoms: The Silent Killer
Lupus is often called “The Silent Killer.” It can be difficult to diagnose because it mimics so many other illnesses. It is an autoimmune disease, can affect almost any organ in your body and may differ from person to person. For example, one woman with lupus may have swollen knees …
Read More »What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older. And while breast cancer is a common cancer in women, there are risk factors you can address …
Read More »