This October, I went for a yearly mammogram at the hospital I work at. Nothing seemed wrong till the technician came to find me and tell me they needed more films. Then I had to go directly to ultra sound, and then I had to talk to the radiologist. They saw a spot that was not on last year’s films, and they thought it needed needle biopsied. So a week later, I was getting that done and being told I needed to have a lumpectomy. It was like someone taking your heart and stomach out and squeezing them in a knot.
I had the lumpectomy and had to have radiation a week later for a month. Radiation was an experience unlike anything anyone should have to go through. It doesn’t hurt when it is going in you, and it doesn’t make you sick, but it takes every bit of your modesty away as you are being paraded in front of doctors, techs, and oncologists, all wanting to see your boobs up close and personal. I got so used to showing my boobs that I almost took my shirt off for the dentist!!!!!!!!
Radiation burns you unlike a burn you have ever had before, but yet it does not feel as bad as sunburn. It makes you tired, it makes you sore, but you know what, it also helps cure you, so I was all in and went every day. I had sooo much support from my children and my family and my friends that I got through it, and now two months later, I am cured and hoping that my next scan will be a clear breeze.
Ladies, you can and you will get through your diagnosis. I kept a Facebook blog each day I went and just talked to everyone daily about how I was feeling. It helped so much. I called the radiation machine the Ring of Fire and kept it fun and it helped so much. Stay strong, we are all warriors.
Cheryl
Illinois
Submitted 02/06/2015
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
