The Lump
In high school, I found a lump in my left breast. I was only fifteen and a student at a boarding school almost two hours from home. So naturally I was scared and immediately assumed I had breast cancer. My instinct told me to visit the school nurse. Before then, I was never sick with anything more than a cold. When I arrived at the health unit and said why I was there, the nurse had a surprised look.
But after the pause she asked me to show her the lump so she could do her own exam. She confirmed I wasn’t crazy and suggested we contact my Mom. Apparently, sometimes these things happen, but at my age it was probably nothing serious, said the nurse. However, she still recommended I get checked out by a doctor.
Over the next few weeks I visited a specialist and was scheduled for a breast biopsy. The surgery happened in August just before I was scheduled to go back to school for my junior year. I remember the doctor being so calm and helpful in answering all of my questions. He explained that most lumps are benign and he suspected this one was too. Nevertheless, he would take it out and test it to be sure. The doctor confirmed where he would make the incision and assured me I would barely notice it after my body healed.
LIFE AFTER THE LUMP
In the end, the doctor was right. The lump was benign and the scar is almost unnoticeable. However, it serves as my monthly reminder to check my breast. Truth is I got lucky. But I recently met a 27 year old African American woman who is a breast cancer survivor. Breast Cancer knows no age, race, or gender. In fact, one percent of the reported cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men.
YOUR HEALTH & YOUR WEALTH
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but your awareness of your breasts should not end at the end of the month. It’s important for you to check your breasts monthly. Self breast exams help you notice changes to your breast sooner. Also, don’t forget to have annual check ups on your other lady parts. Your health is important and definitely will impact your ability to create wealth, if you get sick. Stay healthy to ensure you can be here for your family.
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