"Family History"

How I hate those words.

For any of my male readers this post will be about my boobs so you may want to stop reading. (Of course the mere mention of boobs may get those male readers to stay tuned, who knows?)

I lost my mother to breast cancer back on August 11, 1999. That fact now gives me a 'family history' of breast cancer. So each year when I get my mammogram they mention my 'family history.'

Now I carry a good amount of extra fat along with being 'well-endowed' to begin with, so my annual mammograms are very uncomfortable (i.e. painful). Add to that the ongoing fear of 'family history' and my annuals become extremely stressful.

So a couple weeks ago, after my annual mammogram I received a phone call from my GYN's office telling me that the radiologist saw 'something' in my left breast, most likely just thick tissue but with my 'family history' . . . 

I went thru this scare about six years ago when they found a lump in my right breast. I had a lumpectomy and it was benign but it was a very worrisome experience. So I know the drill.

I had my second, more specific mammogram on Tuesday and then was sent to the basement for an ultrasound of the area of my left breast that was in question. The ultrasound tech wasn't sure what she was looking for as she couldn't find anything to take a picture of. Guess she was looking for a lump and this is an entire area of concern. My boob is bruised from her searching for a lump . . .

Anyway, yesterday I received another call from my GYN's office - I need to see a surgeon again. Whether we do a biopsy or a full surgery to assess what is in my boob will be up to him and I'll find that out on Monday morning after he looks at my mammogram and ultrasound. I do know that I'll be having the procedure fairly quickly as that is how surgeons work - get them in and cut them asap.

Am I nervous? Hell yes. Scared out of my wits. This 'family history' stuff is scary business. Right now I really hate my boobs.

I'll post what will happen when I find out.

Sigh.