#breastawarness

[privatesono]

(via Private Breast Ultrasound Scan: Preparation and Procedure)

[staceycampbell]

Breast Screening Experience

Hello everyone, today I’m bringing you a non art related post which seems fitting since October is Breast Cancer awareness month. 

In November last year I awoke in the middle of the night with excruciating pain underneath my left breast. it started off slow but worsened very quickly. I felt almost like I was having a heart attack,  Probably the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life.  I went to the doctors the next day, was examined by a male nurse who told me that he could feel no lumps, clots or anything I’d probably pulled a muscle. That could’ve been the case as my day job involves heavy lifting but I didn’t really think so.  Over the course of the last year I’ve had pain in the area that came and went.  I also thought I could feel a lump in the bottom of my breast which I kept an eye on making sure it hadn’t grown or anything. I was hesitant at first to go to the doctors again because the pain kept subsiding and sometimes I couldn’t feel the lump.  I thought I’d be alright but recently the pain got worse and more constant. 

I visited a different doctor, a female student doctor this time, who examined me and she also felt this lump. She referred me to Gateshead Queen Elizabeth Hospital for breast screening.  My appointment came really fast and I was really nervous.  My symptoms, after Googling them, I thought matched Costochondritis which is inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs but I think you always have a bit of doubt when it comes to lumps. 

Yesterday I went to my appointment with my Fiance, Stephen and my Mam. I was really nervous incase there was something bad and I had to get a needle biopsy. Despite my tattoos, I’m terrified of needles.  When we got there we waited in a mixed waiting room until I could see the consultant.  When I was called, my Mam was allowed to come through with me but not Stephen as they don’t allow males.  (If you have to go to the same kind of appointment I recommend taking a female with you for moral support as there is a lot of waiting around.) 

I went into a tiny room where I was asked to undress my top half and put on a gown. I’m tiny so the gown was huge.  I had to put my clothes in a little shopping basket.  The male consultant came in and examined me after I explained my symptoms.  He felt inflammation between my 4th and 5th rib confirming that I have Costochondritis. Phew!  

Just to be sure, I was sent through to a female only room to wait to be given an ultrasound scan.  At thirty I am too young for a mammogram as younger breast tissue is more dense. I waited with my Mam for maybe about forty five minutes or so while other women were seen.  It was very busy. 

When I went in for my ultrasound scan there was a female radiographer and another lady. It was dark and there was a bed behind a curtain. I was asked to take off my gown and lie on the bed.  I had to raise my left arm behind my head and the radiographer scanned my left breast.  Thankfully she confirmed everything was ok and I have Costochondritis. The other lady talked to me about my job whilst I was being scanned.  They were both very nice. 

After that I was taken to a little cubicle where I could put my clothes back on.  We then could go and join Stephen in the mixed waiting room where I waited to see the consultant again.  He confirmed that there was nothing wrong with my breast tissue. 

Costochondritis is very painful but I will go to see my doctor again to see if there is anything I can do to help myself.  I feel very lucky though that it was nothing life threatening. 

If you discover a lump in your breast, definitely go and get it checked as soon as you can.  The diagnostic service, at least at Queen Elizabeth, was very fast. It is a bit embarrassing at first being half naked in front of people you just met when you’re not used to that, however it is their profession and they see it everyday.

[darkberserker69x]

Because we support the loving mothers, grandmother's and woman! They are valuable to us! # #october #breastawarness # #support (at Rydell Chevrolet)

[martinitomastectomy]

[martinitomastectomy]

[martinitomastectomy]

To my beautiful women ready to take on the new year, Martini to Mastectomy is here to help you all the way. First steps, first, make sure every part of your body is ready to succeed the year. So give yourself a little breast check and then head out to accomplish your goals.