6 posts tagged “susan g komen”

10860

Most of you know I'm walking in the Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day.  I am still soliciting donations in all amounts (I think that you can't donate less than $5.00 online, but even just that much helps me out!!).  My training is going pretty darn well, and I am about on target.  While I was travelling, I couldn't get ALL of my walks in and man, did I feel it when I got back on schedule.  That'll teach me, eh?

My Breast Cancer 3-Day Fundraising Page!

Funny how it seemed to take so long to get to 100, and 200 is so close!  My short walks have been replaced by what used to be long walks, and my long walks are pretty much hikes.  What's nice is that the training schedule is good for working people...short(er) walks during the week, then Saturday and Sunday have back-to-back longer walks.  So this weekend I'll be doing 12 miles Sat. and 5 miles Sun. after walking 5 and 6 two days this week.  As I walk, I think about how it's not any more difficult to walk 12 miles as it was to walk 5 in the beginning, so 20 miles doesn't look quite as intimidating as it did a few weeks ago.  I'm still getting used to the 20 miles 3 days in a row thing, but it's coming!!!  I appreciate donations in any amount, and you can donate more than once (I have!!) so thanks to all who've helped me and the Susan G. Komen Foundation out!!!

"An odd experience, but a relief to get the information."

How it made me feel: relieved

How I did it: I went to my primary care physician who felt the same lump I felt and then sent me to a radiology clinic.  They decided to do an ultrasound of that breast first, because I am so young, and that warrented a digital diagnostic mammogram (different from a screening mammogram in that they squeeze your boob a few different ways).  When the results came up negative for anything, my doctor sent me to a breast surgeon who evaluated me, gave me an exam, found 2 more lumps in the other breast, and diagnosed me with fibrocystic breast disease.  We've scheduled a follow-up for 3 months from now to make sure there are no other changes, but for now, I'm glad that I got the mammogram and exam as it has provided some relief from normal fears of cancer.

Lessons & tips: Especially if you are young, 85-90% of lumps turn out to be benign. 

I found the ultrasound to be painless (they even warm the gel now!) and the mammogram to be rather uncomfortable, but nothing actually crossed into pain territory.

It is best to get a mammogram done within the 1st 10 days AFTER your period when there is less swelling.  The farther into your cycle, the more the test hurts. 

Make sure to follow up with your doctor about your results.

I was able to get my mammography and sonogram films and like the idea, since the possibility that I will be moving is a real one.  Now I have a "base" mammogram since I need to be checked more often now should any other lumps come up.

Talk to people.  Almost everyone I said anything to either had gone through the same thing, or knew someone who had.  People will generally try to help you through the waiting period (which I have heard is the worst part, even if the diagnosis isn't as good as mine turned out to be).

Resources: komen.org - Susan B. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research helped to calm my fears about cancer.

WebMD is a great resource for general anatomy info and steps about what to do, when to see a dr., and if you should be worried at all.

(originally posted 3.18.09)

Mon 5-4-09
Originally uploaded by smokymtnkayaker

I have jumped on this bandwagon with full force. In fact, Keri, our field manager for this area, has inspired me to take my interest to the next step. I went to one of the initial meetings today, and her enthusiasm for the project even as a supporter and not a survivor herself, was inspiring to see.

I volunteered to be a team leader. In truth, while I feel like I should be shaking my head at myself for taking something like this on, I am excited. Maybe it's at feeling useful, maybe it's the whole cause, I don't know. But between the video (a tearjerker) and the excitement about fundraising, I am just enthused (even as I feel a bit of trepidation).

Wish us luck....and I still need to come up with a team name!