Not a question really... more like advice.... going for tests in 2 days (Thursday)
Hi again, I have managed to stay present and now, low and behold, I am less than 2 days away. I am excited, nervous and calm, all at the same time. I am tired and want to sleep, I can hardly eat but I know it is all nerves and 95% chance has nothing to do with my lump. I did lose over 30lbs since Christmas but that is because I started smoking again after quitting for 3 years.... time to quit again eh? I live in Canada and am going to a hospital that specializes in this which is why I mentioned in an earlier post that I will have answers that day or 1-5 days after. Their main goal is to remove the waiting aspect for women. Do people write back saying everything is ok? Or do most just disappear after getting a benign result? I am really looking forward to having this all over. What a thing for women to go through when most of the time it turns out ok. Any advice on questions or things to look for during the exam?
Hi Janet,
You are absolutely right that most lumps end up being benign (I have only been at this a while but most people don't write back to say that nothing is wrong. They just continue with their lives, which is just fine). But waiting for tests and then the results is really, really hard.
My only advice for the exam is to bring someone with you, write your questions down ahead of time and bring a pen and paper to record the answers (the person who comes with you can do this).
And while you are in waiting mode be really good to yourself. I find it helpful to do things that really distract me - read a good book, go for walks or just hang out with friends and family.
Good luck and take good care,
Laurie
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Just keep yourself busy. I always had company with me for everything, including dr visits. They always hear something you won't hear. Have them take notes, and review after the appointment. Go for multiple opinions, it's to your benefit. You are your own best advocate!
Yes, it's time to quit smoking!!!
Chin up-
Erin
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And hi again to you, too, Janet. Congrats onlosing the 30 pounds - but tsk tsk on how you lost it - by starting to smoke again... Not good. How about exercise? And I don't mean necessarily sweating on the treadmill or jogging... How about a nice long walk? Not only does it release endorphins into your system (they make you feel happy and relaxed), it passes the waiting time, and it's absolutely super for your health. So if you can, get ourside, put on your sneakers, and take a lonnnnngggg walk. (AND quit smoking. FYI, IF you were to have cancer and require a mastectomy, you couldn't have a body-tissue reconstruction if you're a smoker. So think about that aspect of smoking, too.)
My experience, Janet, is that people might send a private message to me when they're OK, but they don't usually come back to this Q & A and post. I assume many of those we hear from are indeed OK - in fact, the vast majority. And I trust you'll fall into that group, after you know your "verdict" within the next week.
Everything you're feeling right now—fear, excitement, sleepiness, relaxation, anxiety—is entirely normal. Just feel it, and realize it'll pass. What I hope doesn't pass is your memory of this experience. Whatever the outcome, I believe it'll make you realize how precious good health—indeed, life—is to all of us. ENJOY it. And good luck Thursday - PJH
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