8/16/23: PCP Appointment

I haven't been blogging all my PCP appointments because they aren't directly related to having cancer. But at my annual check-up my doctor did say something relevant, so I figured I should mention it. 

I told her about trying magnesium glycinate for hot flashes and anxiety, how I think it "may" have helped, and how I stopped and ended up not feeling either symptom while on vacation, but am getting them again now. She didn't seem too keen on supplements in general, suggested I could have experienced a placebo effect when taking the magnesium, and she said straight up, "I wouldn't take it," especially since I'm monitoring my heart these days. She then dove into a discussion of my recent stress test results, and I forgot to go back to ask what connection magnesium has with the heart.

Back home, I Googled it and found this article, which warns about getting too much magnesium, especially in the form of supplements. Both my doctor and the article said to first try getting more magnesium into my regular diet. I kind of wish my doctor had included measuring my magnesium level in my blood test, but she didn't, and I didn't think to ask for it. 

My doctor also didn't say this outright, but I inferred that she thinks I should try to maintain my vacation mindset all the time. I guess that is what I am trying to do with my efforts in meditation and exercise and finding little joys in each day (like having a quiet cup of coffee in the sun on my back patio).

So, I will be putting the magnesium glycinate on hold for now, and make a note to ask my cardiologist about it next time.

8/8/22: I Checked My Insurance Claims Online

This list covers all my cancer-related medical costs through the end of June. Since we already met our insurance deductible for the coverage year, the only costs to us were the co-pays on my BSO surgery-related prescriptions.

Surprisingly, while compiling these numbers, I noticed right away that my Lupron injection in June cost a whole lot more than usual. The cost of Lupron has varied over the months and years, but generally has always been less than $1,000. Suddenly, this June, the price of one injection was over $5,000! I have no idea why.

Our insurance coverage year starts on July 1, which means our $4,000 deductible will be reset. So the next time I post a cost update, I'll have more out-of-pocket expenses to report.

4/29/22: GYN Surgeon Appointment: $608.00
5/10/22: Pelvic Ultrasound Radiologist: $839.00
5/10/22: Anastrozole (generic): $545.99
5/13/22: Lupron (Including Blood Work): $930.16
6/10/22: Medical Oncology NP & EKG Hospital + Lupron (Including Blood Work): $7,085.80
6/10/22: Medical Oncology NP Appointment: $326.00
6/10/22: Cardiologist EKG: $27.00
6/13/22: PCP Appointment + EKG: $385.00
6/14/22: COVID-19 Test: $375.00
6/14/22: Cardiologist & EKG Hospital: $227.00
6/14/22: Cardiologist Appointment: $481.00
6/14/22: Cardiologist EKG: $27.00
6/16/22: BSO Surgery Hospital: $1,627.88
6/16/22: BSO Sugery Surgeon: $2,167.00
6/16/22: BSO Surgery Anesthesiologist: $1,820.00
6/16/22: BSO Surgery Pathologist: $274.00
6/16/22: Prescription Ibuprofen: $15.49 (out-of-pocket co-pay: $2.57)
6/16/22: Prescription Docusate Sodium "Colace": $6.98 (not covered by insurance, out-of-pocket cost: $6.98)
6/16/22: Prescription Oxycodone (didn't use): $11.99 (out-of-pocket co-pay: $1.07)

Total cost to date: $460,800.23
With insurance, cost to me: $10,207.69

8/8/22: PCP Appointment

Today I had my annual physical with my PCP. There was nothing noteworthy about it in terms of my own health, but she did say something that I wanted to write down for the record. 

She asked how old my daughter is, and though it's too early now to be thinking about it, she said my daughter should start getting mammograms when she is 10 years younger than I was when I got breast cancer. Back at home, a Google search returned one result that said screening should start 5 years before the earliest age of diagnosis of a family member, and another result that listed various guidelines based on a number of different risk factors, including a recommendation for the 10-year rule for certain situations. My PCP tends to always err on the side of caution, so I'm not surprised her guidance falls more on the conservative side.

Technically I was diagnosed at age 43, but I found the first lump at age 42. Using that number, that means my daughter should talk to her doctor about getting mammograms as early as age 32. She's literally only half that age now - and who knows how much medicine will change in the next decade and a half - so it's nothing she needs to be burdened with at this time, but certainly something I should keep tucked into the back corner of my mind. 

6/13/22: I Really Do Need Medical Clearance

This morning I got an unexpected message in the online patient portal from my medical oncology NP saying there is an abnormality in my EKG!

It looks like my QTc is longer than normal.

First, apparently an electrocardiogram is abbreviated with either EKG or ECG. This page explains "QT" as follows:

"Doctors name the different waves on the ECG graph P, Q, R, S and T. Letters Q through T correspond to the heart cells’ “recharging” (repolarizing) after a muscle contraction. Abnormalities in the heart cells can slow the process of electrical recharging, prolonging the QT interval as shown on an ECG."

This page shows a small image of what the "QT" interval looks like on an EKG graph.

"QTc" refers to "corrected QT interval". This page explains "QTc":

"The QT interval is longer when the heart rate is slower and shorter when the heart rate is faster. So it's necessary to calculate the corrected QT interval (QTc) using [a mathematical formula]."

Anyway, mine was 473 ms. This page says normal QTc range for women is 360-460 ms. 

I started going down the rabbit hole of trying to understand what a prolonged QTc could mean. There's a condition called Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), but I don't think I have it because the congenital form is rare and I have no symptoms; there is an acquired form, but I'm not taking / don't have any of the medications or conditions that cause it. Also, I found this random page that says computer error or lead misplacement can cause inaccurate QTc calculations. So that's probably what it is, right?

Okay, all of that was just a long preamble. The point is, my oncologist could not clear me for surgery with this prolonged QTc, so they want me to see my PCP. My oncology office actually coordinated with my PCP office so before I even had a chance to call my PCP, they called me and had already set me up with a same-day appointment. My PCP did another EKG, and lo and behold, it's normal. The QTc today was 426 ms, perfectly within the normal range. Great! 

But no. My PCP said she still could not clear me for surgery because what about Friday's EKG? We don't know for sure that Friday's report was inaccurate, so what does it mean if my QTc is fluctuating wildly? So, my PCP wants me to see a cardiologist. 

In retrospect, I'm annoyed because if my PCP would not have cleared me for surgery no matter what - even with a normal EKG - then why did we waste time going through my PCP at all? Why didn't my PCP tell my oncologist to just send me directly to my cardiologist? Plus, she told me to call the cardiologist myself, adding, "If you have trouble making that appointment, let us know, and we'll help out." Since this is super time-sensitive, it bothered me that she didn't have her office just make the appointment for me, the way my oncology team did for this PCP appointment.  

I went straight home and called my cardio-oncologist. I called the first number I found, and I think it was a scheduling line. At first I asked for an appointment with my own cardio-oncologist, and then I said to check the schedule for any cardiologist, but of course there were no openings before Thursday. The scheduler said she would send a message to my cardio-oncologist's office about my situation, and they would call me back.

In the meantime, I called my Cancer Center. A nurse had called this morning to make sure I had the PCP appointment scheduled, and she had asked me to call her back with an update after the appointment. I told her about trying to get a cardiology appointment, and she was quite surprised - and dare I say annoyed! - that the PCP's office didn't set that up for me. She said quite frankly, "They should be facilitating that for you." 

Surprisingly, in the middle of that phone call, the cardio-oncologist's office called me. That was quick! I took that call, and explained the whole situation again to the nurse. She was very sympathetic, could hear that I was getting emotional and tearing up, and she said she'd talk to the cardiologist and get back to me.

I called the oncology nurse back just to update her on that phone call. She said it sounds like I did a good job advocating for myself. We'll see if the cardiologist's office calls me back tonight, and either way, I should call the oncology nurse again tomorrow morning with another update.

At this point, I left the house to pick up my son from school. When I got back, there was no message from the cardiologist's office, so I decided to call my PCP's office and let them know I do need their help getting an appointment! I explained the entire situation again to the person who answered the phone, and she said she'd talk to the doctor about it. 

Incredibly, the cardiology nurse did call me back! Just before the end of the work day. She said my regular cardiologist doesn't have any openings, but she made an appointment for me at the "cardiology clinic", like an urgent care clinic just for cardiology. Thankfully, the appointment time does not interfere with the pre-surgery covid testing I'm supposed to get tomorrow morning, but I'll have to drive to the main hospital in the city. I'm nervous that there will actually be a problem and I won't get cleared for surgery, but at least I have an appointment. I thanked the nurse profusely! She was so kind and patient, she even said, "Everything will work out, I hope this helps to reduce your stress." So compassionate of her to say!

I am slowly starting to brace myself for the possibility that I will need to postpone my surgery. I really hope that doesn't happen because I've already been laying low for about a week now, to reduce my risk of covid exposure, and I just don't want to have to do all this surgery planning again, coordinating among oncology, GYN, PCP, cardiology, and the hospital!! GAH!!!

11/12/20: I have Lyme Disease!!!!!

OMFG!!!!!

Can I not catch a medical break?!?

I know this is supposed to be a cancer blog, but I figured I'd make this post anyway, since I already mentioned the tick bite. 

So here's what happened, with pictures. 

The tick bite was on my waist. According to this very informative web site that dispels myths about Lyme Disease, "Ticks don’t jump, fly, or drop from trees. They crawl up." The tick probably climbed up the outside of my pant leg until it found some flesh to bite. Ugh. Gross! This is why you're supposed to tuck your shirt into your pants, if you want to prevent tick bites. 

This is what the bite looked like after the tick was removed:

The area just around the bite stayed a bit red, and the bite itself scabbed over. After a couple days it settled down to look like this, and stayed that way for about 2 weeks:

I figured, once the scab falls off, I'll be out of the woods. But no! After 17 days, I saw this:

An early symptom of Lyme Disease is a rash that appears between 3 and 30 days at the site of the tick bite. The CDC says the rash "may feel warm to the touch but is rarely itchy or painful"; mine is definitely warm to the touch and also definitely itchy. The rash gradually expands, and sure enough, 2 days later (today), it looked bigger:

But where's the bullseye?! The same myth-busting web site linked above says that less than 50% of cases involve a bullseye-shaped rash. In fact, according to the CDC, 20-30% of cases don't even have a rash at all. I guess I should be thankful that I did develop a rash; if my Lyme Disease symptoms started with a fever, I would have been worried about COVID-19 first, which would have delayed my Lyme Disease diagnosis for sure. If it started with fatigue and joint aches, I'd have chalked it up to my daily dose of exemestane, and who knows how long it would have taken to diagnose Lyme Disease!

Anyway. So today, 19 days after my tick bite, I called the doctor. My regular PCP wasn't available, so I saw another doctor in the same practice. I liked him; he was very calm and patiently answered all my questions. I told him the whole story, then he took one look at the rash and said, "I think we should treat you for Lyme Disease." He said it's possible I could have some other tick-borne disease, but the treatment would be the same, the antibiotic doxycycline.  

I said maybe it's not Lyme Disease, because as far as I could tell, the tick was probably attached for less than 36 hours, and some web sites say that Lyme Disease is "unlikely" unless the tick is attached for at least 36 hours. He said there's always a chance of transmission, it's just more likely the longer the tick is attached. Back at home, I found this web site that confirmed, "The risk may be low the first day, but it’s not zero... The longer a tick stays on you, the more likely it will transmit disease."

I asked if I should get tested for Lyme Disease, and he said it's not necessary because the rash is clearly related to a tick bite, and he would prescribe the same antiobitic no matter what the specific diagnosis is. He said testing is usually used when a patient has symptoms but no known tick bite, to figure out what's wrong.

He gave me a 10-day antibiotic prescription. The rash should go away, and no follow-up is needed. I should call again only if the rash doesn't go away, or if any symptoms persist after 10 days.

I've heard of people having chronic Lyme Disease symptoms, so I asked if Lyme Disease is curable? His answer was in line with what I later confirmed on the CDC FAQ: "Although most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a 2- to 4-week course of oral antibiotics, patients can sometimes have symptoms of pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking that last for more than 6 months after they finish treatment." I guess I will just cross my fingers that I fall under "most cases". 

9/2/20: I Guess I Don't Need Referrals Anymore?

According to my meticulously kept records, the referral for my medical oncologist expires today. I called my PCP's referral line to get a new referral for my new doctor. Surprisingly, they said a referral isn't needed because the specialist is in the same hospital network as my PCP. 

I asked if this is a new policy, and they said it's been in effect since at least February. I actually noticed that the referral I requested for my cardio-oncologist in August was not showing up in the online patient portal; they confirmed that they have a record of the request, and that a referral wasn't needed because the cardiologist is in the same hospital network. My online patient portal does show a new referral for my breast surgeon in June, and for my genetic counselor in July; they are both in the same hospital network, too, so now I don't understand why those went through, but I guess it doesn't matter, as long as my insurance covers the appointments.

8/6/20: Cardio-Oncology Appointment

I was anxious going into this appointment, though I don't know exactly why. I had already figured that whatever the cardio-oncologist said, I'd be okay with it, even if she recommended stopping Herceptin, or taking medication.

In the exam room, a nurse did a quick EKG. She also took my blood pressure and remarked that it was high.

For a few months now, sometimes when I've gotten my vitals taken before treatment, my blood pressure has been a little high. Not consistently, but it used to fluctuate among the green, yellow, and orange zones of the table on this page, and now it fluctuates among the yellow, orange, and lighter red zones. By chance, at my recent PCP appointment, my blood pressure was perfectly in the green zone, so high blood pressure wasn't something we discussed. 

Incidentally, my blood work from the PCP appointment also came back showing high cholesterol. This blog is all about my cancer, so I didn't think it was relevant, but at today's appointment, the cardio-oncologist asked about both my blood pressure and cholesterol. Of course they are both related to heart health, which is now being affected by Herceptin. I also did some Googling, and it turns out that there's a connection between menopause and high blood pressure, and also between menopause and high cholesterol. It's difficult to identify a direct cause, but since I do have hormone therapy to thank for chemically-induced menopause, maybe they are cancer-related after all. I'll have to work harder at exercising and eating well.

Anyway, the cardio-oncologist asked me a lot of questions. I don't think I have any symptoms of heart failure. She listened to my heart, which sounded normal. In the end, she didn't think there was anything to be concerned about. Phew! I can finish my Herceptin treatments. 

She said she doesn't usually worry until the ejection fraction gets to 50%, and also that the ejection fraction isn't an exact measurement, so there's wiggle room. 

She also mentioned another measurement that is not always reported on echocardiograms, I think she called it the strain. She said she would follow up with the cardiologist who authored my echocardiogram report to see if they could provide this measurement. If it turns out to be problematic, she would consider putting me on some kind of medication. If the measurement is not available, then we'd proceed assuming it's fine. 

Basically there is no action to be taken at this point, but she assured me that she usually acts aggressively to protect the heart, especially for someone my age. I did find that reassuring, because it means my case really must not be very troubling.

I'll have a follow-up echocardiogram and appointment in a few months, after I'm finished with Herceptin. In the meantime, she recommended I keep an eye on my blood pressure using a home monitor, and maybe even send her some data (a couple measurements over a few days) through the online patient portal. 

7/15/20: PCP Appointment (Annual Physical)

Today's visit was kind of weird with all the coronavirus precautions; they were much more extensive than at the Cancer Center. I think they did a really good job, but could work on their coordination a bit.

This was my first time seeing my PCP since being diagnosed, and I guess sort of hoped for more personal attention. Not necessarily sympathy, but she did not ask me about my cancer treatment or mental health at all. Everything felt perfunctory and rushed, like she was just trying to get patients in and out as fast as possible; that would explain the physical exam part of the visit, but even the phone call portion felt hurried.

The medical history part of the exam was done over the phone, while I sat in my car in the parking lot in front of the medical office. By now, I've had a couple virtual appointments for my kids and myself, and each time, the provider called at exactly the scheduled time. Today, my PCP called over 10 minutes early. I was still driving, so I didn't pick up, and she called back every 1-2 minutes. Once parked, I answered her 3rd call, which was still well before the 8:40 start time.

First, she went over medications and allergies. She started out by confirming that I have no allergies, but I quickly corrected her and told her about the chlorhexidine. This oversight annoyed me because 2 days ago, the provider's office texted me with an online form to update my medical history; I spent 10-15 minutes entering in all my information, including the chlorhexidine allergy. Apparently, all that effort was for nothing, because she also did not know about my updated medication list.

I asked for her thoughts on whether or not I should get my ovaries removed. She gave me some general advice about weighing risks and benefits, and also talked about osteoporosis being a serious risk. Then she said that if it were her, personally, she would get the surgery, figuring the benefit of reducing ovarian cancer would outweigh the risk of osteoporosis. I did mention that my risk of ovarian cancer is still unknown, and that the genetic specialist said that VUS-es should not drive medical decisions, but she seemed to be in the "a VUS could just as well indicate a higher risk of ovarian cancer as not" camp. I also described the possible medical risks, and she suggested talking with a gynecologic oncologist, who would be more knowledgeable about up-to-date research. It's a good idea, and I'll keep it in mind.

I also thought it would be prudent to let her know what's going on with my hands. She readily attributed my symptoms to medication side effects. When I told her that my medical oncologist and physical therapist are recommending an MRI, she suggested I see a neurologist.

She also told me to be sure to ask my oncologist if I should get a colonoscopy before age 50. Other than the gynecological cancers related to my genetic testing, I hadn't given any thought at all to other second cancers. I'll be sure to add it to my list of questions for my next medical oncology appointment.

Finally, my PCP asked a physician's assistant student who was also on the line whether or not there was anything we forgot. The student pointed out that we hadn't talked about mammograms. I immediately thought of the many posts I've seen on Facebook support groups from women who are now flat feeling upset or angry when their doctors reminded them to get mammograms. I'm glad I had a heads-up to expect this kind of thing. Given the apparent lack of updated information in my medical file - or the lack of attention given to information in my file - I wasn't surprised when it happened. In fact, I think I was bemused! I calmly explained that I don't need mammograms anymore because I had gotten a double mastectomy with no reconstruction. I'm sure if I were the student, I'd have been mortified, so I tried to be nice about it.

Before hanging up, my PCP told me to put on my mask and wait at the main entrance for someone to let me in. Someone had called while I was on the phone with the doctor, so while waiting to go in, I checked my messages. Oddly, it was a rather impatient person calling from the lab, saying, "You can come on in, and you better hurry, it's already 8:45 and I have another patient at 9:00." Shouldn't the doctor and the lab technician have coordinated?

A medical assistant walked me from the main entrance directly to the exam room. The waiting room was not in use, and the medical assistant opened all doors, so I didn't have to touch them. She took my vitals, and I barely had time to change into the gown when the doctor knocked to come in. She apologized for all the hassle, but I said it was great, they are clearly taking all possible precautions. I told her about the message I received from the lab, thinking it could help them to improve their services, but all she said was, "I don't know anything about that." Oh, well!

She gave me a quick physical and was in and out in a matter of minutes. Instead of going to the lab to get my blood drawn, the lab technician came to the exam room. I don't know if it was the same person who called, but the person who drew my blood was perfectly friendly. Afterwards, the medical assistant came back to escort me out of the building using a different exit than the main entrance I used coming in.

A few hours later, I got a phone call to schedule an appointment with a neurologist; they were following up on a referral from my PCP. I told them I'm not ready to make an appointment yet, but I got the doctor's name and phone number, for future reference. I figure I'll see how things go with the MRI first.

9/3/19: Phone Calls (Insurance Referral + Drains)

Over the weekend I suddenly remembered I need to get a PCP referral for my upcoming medical oncologist appointment.

I called the medical oncologist's office to get my doctor's NPI number.

Then I called my PCP's referral line to request a referral for my appointment.

It's all good and fine, and not a lot of trouble, but I know it's extra steps that my insurance requires that other people with more flexible insurance plans probably don't have to worry about.

I also called the Breast Center to ask about getting my drains out. They directed me to call the breast surgeon's office, which is a separate number. I decided to call based on the < 30 mL instruction, in case it's sufficient; if they really want < 20 mL, they'd just tell me to call again later.

I made the appointment for Thursday afternoon, so maybe I'll be at < 20 mL by that time anyway. They had an opening for early morning tomorrow at the location in the city, but since Ken has to drive me, it was an especially inconvenient time.

6/20/19 - 6/21/19: Phone Calls (Insurance Referrals)

It suddenly occurred to me to wonder if I need a referral for my breast surgeon appointment next Friday?

I called the Breast Center to ask. I left a message, and someone called me back first thing the next morning. She said from their office's perspective, I am all set. However, she suggested I call my insurance company, since they may require a referral for their own reasons.

I called my insurance company. They confirmed that yes, I do need a referral from my PCP to the breast surgeon. My existing referral (good for 6 visits in 1 year) to see my NP in the Breast Center uses my NP's "NPI number". I will need a separate referral to see the breast surgeon using the breast surgeon's "NPI number".

I called the Breast Center to request the breast surgeon's NPI number.

I called my PCP's referral line to request the referral (also good for 6 appointments in 1 year).

Then I suddenly wondered if I should have had a referral for yesterday's appointment with the genetic counselor.

I called the genetic counselor's office. I felt sheepish when I realized that I had called her direct line, instead of an administrative line. I figured since I had her on the phone, I could ask one question that had occurred to me: If I test positive for genes related to breast cancer, will the results be able to tell me if the gene came from my mother's side or my father's side? The answer is no.

Anyway, she gave me the NPI number for her supervising doctor (a medical oncologist).

Finally, I called my PCP's referral line again. I explained yesterday's unexpected and urgent appointment, and he was able to put in a referral (presumably back-dated) that would cover yesterday's appointment (again, good for 6 visits in 1 year).

What a lot of hassle. I'm not even 100% sure the genetic counseling referral was needed, but I figure better safe than sorry.

5/22/19: PCP Appointment (Annual Physical)

Amidst all this, I just happened to have my annual check-up with my PCP.

She had received all the reports from my various tests and appointments. I told her I hadn't received a call yet about scheduling my MRI. She advised me to call them, and said that scheduling can sometimes fall through the cracks, so I shouldn't be afraid to be pushy.

We also discussed the fact that I currently take a birth control pill. In some cases, birth control pills may increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. All my current breast-related appointments basically mean I now have a higher risk of having breast cancer, and my PCP recommended I speak with my OB/GYN about switching to a different type of birth control.

3/16/19: No Change, and I Got Billed

I used a warm compress for a few weeks, and though the cyst seemed to get smaller after each use, it would always return to its usual size between warm compresses, and it didn't seem to get any closer to draining. I gradually just stopped with the warm compresses.

Knowing that the lump was "only" a sebaceous cyst, I really wasn't worried about it anymore, even if it wasn't draining or getting smaller.

Meanwhile, I received my bills for the PCP appointment, the diagnostic mammogram, and the ultrasound. For the mammogram and ultrasound, I got one bill from the radiologist, and a separate bill from the Breast Imaging location's affiliated hospital. (My PCP and the Breast Imaging location belong to the same hospital network.)

2/19/19: PCP Appointment: $230
With insurance, I paid only the co-pay: $20

2/21/19: Mammogram & Ultrasound Radiologist: $246
With insurance, I paid: $83.15

2/21/19: Mammogram & Ultrasound Hospital: $857
With insurance, I paid: $216.85

Total cost: $1,333
With insurance, cost to me: $320

2/21/19: My PCP Called Me

The Breast Imaging location sent the radiologist's report directly to my PCP. My PCP called my cell phone, but since I'm not actually a big cell phone user, I missed the call, and she left a message.

She reiterated the radiologist's finding regarding the sebaceous cyst, and repeated the recommendation for using a warm compress. She noted that the radiologist suggested a 3-month follow-up ultrasound, but then suggested that I could ask for a 1-month follow-up, if I wanted. She also said she would put in a referral for me to see the Breast Center. 

I decided my PCP was erring on the side of caution with the 1-month follow-up and the Breast Center referral. I chose to stick with the radiologist's 3-month follow-up recommendation. Regarding the Breast Center, I actually had some questions: Where is this Breast Center? What kind of specialist would I be seeing? Again, I figured I would trust the radiologist's opinion, and not follow up with the Breast Center just yet. 

2/19/19: PCP Appointment

My PCP performed a breast exam and confirmed the lump is easily palpable.

She didn't recall finding a "fatty deposit" during my last appointment, and it wasn't mentioned in her doctor's notes. I'm not sure if the "fatty deposit" was so unconcerning that it wasn't even worth mentioning in the doctor's notes, or if I somehow made up that memory! 

She recommended I get an ultrasound. She would submit an electronic order to the Breast Imaging location where I usually get my annual mammogram performed, and I would need to call the Breast Imaging location to set up my appointment.

2/19/19: I Called My PCP

By this time, the lump seemed bigger. I honestly don't know if it was actually bigger, or just psychologically bigger in my mind.

More importantly, the area around the lump had become discolored. The area was surrounded by a yellow and green tinge, like an old bruise. Except it didn't hurt like a bruise, and I couldn't think of any trauma to that area, like getting elbowed or anything.

I called my PCP's office and explained my concern. I got an appointment for later that same day.

Late January 2019: I Found a Lump

I'm not too clear on when and how I first found the lump in my right breast, but it was late January, and I think I was taking a shower. I'm pretty sure I wasn't purposely doing a self-exam.

Surprisingly, I did not feel particularly alarmed. At my last annual check-up with my Primary Care Physician (PCP), my doctor had performed the usual breast exam, and she felt a "fatty deposit". She directed me to feel the little bump myself, in my right breast, and as she was not concerned, I thought nothing of it.

So when I felt this lump in late January, I thought, "Oh, this must be that fatty deposit..." I had actually forgotten all about it, and figured I had just "re-discovered" it.

As the days passed, however, it did seem curious that this lump was all of a sudden very noticeable to me. If it was the same "fatty deposit", and had been there all the time, why was it suddenly so prominent, when it had been so unobtrusive before?