A Normal Day Turned Shocking
It started like any other day. I was getting ready for bed when my hand brushed over my right breast. That’s when I felt it—a big lump.
Because I live with multiple sclerosis (MS) and migraines, I’ve learned to pay close attention to my body. I knew this lump was new. I checked both breasts again—just to be sure. Nothing else seemed wrong.
I figured it was probably something harmless like a cyst. After all, I had a mammogram just over a year ago, and no one in my family has ever had breast cancer. Cancer doesn’t show up that fast, right?
Health Was Finally Good—Until Now
For months, my MS symptoms had calmed down, and I was feeling better than I had in years. I’d just turned 51 and was enjoying good health for a change.
Breast cancer didn’t even seem like a real possibility.
So, I didn’t panic. I pushed the thought aside and went to bed. By morning, I had completely forgotten about it—until I felt it again while showering.
Time to Tell My Husband
Honestly, if it were just up to me, I probably would’ve waited a few days before doing anything. I was hoping the lump would just disappear.
But I knew my husband, Jim, would want me to act fast. So before I told him, I first called my primary care doctor and managed to get an appointment for the following Monday. Then I told Jim—trying not to sound too serious.
Of course, that didn’t work. He wanted to feel the lump himself. It was hard to miss. I’ll never forget the worried look on his face. Even though he stayed calm, I could tell he was really concerned.
He insisted I move the appointment up—and he didn’t back down. Thanks to him, I saw the doctor the very next day.
Everything Started Moving Fast
From the moment the doctor examined me, I could tell something was wrong. His face said it all. He didn’t give me the usual “it’s probably nothing” look. He looked truly worried.
Soon after, I was at a mammogram appointment. While I was still there, a nurse told me the radiologist wanted an ultrasound immediately. That was not a good sign. I wasn’t used to things moving this quickly. MS treatment had always been slow and steady.
This time, things were racing.
Hearing the Word “Malignancy”
After the ultrasound, I sat with the radiologist. On the screen behind him, I could see the images of my breasts. There was a large mass on the right side and a smaller one nearby.
He explained his findings carefully. He didn’t say the word “cancer,” but he did say “malignancy.” He said I needed a biopsy right away—and scheduled it for the very next day.
It was all happening so fast. I could feel the fear growing.