"There's Good News Tonight!"

Just a quick post this evening to share the news from today's long-awaited tests...

My First Mammogram was a bit uncomfortable - particularly when they were taking views of the breast with the lump - but there were some views that didn't hurt at all. Strangely enough, I started blacking out about three views in, so the technician sat me right down and had me put my head between my knees while she got some apple juice for me. "First timer," she said quietly to somebody on the other side of the door. I'm not sure what that episode was all about. Pure fear or all that breath-holding stuff.

The ultrasound was much easier. Both technicians were very kind. The radiologist came into the room at the end of the ultrasound. She had already started reviewing my images and explained that everything she saw was "consistent with fibrocystic changes." I have "dense" breast tissue with lots of "calcifications." The lump is deep, though, and will probably need to be aspirated by a breast surgeon. She wanted me to discuss next steps with my doctor as soon as the results have been communicated.

So there you go. Not bad all 'round. Everything seems to be pointing toward a cyst.

Thank goodness.