Dear Tiny Lump,
I thought it only fair to write to you. After all, you’ve barged into my life and changed it forever – so we might as well take a trip down memory lane together.
Hmm. That feels like a lump.
Okay, Marlene, don’t panic. Feel again.
Yup. Definitely something there. Let’s compare with the other side – nope, that’s for sure a lump. Tiny, about the size of a pea, but still. There is a lump in my left breast. And it actually hurts a little.
Okay, okay – no need to let Dr. Google send me into a spiral. Sure, if I search this, “breast cancer” will be the first thing that pops up, but let’s be rational for a second: I’m only 32. No family history of breast cancer.
You simply cannot be cancer, right Tiny Lump?
I’ve heard of plenty of women finding lumps, just like you, that turn out to be nothing – just hormones, cysts, stress.
Nha Marlene, you’ll be fine. Drink some paracetamol. Go to bed. It’ll be gone in a few days…
It’s been four days.
You’re still here, Tiny Lump.
Who are you, and why have you decided to make an appearance? Are you here to stay? Should I be worried?
Let’s see if someone on YouTube can confirm that you’re most likely not cancer.
After a quick search, I stumble upon:
I press play.
Okay, no alarming signs. Apart from you, Tiny Lump, nothing else seems suspicious. I don’t even finish the full five-minute video before convincing myself:
“No. It simply cannot be cancer. Logically, that wouldn’t make sense. Stop scaring yourself and go to bed.”
Whoa. Catherine, Princess of Wales, announces her cancer diagnosis. Shockwaves through the world.
I guess it can happen to anybody…
After three glorious days in Belgium – devouring fine chocolates, savoring quality beers, and indulging in heavenly waffles – guess who’s still here?
You, Tiny Lump.
I think you’re growing, but I’m not sure. You definitely ache a little more, but that could just be my imagination. And from what I’ve read, cancer doesn’t hurt… right?
A quick YouTube search leads me to: “Breast Cysts: What You Need to Know!”
Ah, there we go. This sounds like something I could have. A benign cyst.
I knew it. I mean, I’m young. No history of breast cancer. Logically, this tracks.
No need to worry.
Okay. Maybe a little worry.
You’re still here, Tiny Lump. Definitely a bit more noticeable now.
So, I finally make an appointment with my GP. Not because I’m convinced you’re a problem, but because I figure it’s best to check.
She examines you, Tiny Lump, and nods thoughtfully. No family history of breast cancer. You’re young. Probably hormone-related.
She’s not concerned.
I feel relieved.
She tells me to take paracetamol when the pain gets too much and to monitor the situation. If you’re still here in a month, I should come back.
If things get worse, I can always return sooner.
And so, we wait.
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