This is not a story about traveling to another country but this time I would like to share stories about myself and how important we need to understand our own bodies. I would like to inspire people by sharing this story.
This incident happened about 6 years ago. At that time I was 22 years old.
August 30, 2011
That night I was lying on my bed and checking my armpit hair whether it grows or not because if it grows then I will pull it out. Then I touched my breasts and I found a strange lump in my right breast, and then I touched my left breast but I did not find a lump like the one on the right, out of curiosity so I touched back my right breast and yes the lump was there, I felt strange with that bump and I called my mom to check if it was real or not. And my mom felt that there was a lump in my right breast, but my mom said it was just an ordinary lump and asked me if it was a pain? I said no, I did not feel any pain at all.
Since that night, I searched various internet information about the strange bump I found in my right breast. When I search for the word "lump in the breast" on google, the information that arises is cancer and tumor. It scares me because I did not feel pain at all. I read all the information on the internet, what is breast cancer? What is a breast tumor? What is the difference between cancer and tumor? What are the characteristics of cancer and breast tumors? Types and causes of breast lumps? How to cure tumor and breast cancer? Who is the best doctor in Indonesia in terms of tumor and breast cancer? Even I asked through the online doctor forum to fulfill my curiosity about this bump.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer stage 1 is an early stage breast cancer. This is a condition in which breast cancer lumps are 2 cm in size or smaller. These lumps still have not spread to the lymph nodes in the armpits.
Breast cancer is one type of cancer that is quite scary for a woman, after cervical cancer. Cancer cells will grow and attack the breast tissue, such as milk outlet, lobules (milk-producing plants), along with other supporting tissues such as fat tissue. Lifestyle, hormonal, and environmental factors are suspected as the cause of this cancer.
What is a breast tumor?
Not all lumps in the breast are cancerous. In addition to lump cancer can be a benign tumor, but both still need to watch out for.
What is the difference between cancer and breast tumor?
1. Cancer grows faster compared to tumors. In 8-200 days, cancer cells can divide very quickly. While benign tumors growth is slower.
2. when touched, lump cancer feels solid and hard. "Cancerous cells when palpable feel like they are groping bones, while tumor bumps will be palpable lighter, tumor bumps can be shifted if suppressed, unlike stiff cancer, because cancer cells generally infiltrate (infiltration) against the surrounding networks, it is difficult to move.
What are the characteristics of breast cancer?
Characteristics of breast cancer stage 1 you need to know as follow:
1. The appearance of a lump in the breast
The lump in the breast is one of the early signs of breast cancer. And this lump does not always hurt. Even so, not all lumps that appear are breast cancer lumps. This lump can be palpable when you do a personal check at home. Usually palpable when you are menstruating.
2. The color of your breast skin changes
These color changes are sometimes confused with infections. In fact, if you are not sure of the lumps that appear in the breast, skin discoloration may make you more alert. At this stage, the skin of the breast will become red, as irritation, skin texture feels like orange peel, skin surface area of the breast that is affected by cancer looks grooved, and skin thickening occurs. However, in certain types of breast cancer is quite rare, color changes do not occur.
3. Nipple pain
The characteristics of another stage 1 breast cancer are with the appearance of changes in the nipple with pain. In addition, it is characterized by abnormal discharge from the nipple or nipple.
4. Lumps appear on the armpit
Although called breast cancer, it does not mean a lump on the under armpits that you meet has nothing to do with this cancer. Breast tissue extends under the armpits. That's why cancer can spread to the lymph nodes under the armpits.
To recognize the characteristics of breast cancer stage 1 above, try to diligently do breast self-examination or breast self-examination every month. Diligent perform BSE also can help you recognize the texture of your breast tissue. So if you feel there is something unusual in the breast (not a change in the texture of the breast during Pre menstruation), you will be more aware of it.
What are the characteristics of breast tumors?
1. Itching
Itching in the breast area
2. Pain
Breast pain when pressed
3. Bumps Around Breasts
The most common feature is the appearance of a lump in the breast and around the armpits.
4. Breast Size and Form Changed
Characteristic features of a second breast tumor will usually make the size and shape of your breasts changed. This condition will only occur in one breast only, and this characteristic should be very aware of you. Check with your doctor immediately if you feel the size of your breasts shrink for no other reasons such as weight loss for example. The shape sometimes also changes, the shape that had been protruding forward could be limp like falling down. But sometimes this size change can also occur in both breasts, right and left.
5. Wrinkles in the breast
Another feature is the appearance of wrinkles around the breast. Although in general, this wrinkle will indeed occur in people who are old, even if you are young your breast can also be wrinkled if you get cancer or breast tumors. These symptoms usually only occur in certain parts around the breast. For normal skin, there is usually no wrinkles and the surface of the breast tends to flat and feels smooth. However, if this breast tumor appears, usually you will feel wrinkles on the surface. So that this breast skin will feel rougher and usually will bring a black color.
6. Exit Fluid from nipple
As already mentioned, one of the characteristics of breast tumor at the beginning is a sudden will come out of the liquid from your nipple. Even when you're not breastfeeding. And if you experience this condition, it is better to check your health immediately, because this is one of the early characteristics that are very wary. The liquid is usually a viscous liquid and sometimes dilute. The color is sometimes white or colorless (clear). Sometimes the fluid that appears can also be blood-colored fluid. And if the fluid that comes out of the nipple is colored like blood, it can be estimated that cancer or tumor you are suffering from in the more severe category.
7. Another feature that usually also occurs when a person has a breast tumor is her breasts will look redder and like swelling. Your nipple will go inside, and will certainly look different from other characteristics of a healthy breast.
Types and causes of breast lumps?
In general, breast lumps can be caused by several things as follows:
1. Fibroadenoma
Is the most common benign tumor in the breast. Fibroadenoma generally has featured in between, does not feel pain, and if touched feels solid, round, as well as rubbery and can shift. Benign tumors are most common in women aged 20-30 years. Fibroadenoma occurs when the body forms excess mammary tissue. Fibroadenoma can generally disappear by itself, but can sometimes also stay and enlarge, especially during pregnancy. The cause of fibroadenoma is generally not known with certainty. However, because this condition is experienced by many menopausal and post-menopausal women who undergo hormone replacement therapy, it is suspected fibroadenoma due to changes in estrogen hormone levels. Untreated fibroadenoma is commonly treated with surgery.
2. Changes in fibrosis / fibroadenosis
The change in fibrosis is a change in the breast due to hormonal changes during the monthly menstrual cycle. This condition is a common cause of benign tumors in women aged 35-50 years. Women who experience fibrocystic changes generally experience:
a. Have a lump on one or both breasts. These lumps grow larger and harden before the menstrual period.
b. The perceived lump can be hard or soft and may consist of one or more lumps.
c. Sometimes fluid out of the nipple.
d. Pain in the breast.
e. Breast size changes.
The above symptoms may differ for each woman. Because the elderly are no longer menstruation, this condition is generally not experienced by women aged 50 years and over. Fibrosistik does not require special handling. However, doctors will usually provide a prescription to help relieve pain when coming months. Lumps and pain caused by fibrosis will generally subside after menstruation.
3. Simple cysts
Is a fluid-filled bump usually formed on one or both breasts with different amounts and sizes? The size and softness or hardness change according to the menstrual cycle. This condition does not require surgery and can be handled with a fine aspiration needle procedure. Needles are used to absorbing some cells out of breast lumps. If this lump is a cyst, it will deflate after the fluid is removed. The condition most often experienced by women 30-60 years generally not brings other symptoms. Hormones are suspected to be the cause of this breast cyst.
4. Intraductal papilloma
Conditions that generally occur in women aged 45-50 years is shaped like a small bump resembling warts on the milk duct wall near the nipple. In some cases, intraductal papilloma can cause bleeding from the nipple. Intraductal papillomas can be treated by surgery.
5. Fat traumatic necrosis
Fat in the breast forms a lump that is generally round, solid, tight, but not painful. This condition occurs due to injury to the breast. Generally, this condition does not require special handling.
How to cure tumor and breast cancer?
Breast lumps do not indicate cancer, but you are advised to see a doctor. You probably will not know whether the lump in your breast is cancerous or not before it is checked or tested medically.
As a follow-up breast self-examination, you can use Mammae ultrasound or mammography ie test in the hospital to detect the cause of the lump. Ultrasound Mammae is a test for under 30 years of age while Mammography is a test for those over 30 years of age. For maximum results and reducing breast pain, tests should be performed between 1 (one) week after the menstrual period up to 1 (one) week before your next month. Furthermore, it could also be a biopsy to determine whether the lump in the breast is benign or cancer. On biopsy, part or all of the lump part is removed for further examination. Treatment is then adjusted to the cause and condition of the patient's health.
Who is the best doctor in Indonesia in terms of tumor and breast cancer?
There are so many specialist oncology doctors in Indonesia, but I chose Dr. Med. H. Didid Tjindarbumi, SpB Onk, who practices in Dharma Nugraha Hospital in Rawamangun, Jakarta. (http://dharmanugraha.com/jadwal-dokter/)
September 2, 2011
After getting so much information about the lump in my breasts, I ventured myself to Dharma Nugraha Hospital, accompanied by my mom. Upon arrival at the hospital, there were several queues, and I was worried when my name was called to be checked, I entered the doctor's room with my mom.
Doctor : What's the complaint?
Me : There is a bump in my right breast
Doctor : Let's check first
I was lying on the bed with help from the nurse, and the doctor examined my breasts while using a ruler.
Doctor : It's a big bump already 7 cm.
Me : I did not know about this because I never felt any pain.
Finally, the Doctor asked me to run the next test that was Mammae ultrasound in the laboratory room.
While waiting for the turn in check in the laboratory room. I saw a little girl about 5 years old. "Is she also sick"? I asked myself.
Finally, my name was called to the test, while on the test I talked to a nurse, asked if the child was also sick? And the nurse said there was a lump also in the little girl's breast. A nurse explained that usually, the cause is fast food. I felt sad for the little girl. Mammae ultrasound test was not sick at all and the results can be directly in the can on the same day.
I went back to the Doctor's room.
Doctor : This should be in surgery. (The Doctor while drawing something on paper)
Me : Surgery?
Doctor : Yes because the lump is big, if not in operation then it can grow in size and we have to test further whether this is benign or malignant. (The doctor showed me the paper in his picture, he described where my bump was)
Me : When is the surgery, Doctor?
Doctor : I am scheduled for surgery on September 7th.
Me : How much does it cost, Doctor?
Doctor : About 8 million but for the exact cost later you can ask to the administration.
Me : Okay Doctor, I need to think first, when I'm ready, I just come or just have to make an appointment first?
Doctor : If you're ready, you just come here.
Coming home from the hospital, I was crying because I was scared, I had never been in surgery, and what if the surgery failed? What if I die? What if it turns out its cancer? What if my breasts are lifted later? And there were so many questions and worries that ran through my mind.
Someone suggested me for a traditional treatment, but then I wonder if the traditional way is powerful? What if this bump gets bigger and more dangerous for me? I have to think and decide well because it determines my life and death.
Cost: Consultation doctor Rp 350.000, USG Mammae Rp 320.000
September 6, 2011
I decided to do surgery, I think this was the best way, I can only surrender to God, whatever the outcome will be, whether I will live or die, whether this lump will be dangerous or not, whether I will be healed or not. That day I returned to the hospital accompanied by my mom, sister, and boyfriend. (read: now my ex-boyfriend). I immediately took care of all the administration in need and ran a medical check-up to see if my condition allows for surgery.
After a series of medical check-ups, my friends came to visit me at the hospital, when I still did not get a room because I just finished a medical check-up test. I was lucky to have good friends and cared deeply for me, who was thinking at the time at least if I died, I've seen them for the last time.
After they got home, I got the room and changed my clothes with the patient's clothes. A nurse came to visit me in the room and told me that I can eat and drink last was at 2 am after that I must fast because the surgery will be held at 8 am.
That night I could not sleep, even though the hospital room was comfortable, in fact, I could not even calm my mind. On the right, my mom was asleep and on the left, my boyfriend (read: now ex-boyfriend) was asleep, too.
September 7, 2011
I only slept for a few hours, I had a morning prayer. At 7 o'clock the nurse came to my room and pushed my bed into the sterile room, I opened all my clothes and wore only a surgical outfit. My family was waiting outside (they cannot join in).
Nurse jabbed a needle in my hand. To my left lay a patient, an old women about 60 years old.
An old women : You were first in surgery?
Me : Yes, and you already have surgery before?
An old women : Yes already, What is wrong with you?
Me : There is a lump in my right breast. What is a sick Ma’am?
An old women : Same, there is a lump in my breast.
Then the nurse came again and told me that it was my turn. The nurse pushed my bed into the surgery room. The room was very cold, I looked around me, there were so many aluminum basins, I saw a very big lamp and I saw many nurses and assistant doctors. I feel the atmosphere creepy. Then Doctor Didid entered the room and marked my breasts to be in surgery.
The nurses installed equipment in my hands and on my feet.
Nurse : Your blood pressure is very low.
Me : Yes
Nurse : Relax do not be afraid. Where do you work?
Me : BNI Bank
Nurse : It'll be injecting the anesthetic soon.
Then I noticed that there was a doctor who injects an anesthetic injection stuck in my previous hand.
Nurse : The anesthetic has been injected.
And suddenly I feel very sleepy and fall asleep.
Nurse : Rizki, Rizki, the surgery is finish.
I awoke and opened my eyes slowly.
Me : Done?
Nurse : Yes it's done, now we go back to the room again.
Alhamdulillah, I am grateful that I can still open my eyes, the surgery was successful and I am still alive.
I also see the gratitude in the face of my mom and my boyfriend (read: now ex-boyfriend). I arrived in my room.
Me : Now what time is Ma?
Mom : At 1:00
It turns out its old operation too. A nurse comes into my room, gives me medicine and injects antibiotics in a needle still in my hand. (Yes the needle still stuck in my hand from before the surgery).
When the nurse injects its real pain, the medicine was not an ordinary drug because I feel the liquid entering my veins, I cried loudly at that time, the nurse explained it was a postoperative antibiotic fluid. A nurse also explained that I was allowed to eat only if I had disposed of gas (fart).
Not long after the nurse left, I farted, and I ate the lunch that was available at my desk.
September 8, 2011
I've been allowed to go home today but still should not work, the Doctor advised me to rest for 7 days at home. And of course, I got a lot of dietary restrictions that should not be eaten until I was completely healed.
Was this process complete? No, I still had to go to the hospital to get my biopsy. What is biopsy? So a lump that has been lifted from my body in a laboratory test to be careful whether it is malignant or benign.
September 12, 2011
I went back to the hospital, the doctor examined the stitches on my breasts.
Cost: Inspection Rp 100.000
September 15, 2011
I went back to the hospital and the doctor examined the sutures on my breasts and cut the stitches of the stitches that had dried up. I got the result of biopsy that the lump that has been lifted from my body is Fibroadenoma Mammae (FAM) is a benign tumor that grows in the breast with a consistently solid, chewy, can be moved from the surrounding tissue, round-shaped like a meatball. I met the daughter of old women I met in the sterile room, but old women were breast cancer, so had to carry out breast removal surgery. So sad.
Cost: Inspection Rp 100.000
September 17, 2011
I went back to the hospital and the doctor cut the remaining stitches from my breasts.
Cost: Inspection Rp 100.000
September 20, 2011
I went back to the hospital to control my condition and buy drugs because my medicine supplies were gone.
Cost: Inspection Rp 100.000, Drug Rp 235.000
For 1 month I did not wear a bra and just wear bandages that wrapped around my body. But I'm grateful I can be recovered, all my fears were just my imagination. I am alive till now and of course, my breasts are still sexy without any lacking, even the stitches are completely invisible haha.
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