The Lump
Last night I noticed a large lump about 2 inches above my left breast. It was big and hard, but not painful. I noticed it by looking in the mirror!
It caused me a lot of anxiety, I mean it was as hard as a bone! So I went to the doctor this morning to see what it was.
I went to a French clinic and got in to see the doctor rather quickly. I told him about the lump and he asked me all kinds of questions about family history, and seemed to frown upon the fact that I am “still” breastfeeding my 14-month-old. Finally he told me to sit on the exam table so he could get a look at The Lump.
I really didn’t know what protocol was; you can feel the lump through my clothes so I didn’t know if disrobing would be necessary or not.
I said, “Do you want me to…(gesture about taking off my shirt)?”
His reply was something snappy like, “Well how do you expect me to see it if you don’t?”
So I was like SHEEZE well just USE WORDS next time. I mean in the US we have all of this protocol where they tell you to get undressed, and they leave the room so you sort of feel modest, even though when they come back you are naked wearing a paper shirt anyway.
I guess “our way” is kind of foolish but that is what I am used to and therefore makes me feel comfortable.
Already I am on edge because I am imagining the worst, and then I was not put at ease by the lack of “bedside manner.” So Dr. Hal(itosis) starts feeling around on my chest (above my breasts, he didn’t ever do a breast exam) and says, “That is your RIB!”
Of course I felt dumb but really, something is different about this rib. It is as if there is a large “shooter marble” in bedded half-way into the bone or something, I mean you can SEE it through my skin!
I said, “Well why don’t I have a matching one on the other side?”
Doctor, “I don’t know, have you been in an accident?”
Me, “No?”
Doctor, “Hmm, it would be interesting to take an x-ray and see why it is like that.”
He said this in a sort of, “Isn’t that odd?” rhetorical question sort of way, which isn’t very reassuring when one is talking about MY BODY.
I was glad to pay $50 for this 8 minutes of humiliation.
One of my personal theories is that maybe after breastfeeding two children, things have gone south and a rib that was once covered by fatty breast tissue is now uncovered and noticeable.
Or did I break a rib in childhood and somehow never notice or get it treated?
Am I one of those people who got shot and didn’t feel it? Maybe by a civil-war era musket?
The good news is, I guess it is not a “bad” lump. And apparently me and the innoccuous lump are going to be together for a long time.
I go in for a physical on next Thursday (my suggestion, actually!), and he said something vague about “testing the hormones” then. Hopefully there is no more to this story, but I will keep you updated.
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27 October 2008, 10:22 am
That is a little strange. The doctor seemed a little confused as well. And there is nothing wrong with nursing your little one!
Nancys last blog post..Trunk or Treat
27 October 2008, 11:24 am
So I guess you are relieved? Thanks for the update. I’ll pray for you and the French doctor!
27 October 2008, 11:30 am
Good heavens ! “A little odd”, hnh? I don’t know that I would be satisfied with that diagnosis so I’m glad you made an appt for a physical.
I have run into so many doctors with horrible bedside manners. You would think that would be one of the first things they are taught. I guess you can’t really teach common sense.
27 October 2008, 12:31 pm
Trust your instincts until you are convinced that they know what they are talking about!
(the civil war-musket thing gave me a chuckle!)
27 October 2008, 1:36 pm
Sheesh. How could you be so obtuse and not know a rib when you see it? Totally kidding. He sounds like a jerk…….perhaps trying to live up to his name? he he.
But seriously, glad it wasn’t a bad lump and I’m dying to hear what they come up with during your physical.
27 October 2008, 3:56 pm
Well I’m glad you’re all right! That kind of (or lack of) bedside manner would make me pretty uncomfortable too.
27 October 2008, 4:41 pm
If it keeps bugging you or starts to hurt, you need to go to another doctor… just saying. Trust your instincts.
28 October 2008, 12:54 am
Thank God it wasn’t anything worse!
My oldest son had a similar (sort of) problem. I noticed a knot in his neck & it hurt him (it too was hard). After xray the dr determinted it is a cervical (neck) rib.
Yes, we have ribs that extend into our necks.
As he grows it will too, likely requiring removal.
Weird huh?
28 October 2008, 3:51 am
It seems they really aren’t big on the bedside manner thing at this French clinic. I wonder what ‘testing the hormones’ will do?
28 October 2008, 6:14 am
Glad to know it was nothing serious!
28 October 2008, 6:26 am
Well, I guess it decided to appear during the National Breast Cancer Awareness month (as celebrated here in the US). I hope everything checks out ok at the next appointment. I’m sure it must be disconcerting.
30 October 2008, 4:19 am
good for you for nursing and boo to a crummy doc. i bet that was really scary! i’m glad everything was okay!