Pre-Diagnosis | August 2025
- Apr 26
- 2 min read
Updated: May 21
I went in for imaging after a really frustrating experience. After disagreeing with two doctors and going back and forth with my insurance trying to get a mammogram approved because of my young age, I was at a loss. In the end, I trusted my instincts and chose to pay for it out-of-pocket, knowing it was something I needed to do. What had once been a small cyst was no longer small, and it had become increasingly painful.
I did have a cyst that needed to be taken care of at one point. However this never should’ve been missed regardless.
Because the tumor was painful and seemed to fluctuate with my menstrual cycle, I was told that actually made it far less concerning since most cancerous tumors are painless for most people. They also informed me only 5% of people with breast cancer feel pain in their malignant tumors.
At the time, they told me everything looked fine. It appeared to be a cyst along with a small fatty tumor. Since it wasn’t attached to my chest wall and the blood flow patterns didn’t raise concern, they reassured me there was nothing worrisome.
“No ultrasound is necessary and our technician is out sick today. It’s your lucky day you don’t have to schedule to come back in next week for an ultrasound”
Those dismissive words cut like a knife when I think about them today.
Deep down, something didn’t feel right.
This was now the second doctor telling me the same thing. I was even referred to a plastic surgeon for removal, with the understanding that it would be considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. Frustrated and defeated, I accepted their response.
a small heartfelt registry linked below:
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