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Alicia’s Story
By Alicia
November ’05 Contest winner
As a small child I began developing breasts quickly. By the
time I was in 6th grade I already was a C cup. Unfortunately
I didn't want to wear training bras because they were so uncomfortable.
So for many years I would wear baggy clothing to hide my chest.
As I got older and grew into my body I realized how much damage
I did by not wearing a bra all those years.
One night while watching television in bed, a breast cancer
awareness commercial came on and explained how important it
was to check yourself for lumps. So I decided it was a good
time to do it. I felt around my left breast and everything
seemed to be normal. Then I went to the right breast and felt
around till I felt a large lump. I started to get nervous
and though there was no way this could happen to me! I thought
older women had to worry about this, not me! Again I felt
around the lump and realized how large it was, I was so scared
to go to sleep that night, but somehow I finally did.
The next morning when I went into the bathroom, my mom was
already there getting ready for work. I was so scared to say
anything because I knew she would freak out, but I asked her
what she would do if she ever found a lump in her breast.
Right away she asked if I had found one. I said yes, that
I found it the night before. She got really nervous and called
my doctor and they had me come in that day. I got checked
out and had to go for a mammogram later that afternoon. A
few days later I was told I needed to get an ultrasound to
see if there were any more. So a week later I went to the
hospital and had my ultrasound done.
The technician put the wand over my left breast and found
two tiny lumps. I couldn't believe it! Then she went to the
right breast and I was finally able to see the lump I had
found that night. It looked so large and it hurt as she pushed
the wand over it. I went home that day uncertain what was
going to happen to me. I think it was a few days later my
doctor called me up and said that it was most likely fibroid
tumors. I heard the word tumor and my heart stopped. He wanted
me to get a second opinion from a surgeon.
I began my search at Yale to find a plastic surgeon. When
I spoke with the doctor he said he could remove the lump and
also give me a much needed lift. We then discussed putting
implants in to bring me back to a C cup. I wanted to be completely
informed and looked on the Internet for all the information
I could find. That is when I came upon Breast Implants 411.
I looked at all the before and after pictures and read a few
articles. I then checked out the forum and found real women
who could help me with all my questions. I quickly realized
how informative and supportive all these women were. There
was always someone there to answer your questions and if they
couldn't help you, they would point you in the right direction.
I went back to my surgeon well informed and able to convey
what I wanted.
Finally on December 14, 2004 I went in for a full lift, removal
of the lump and had implants put in. I was so happy to finally
have the tumor removed from my breast, I felt like it was
a little time bomb that could go off at any time and now I
wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. A few days after
my surgery I got my test results back, the lump was a Fibro
Adenoma and was not malignant. It was such an amazing feeling
to know I wouldn't have to worry anymore. Going through this
whole ordeal has made me want to talk to young women and let
them know that cancer knows no age and can strike at any time.
I have now been an active member on the forum for almost a
year and now I am able to help others looking for guidance
and support in their journey. I have made many friends through
the forum and enjoy sharing my experience and life stories
with them. Breast Implants 411 is a wonderful website with
tons of information and women who are there for you every
step of the way. I am truly grateful to the creators of this
site for their time and dedication, and on behalf of all the
ladies on the forum, I want to say thank you.
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