28/05/2026
My Breast Health Journey
What started as a golf sized bump to a mango size in only a week that formed in my breast quickly became a journey I never expected to take.
When I first discovered a lump in my breast, I knew something wasn’t right. The pain was excruciating, warm to the touch, and mastitis like feeling. Like many people facing the unknown, I experienced fear, uncertainty, anxiety, ptsd from all the surgeries, and countless questions. What followed was a series of doctor appointments, imaging tests, procedures, biopsies, drain placements, medications, and weekly checkups as my medical team worked to determine what was happening.
There were moments of hope, moments of frustration, and many emotional days filled with waiting for answers. The physical pain was difficult, but the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what was causing my symptoms was often just as challenging.
After extensive testing and evaluation, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM), a rare inflammatory breast disease that mimics breast cancer Learning that I had IGM brought both relief and new questions. Relief because I finally had an answer, and new questions because I was facing a condition that is unpredictable and often requires ongoing treatment and monitoring for years to come.
This journey has included procedures to drain abscesses, managing pain and inflammation, taking medications, attending frequent appointments, and learning how to navigate daily life while healing. It has also taught me not to take my health for granted and has shown me the incredible kindness and support that exists within my family, friends, and community.
While I don’t know exactly what the future holds, I continue to move forward one day at a time with faith, hope, and gratitude. This experience has reminded me that healing isn’t always a straight path, but even on the hardest days, I am surrounded by people who care for me, pray for me, and encourage me to keep going.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey with me. Your love, support, prayers, messages, meals, flowers, and encouragement have meant more than words can express.
