The Scary Day of the Lump

I'm naturally inquisitive. Since I discovered I was pregnant, I began studying my body shape. I marveled at science and how at every second of the day, something was occurring deep within my body's cells to create a living, human being. This curiosity has me getting ready for work half naked. That's right, I now get ready in front of the mirror with nothing but my bra and undies.  Why?

To keep track of my body changes is why. It's this observant nature that caused me to have a scare about a week ago.

I was blow drying my hair and lifted my left arm over my head. This is when I noticed something peculiar.  The skin under my left breast looked off and 'stuck out' more than my right side.  I started to panic. I looked at that bump and felt every side of it, wondering what it is. I woke Michael up, showed him the lump and decided not to waste time. I made an appointment with my fabulous internist for the same day.

Off to Northwestern I went for an exam. My doc thought the lump could be a cyst, but to be safe, thought I should go obtain an ultrasound.  Living and working off of Michigan Avenue has its advantages - close to doctors, close to home and easy to fit in appointments when needed. I spent the rest of that day feeling somewhat better, but wishing I could have the ultrasound ASAP.

Day two. Michael dropped me off to the radiologist's office.  The entire staff was pleasant - I couldn't have felt more comfortable.  The technician took a look at my lump, then came in the radiologist. Cyst. A benign cyst. Phew!

The Tightening of the Ribs

With the scare of the lump gone, I encountered a new interesting dilemma. Pain under my left breast. The kind of pain that got worse throughout the day, into the night. The kind of pain that made it difficult for me to talk sometimes because it was so sharp. I wondered. Could it be...

• my ligaments
• my organs
• trapped gas (which my midwife also suggested)
• stress

My midwife, Amy, suggested I stop consuming dairy and instead, take supplements. 'Could I really be getting lactose intolerant?', I thought.

Then, I did something 'revolutionary'. I took off my bra one night. Michael noticed how deep the grooves of my wire hit my breastbone and we realized, it was probably time to buy some new bras!  I knew I'd have to purchase new over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders, but didn't think that the old bras could cause so much pain. 

The Expectant Father

Michael is reading this book, but is also acting like a true expectant dad - and I love it. I've always felt protected by having him nearby, but he's taken being my husband to another level.  From reminding me to eat my fruits, buying organic meat and buying additional folic acid supplements, Papa Bear (we've begun calling each other Mama, Papa and Baby Bear) is going to town.  He'll randomly throw out baby facts and things he's been reading.  I never thought he'd be so involved in this process - he surprises me every day. 

We are slowly becoming a mini family and this little boy/girl is getting enough love at 17 weeks to fill a city. I can only imagine what things will be like when we meet our little Baby Bear! 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go eat some carrots:)