Are you enjoying the first weeks of summer?

First, I want to say thank you to everyone who sent me a note after my last email when I shared about experiencing breast pain. I felt less alone on this journey and it really touched my heart.

My previous blog post is called A Pain In My Breast and The Maze That Follows

I finally had my breast ultrasound last week. The good news is, nothing showed on the ultrasound that needs further investigation of my right breast, what a relief!

The radiologist was very nice and showed me the area that my doctor recommended to be checked which was about 1/4 of my breast. 

I will admit, I then played up my symptoms because I wanted my whole breast scanned. It amazes me how our body is viewed in parts and only the parts that hurt. There seems to be no further investigation beyond that area to see if the issue could be something connected to another part of the body.

I was disappointed that my doctor did not include on the requisition that she thought she felt a lump in the lower part of my right breast. Once again, I had to insist that the radiologist check that area. She could not see anything in that area and I have personally never felt a lump there during my self-exams.

My left breast was not checked and I was not able to convince the radiologist to scan it.

After my breast ultrasound exam the doctor came into the room to go over the results. She informed me that they cannot say conclusively that there is nothing else to be investigated as a beast ultrasound will not show calcification that a mammogram can show. Even with a mammogram, calcifications are harder to see in dense breasts and they will send you for a follow up breast ultrasound. Calcifications will not show on an MRI either.

The doctor and radiologist said they do not worry about breast pain because it does not relate to anything serious. I will add, in some cases, breast cancer can be painful so do not assume that the pain is nothing, it should still be checked.

I shared with the doctor how stressful the whole process had been to get the breast ultrasound and until I asked if I was being denied care because I wouldn’t have a mammogram, then I was finally booked for the ultrasound. She apologized, she said as patients, we do have the right to advocate for what we believe is best for us, or to at least discuss the options.

I encourage you to advocate for yourself, you are allowed to question what is being recommended and it is also good to do your own research.

I have been disappointed in my medical doctor who I have been seeing for over 10 years. She was very attentive and proactive when I first started seeing her, I suspect the system has caused her a lot of stress. I know doctors are questioned if they request too many tests. Our medical system has many challenges and it is showing in the level of care we are receiving.

When I moved to Vancouver, finding a medical doctor was not easy, and a friend recommended her naturopath. I’m grateful for the care I have received from Dr. Seema Kanwal. I attribute my health to her support and the additional detailed testing she is able to do for me. She is able to run blood tests that my doctor will not request or does not have the knowledge to interpret the results. 

I do feel for people who are not in a financial position to afford the extra care. It’s the same when a women contacts me for my services and feel they cannot afford my fee. Our health and wellbeing is priceless in my mind.

When I arrived home after my ultrasound I suddenly felt extremely exhausted. I had no idea the level of stress I had been carrying. I was also holding a brave face. Sometimes that is the hardest part of being on my own, not having a special someone to give me a hug when I need it most. I took the rest of the day to relax and go for a walk to release my stress.

So you may be asking, why do women experience breast pain post-menopause? Breast pain prior to being post-menopause is usually due to hormone fluctuations. 

Breast pain after menopause can be from, according to Healthline :

• inflammation of cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (costochondritis)
• bone fracture
• pulled chest muscle
• arthritis in the neck or upper back
• shingles rash

I also read that it can radiate from gallstones or angina.

I don’t believe any of these pertain to me.

I was chatting with my friend Amy Color, The Intimacy Coach, on the weekend and she showed me a technique to release tension in the armpit area that can cause breast pain. Sometimes our muscles can become so tight due to repetitive movements that it can cause pain. I have been doing the release technique, it seems to be helping somewhat. I will keep you posted on that.

Amy does amazing work with men, women and couples. Her work is not about being better at sex or learning new moves to satisfy in the bedroom. Her work is about intimacy because that is where it all starts. She is now sharing her knowledge and you can become certified. Her program is for therapists, coaches, counsellors, clergy, and relationship-focused practitioners. Her website has additional information.

Speaking of intimacy, I recently received an email from the Sexuality and Well-Being Lab at the University of British Columbia, directed by Dr. Samantha Dawson. They are conducting PHASE: Perimenopause, Health, And SExual Function Study to understand the sexual experiences of women going through the perimenopause/menopause transition. They are looking for study participants between 42-51 years of age, who have a uterus and at least one ovary and are experiencing some irregularities with their menstrual cycle.

Now that summer is in full swing, I have created another recipe book with delicious creations that are great for summer picnics or when you don’t want to turn the oven on. You can download the recipe book here. Let me know if you try any of them.

That’s all I have to share for now. Thank you for reading my words.