February 20, 2000
It’s a date that will stick with me forever.
I remember looking at the scan with my OBGYN and seeing the numbers 2, 20, 2000. I remember thinking, “That is a memorable date.” It certainly was for so many reasons.
I was a college student at Mizzou in 2000 and my health wasn’t even a consideration. I was young, invincible and more concerned about dorm decor than my personal health.
I lived in an all-women’s dorm on campus. In every single shower stall, we had reminder tags to do your monthly breast self-exams. In all honesty, if I hadn’t seen those tags hanging in the shower every day, I don’t know if I would have thought about it.
My second year at MU while I was showering one morning, I thought I felt a lump. Surely it was a fluke, but it caught my attention. A few days later I realized that it wasn’t a fluke; there was something new there. When I went home for the holiday break, I made an appointment to see my OBGYN. My doctor said, “Let’s monitor it and if it’s still there in another month, we will scan it.” Flash forward another month and we scanned to determine if it was fluid or a solid. After an ultrasound they said it was a solid mass and my doctor said without hesitation it had to go.
On February 20, 2000, I had a left breast biopsy. Thankfully, the lump was benign and after a few weeks of moving a little slower post-surgery, I was back to normal college life. I know now how lucky I really was to have this minor health inconvenience.
Twenty years later, that date still sticks with me every time I go to have my mammogram. We all know how important yearly mammograms can be. Let me be your reminder that monthly self-checks are just as important, ladies. Much health and happiness to you all! ■
Written by: Erin Little
Meteorologist Erin Little starts your day off with a smile and the forecast each morning on KCTV5 News This Morning. With over a decade of experience forecasting the weather in Kansas City, she understands it’s not all about the weather, but how it will impact our busy lives. Erin is thrilled to be raising her three young children in her hometown of Lee’s Summit. You can find her Monday through Friday, 4:30 a. m. to 7:00 a.m. on KCTV5 News. Connect with Erin: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @erinkctv5.
