I have a doctor’s appointment first thing in the morning. Dr Y as always is lovely. Although we’ve only been living in New Zealand for just under 4 years I’ve gotten to know her quite well. I hurt my back just after New Years 2022 so was seeing her on a regular basis. She was there for me during what was a terrible year of chronic back pain and back surgery and I trust her completely.

She asks about my back and how I’m doing. I tell her that I was able to return to work full time in January and that things are going well in general. I then tell her about the lump and she examines it. She expresses concern and comments on the fact that my breasts are quite fibrous. She can most definitely feel the lump on the upper part of my left breast though and gives me a referral for an ultrasound. Dr Y instructs me (in the manner that only a strong Eastern European woman can) to ring around and find the first available slot. Try Everywhere. Go anywhere. Don’t wait. The public health system will take too long, she tells me. Go private, it’ll only cost about $200 and will quickly give you peace of mind.

I concur and spend the next hour or so ringing around Ultrasound clinics trying to get an appointment. I am able to book in for tomorrow morning. Dr Y also sends me for blood tests, just to be on the safe side.

We’ve covered our bases, we are being proactive, it’ll be ok.