So let's begin with these unexpected problems, shall we?...
Sunday night I returned from La Piedra with a rash on my calf from accidentally rubbing up against some plant. Luckily I had anti-itch cream and it quickly got much better! Later on I found bug bites on my arms...I HATE bug bites...
That same night I became panicked about some lumps I found under my armpits and on my chest. I soon made an appointment to speak with the University doctor, although I felt embarrassed and afraid to do so. On Tuesday morning, July 1st, I walked downstairs to his office and he asked me what's going on. Firstly, I wanted a female doctor but knew there was no chance of that. Secondly, he only spoke Spanish. The University director came into the room to help serve as a translator as I explained to him my concerns. It was very overwhelming and nerve-wrecking. The doctor was reassuring; however, he asked that I get a mammogram to investigate the lumps and prescribed some type of anti-inflammatory to help the lumps under my armpits feel less painful. Let's just say it was an awkward, embarrassing, frustrating day.
So now, as I type this post a week later, I am pleased to say that I went to the doctor today and found out that everything is okay! The University director took me to a doctor's office where I had an ultrasound instead of a mammogram. I explained my concerns and then the doctor decided an ultrasound would be better. He discovered that I have 3 benign lumps but that this is completely normal and can occur because of hormonal changes. So pretty good news! And now I have a very unique souvenir...ultrasound pictures taken in Spain! How many people can say they have that?!
So without going into further detail about the awkward moments during all these doctors appointments...I'm simply going to be grateful that everything is okay and that I no longer need to worry about this while I'm in Spain! Just one more doctor's appointment tomorrow to discuss my results...then I hope that's the end of it!
Moreover, throughout this past week I did a little bit of therapy shopping...and had to work on self-constraint...I bought two leopard print shirts. But overall I'm happy with my purchases! Except I bought some horizontal zig zag European pants...those look terrible...what was I thinking?! Horizontal zig zag can't possibly be flattering on anyone, am I right?!
Additionally, the essays that I wrote turned out pretty well! My host mom looked over them and told me I wrote beautifully, so that was really reassuring! She was also very supportive when I told her about my strange lump problems haha so that was much appreciated!
As I wrap this up...one thing that has stuck with me during this trip is a little piece of advice my Dad gave me before I boarded my plane: I have to learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. And let me tell ya, I'm doing just that! There have been so many uncomfortable moments during this whole experience, but now I feel much more confident and self-aware. Once again, great advice from a loving father who rarely is ever wrong. So Dad, if you're reading this, take note! That's not always easy to say! Haha!
Soon there will be more posts to come! Adiós for now!
Photo credits:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/98445941824471627/
¡Hola, Brittany! He leído todos tus blogs y me ponen muy feliz. Me recuerdan de mi tiempo en España :) Yo también tenía que irme al médico cuando estaba en Costa Rica, por eso entiendo tu nerviosismo. ¡Qué disfrutes mucho!
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