Feel free to queue up some mid 90’s Presidents of the United States for the duration of this posting if you want.
Earlier this week, I noticed a lump on my right calf. Generally, the finding a lump, conjures up bad thoughts. I did some research and found that the most likely causes were:
- herniated muscle (which I doubted because there was no pain)
- a cyst
- DVT (again doubted this because I am obvious very active)
- fatty build up
The lump doesn’t cause me any trouble, it is just there. It is a little tender (like a bruise) when I push on it, but that is it. I don’t feel it when I am running or biking either.
In order to play it safe, I scheduled a doctor’s appointment for today to have it looked at. Originally, I figured I should just schedule a full physical because I haven’t had one in a while. However, there wasn’t any openings for a full physical until December (talk about ridiculous), but they could see me for the lump.
The appointment was quick and painless. I have a lipoma which is essentially a fatty build up, so at least it was one of things I had self-diagnosed. My doctor said that I really don’t have to worry about it unless it becomes a problem. Usually people have them removed if they are in an inconvenient location or if they are a cosmetic problem. Mine is currently not even visible without touching it, so I’m not going to worry about unless it grows. I asked what the down time is if I decide to have it removed and he said there isn’t any. It would be a quick procedure with a couple of stitches. I even found a video of the procedure on YouTube (you can find anything online) and it didn’t look too bad.
Other than that, my training has been going very well. I did a hard, hilly bike ride today and still managed a 19+ mph pace. I’m going to keep working on my hill climbs in preparation for the Reeds Lake Triathlon which includes the mammoth Fulton hill. My goal is to maintain 16-17mph on the hill come race day. Plenty of time to get ready.
Stay tuned!
