Today it was my turn.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (55456)
January 12, 2026 7:37pm CST
Often, when you care for someone else, sometimes you have to postpone things you need to do for yourself. I did well on this for a while, but lately I have been slacking--twice, I've canceled appointments for myself because son had big needs that day, or his appointments were moved up, etc. I rescheduled one three times in a month. But today was the day and I had to go!
I had a lump I could feel on the top of my hand, between the bone that leads to the first finger and the second finger. It was often achy, or it had a bit of life of its own with its throbbing. Over the weekend, it wouldn't stop aching, so no way was I going to try to cancel today's appointment. I was sort of nervous. I don't need anything to slow me down right now or keep me from doing what I need to do. But daughter and son in law called this morning and told me they would come and stay with son, and I had to go, so I did. Ended up son in law stayed, and daughter rode along with me.
Long story short, it was decided it was some type of cyst that had evidently been there for some time and decided to start getting bigger,it had to be removed. I went ahead, they cleared a time today and it was done as outpatient. I do have to say that once they pumped my hand with numbing stuff, I felt nothing at all that they did. They put in some stitches and bandaged me up, and here I am--so that's another little hurdle gone. It took hours to get the feeling back in my fingers on that hand, and they are still a bit numb and tingly. I have some meds to take if I need to, but right now I am making do with Tylenol. They sent it off to the lab like they always do, but that isn't anything I am worried about right now. I'm just glad it's gone!
It was really bothering me a lot, I am so, so glad I didn't have to cancel again. I am also glad daughter and son in law were around to help out today. Everything worked out, so thankful!
20 people like this
19 responses
@annierose (21955)
• United States
13 Jan
That really was your turn today, and I’m so glad you didn’t cancel again. It’s so easy to keep putting ourselves last when we’re caring for someone else, but you did the right thing listening to your body. Wishing you a smooth recovery. 
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
Thank you. I was glad to finally be able to take care of it and get it done!
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (494488)
• Italy
14 Jan
@MarieCoyle - I had the same worry years ago, a cyst in my chest, I feared it was cancer, but it was nothing at all, a small cyst full of liquid.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
15 Jan
@LadyDuck
Even though I am very careful to use sunblock, etc. I have had to have several spots removed that were the beginnings of skin cancer before. I am very fair-skinned, and just don't want a repeat of those.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
I am just glad it was done quickly. Thank you, Anna.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
It’s pretty achy but I am resting on the couch and son is in the nearby recliner. He loves that chair. He said I have to lie down so here I am.Thanks, Lenore.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (373024)
• Rockingham, Australia
14 Jan
@MarieCoyle Bandaging a hand with one hard is next to impossible. I do hope it heals quickly.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
Thank you, Judy. The doctor said that because of how deep it was, it would bleed, probably at least through this evening off and on until tomorrow. You would think that with all the surgeries my son has had in the last two years he would be used to seeing blood. But he doesn’t like it that I had to change the bandage etc and he tried to help. He said he knew it hurt and he felt so badly for me. This is nothing compared to what he’s gone through but he worries anyway!
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
15 Jan
@JudyEv
It's definitely a neat trick. I just did the best I could, today when I changed it I got the new one all ready to go on my hand and then I sat by my son and he helped me get it centered correctly, etc. So that was a big h help. Thank you, Judy.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (215266)
• United States
13 Jan
I'm glad it all worked out and you now have the cyst out. I hope the pain will now be gone once it heals.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
It is really achy today, but I am just glad it’s gone. The hardest thing is keeping it dry. They gave me loose plastic gloves to put on that hand if I am showering or whatever, and I secure the glove around my wrist with waterproof tape. So that works! Thank you.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (59991)
• Philippines
13 Jan
At least you're relieved of such psin. Hoping it's fine and nothing to worry about.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (167950)
• United States
14 Jan
I am glad daughter and son-in-law made sure you were taken care of properly. You needed that.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
14 Jan
They are in Chicago 3-4 days a week taking care of his parents, so I know they can't always be here to help, but they do try and I appreciate it so much. Thank you.
@AmbiePam (113967)
• United States
13 Jan
@MarieCoyle Oh, was this one they take out like Dr. Pimple Popper does?
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
They do that at times with what is called a ganglion cyst. But that wasn't the kind I had. Sometimes, ganglion cysts can even go away all by themselves. I would have liked that part!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
@AmbiePam
No, not like that. I broke that hand once and they think that it stemmed from that, bone and tendon and muscle close together trying to fight it out, I think.
1 person likes this
@May2k8 (19709)
• Indonesia
14 Jan
@MarieCoyle It seems like my mother needs protein-rich and nutritious food because yesterday after eating kebab she was able to sleep.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
I am sorry. It's hard to function when a person doesn't get enough sleep.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (83325)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
13 Jan
I'm glad you were okay and were able to have it removed same-day. I wish the medical system always worked this well. Sadly it doesn't. I know all to well about putting things off for George. But, hopefully that's nothing serious. Rest well.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (83325)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
14 Jan
@MarieCoyle I don't blame you. Putting things off can suck.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
14 Jan
Thank you, I had already seen this doctor for it and it was to have been removed by now, but we had to cancel several times. I am just glad it's all done and out of the way!
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (94870)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
13 Jan
Glad it all worked out for you,
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44482)
• United States
20 Jan
Glad you were able to get that removed. Praying you'll heal quickly. It's hard to take care of yourself when you're the caregiver.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
22 Jan
Yes, caregivers do struggle at times to do things for themselves, I've discovered. Thank you so much.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (18080)
• Raurkela, India
13 Jan
Glad you got yourself treated. This is very prevalent situation in India that home makers/ housewives have to neglect their health to look after their husband and children.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (18080)
• Raurkela, India
15 Jan
@MarieCoyle Most housewives in India are not allowed to take care of themselves.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
17 Jan
@aninditasen
That's not right. I am really sorry to hear this.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
14 Jan
I most generally try to keep up with appointments, but I missed those for a good reason. That doesn't sound good, that mothers there neglect their own health. I'm sure sorry.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (203760)
• United States
13 Jan
Glad you got it down. You have to help yourself before you can help others.
1 person likes this
@luisadannointed (10125)
• Philippines
13 Jan
I hope you get well soon.
Moms really have a hard time when their kids is still growing up. But don't worry, you will graduate from that soon, lol! My mom and her friends love to do a lot of stuff now because most of us - their kids - are working now and some have families of their own. So at this moment, they are feeling freer with their husbands as if they are young again. Lol!
Now, we are the one calling them, what time they are going home, ask them where are they going, lol! the table definitely turns.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
I will be fine. It's more of an inconvenience than anything, thank you.
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
Me, too. One more thing to knock off the list of things that need to be done.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
14 Jan
Me, too. I try to keep up, I was just glad it was already assessed by the doctor about 2 months ago and we didn't have to wait to get it done. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (21673)
• United States
13 Jan
That's great that you found out what it was and hopefully the test results won't be bad.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
13 Jan
I am not worried about the results. The doctor didn't seem concerned. Thank you.
1 person likes this
