"Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular self-exam is very important"
The first step is getting to know your breast, the best time to do this is the week after your menstrual cycle, when your breast is the least tender and most normal. As it shows on #knowyourlemons . It is normal to feel lumps that are soft like peas or beans but it is not normal for them to feel like a hard seed. When you are doing your self exam feel from your armpit across your collar bone down to your rib cage. It is important to make sure you are checking all your breast tissue.
If you find a lump do not worry because 8 of 10 lumps are not cancerous, just make sure you follow up with your provider.
There are other signs that you need to watch out for during your breast exams besides lumps. Lumps are not the only sign of breast cancer.
- Thick areas
- Dimpling
- Nipple Crust
- Red or Hot
- Unexpected Fluid
- Skin Sores
- Bumps
- Sunken nipple
- Growing Vein
- New Shape or Size
- "Orange Peel" skin
Yearly mammograms
Mammograms are often used to check for cancer with women that have no signs or symptoms. A mammogram takes x-rays of the breast, the CDC says that a mammogram can find cancer up to three years before it can be felt.
If you have never had a mammogram before the question is always "How is a mammogram done?' The CDC has a good explanation on how it is done. First, you will stand in front of a special X-ray machine . Your breast will be placed on a plastic plate and than a plastic plate will press on your breast from above. As your breast is flatten, the technician will be able to get a better view of your breast tissue. The steps will be repeated until there is two views of the breast. (from the top and side). The technician will not be able to give you any results at this time and you might have to wait a couple of weeks for the results. The results will be sent to you and your provider.
Breast Cancer Warrior
I have to admit I did not follow any of this advice, I did not do my yearly mammogram and my monthly checks. One day my husband pointed out that I had a lump and I really should go check it out. Did I ?? No, I put it off because I was to busy finishing Nursing school, I made excuses and the list went on. One day as I was watching my little boy play basketball, I thought do you really want him to be that boy that his mom died because she did not get that lump checked out? So, I went to my primary care giver who encouraged me to get into a mammogram and ultra sound ASAP. The day of my mammogram and ultra sound was a emotional roller coaster. As they were doing the tests I knew they saw something because of their reactions, they told me that there was lots of calcium buildup but we would not know anything until the biopsy results came back in a couple of days. So to say the lease it was a very long weekend . I finally got the call back Monday afternoon saying it was breast cancer, DCIS or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. That was the day my life changed forever, my life became full Dr appointments and tests. Within a month of being diagnosed, I was getting a mastectomy and waiting for the final test results. I was very blessed that the cancer never went pass my lymph nodes and never spread past the breast. I was going to be okay after a round of chemotherapy. I will be here for my kids and watch them grow up. I will be able to beat cancer.
I wanted to share my story because I do not want anyone to go through what I went through. Please make sure that you do your monthly checks and your yearly mammograms. A few minutes a month to keep yourself healthy, and ahead of the cancer.
