#selfexams

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I'm changing my avatar for October in hopes it will be a reminder to my followers to do self exams & schedule your mammograms! Remember, I discovered my breast cancer via random chance. That is UNACCEPTABLE. I did not do self checks and had never had a mammogram. In that sense I was VERY LUCKY! My tumor is shrinking and my prognosis is good but I should have caught it sooner. PLEASE don't go down the road I've been forced to go down. Most women I know who have been diagnosed are able to treat it with radiation. I'm taking chemo and will have surgery. Earlier detection could have saved me a lot of time, money and illness. So let my bald head be what spurs you into action!! CHECK YA BOOBIES!!!

So since this month is Breast Cancer Awareness month i did a little research to give some information that may help. Early Detection starts with knowing your body and doing self exams on your breast. Catching breast cancer at its early stages will give you the best chance at beating it. Self Exams starts with taking your right hand and placing it over your left breast. You can perform this exam laying down or standing up in the shower. Simply rub your right hand over your left breast in a circular motion and feel for any abnormal lumps that are hard , do not move and continue to get bigger. Copy this same step on your right breast. Dont stress if you find a lump or two in one or both breast because 8 out 10 lumps are not cancerous. If you feel uncertain be sure to make an appointment just to be sure. I know for me i remember the first time having a scare when i was younger i was at my regular gyn appointment and my doctor felt a lump and wanted me to get it checked out just to be sure. I wasnt nervous but my parents were i guess because i didnt have full knowledge of breast cancer. I finally had my appointment and the doctor did a exam on my breast and asked was my period coming. I told him yes and come to find out i get csyt (a small lump generally harmless sac filled with fluid) in my breast around my period. I was thankful it wasnt cancer but not knowing could be very scary. I encourage all women to do self exams monthly and pay attention to your body . Here are some tips and things to look for ....

Things to look for as symptoms a developing of a lump, swelling, skin irritation, nipple pain, or discharge other than breast milk.

All women should start self exams at 20 and have clinical breast exams every three years. At the age of 40 you should add a mammogram annually.

You can reduce your chances of breast cancer by eating five servings of fruit and veggies a day , get regular exercise , maintain a healthy weight , limit your alcohol to one drink a day and dont smoke.

Self Breast Exam