As it is breast cancer awareness week, I thought I’d share my scare experience with our readers. I hope that it encourages some of you to get checked out, if you’re having any breast related worries!
A few months ago, I finally made the big step in getting myself checked out after having a boobie scare. Why am I telling you lucky lot about it?! Because changes to our breasts honestly need to be spoken about more!
Do you check your breasts?
How many of us ladies can honestly say that we check ourselves out frequently? When did you last check? I know that we’re not quite as bad as the boys at checking ourselves… But I am very aware that I personally only ever used get round to doing it when I get reminded by online campaigns etc.
I saw the image above, on Facebook and decided that it was time to confront one of the changes I had noticed since having Florence nearly a year and a half ago. I knew that changes in your breasts and breast tissue was very common after large hormonal changes, like having a baby, but worried because I had a mark that looked like a cross between what two of these lemons depicted…
Lovely I know, but I have no time to blush when I’m here to inform!
Seeing a doctor
I called my local doctors practice and asked for an appointment. I wanted to discuss a concern I had with one of my breasts. They told me that they had no female doctors and that there wasn’t a chaperone available. I’d have to wait for the duty doctor to call me the following day and book me in, to see a lady. I said that as I was so concerned, I didn’t mind who I discussed my worries with but that I’d prefer to be checked over by a female when I came to practice.
Sure enough, the duty doctor called me the very next morning. I explained my worries over the phone and they put me down for an appointment to see a lady doctor for less than an hour later. So off I went!
She asked me what my concerns were and tried to make me feel comfortable. She instructed me to remove my upper layers and lye down on the examination table to be checked over. The doctor checked my nipples, breast, armpits and even commented on how my glands felt perfectly normal.
Answers
The changes that I had been so worried about, were areas of slight scar tissue. The scarring was caused by to me trying to breast feed and pump for almost two months with no supply. She told me that this was nothing to worry about but well worth getting checked out.
I am so relived that my scare was down to nothing more sinister and felt pleased that I had finally been brave enough to seek some help and advice for my worries.
The doctor explained how I could check myself and said that either in the shower, bath, lying or sitting down in bed whilst relaxed would be the perfect time to check myself and to try and do it as frequently as possible (but to aim for once a week!).
How do you check your breasts?
Strictly speaking, there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts. It is so important to know what your breasts usually look and feel like. Then you’ll be more likely to spot any changes quickly and get help from to your GP.
The NHS state that a good way check yourself is to “Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, all the way up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit.
You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.”
So- when should we seek help or advice from a GP?
If you experience any of the following symptoms make sure you book to see your GP as soon as possible…
- a change in size or shape
- a lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast
- a change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling (like the skin of an orange)
- redness or rash on the skin and/or around the nipple
- your nipple has become inverted (pulled in) or looks different in any way.
- liquid or any discharge that comes from the nipple without squeezing.
- pains or pangs in your breast or your armpit
- a swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone.
Any of these changes could be down to normal bodily hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, labour, breast feeding or menopause- but please, if anything is new or is worrying you, GET CHECKED OUT…
Useful links-
NHS information about Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer Care Org
Thank you for reading!
(Please remember that you can never be too safe!)
If you found this helpful, check these out…
Spotting the early signs of lung cancer
Children’s Dental Health – Preventing Gum Abcess
