I found my lump

laurie — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:22:10 -0500

...as I was putting on my pajamas on December 2, 2005. It was the size of a walnut. I had a mammogram a week later, a biopsy on January 2 and a diagnosis two days after that. By the time of my surgery (a mastectomy) on February 2, the tumour had grown to almost 4cm (the size of a plum)and I had two palpable tumours under my arm.

Breast cancer in pre-menopausal women tends to be very agressive and, at least in Canada, routine mammograms are not done women younger than 45.

I've never understood the argument against do a BSE. Like Geralyn Lucas, I had no family history of breast cancer and few known risk factors. I was always hit and miss about examining myself (and an exam a few weeks before had revealed nothing amiss). I hate to think what might have happened to me if I had not found the lump myself and taken immediate action.

laurie
www.notjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com

Get to Know Your Breasts

mipmup — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:15:05 -0500

I have always been told that breast self-examination (BSE) is an important part of breast cancer prevention. Some experts disagree, but I believe the more in tune I am with my body, the better off I'll be. These bloggers give us the "BSE scoop."

Easy Bake Coven reminds us to do our BSE monthly and links to useful information on just how to do it.

Berry-Morins Bits and Tips posts a link where you can receive a free card on how to perform your BSE in the shower.

Lee Ann's View recommends the movie â€œWhy I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy,â€ the true story of "...Geralyn Lucas who at 27, was diagnosed with breast cancer. (There was no family history or any pre-indicators, and she found it herself while performing a monthly self-breast exam in the shower.)"

Additional resources:

Breast Self Exam information at breastcancer.org, a "nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast cancer."
How to do Breast Self-Exams guide (in English and Spanish) at The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a "global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs."

BlogHer Contributing Editor mipmup also blogs at mipmup.

Photo credit: Stock.XCHNG by Alice Wycklendt

BlogHer - Get to Know Your Breasts - Comments

I found my lump

Get to Know Your Breasts