Indulge Me

I like to write a preachy, soapbox post every now and then, so as usual, please indulge me.

Over the past six months, I learned more about breasts and breast cancer than one should know. Basically, cancer and boobs always on my mind.

So, recently, I nervously ask my doctor during a routine physical about a lump I had. While he wasn’t overly worried about this, he did think getting a mammogram was probably smart. Last week, I went for me first mammogram. Let me say it wasn’t that bad. I was expecting an awful experience, but seriously gals, not bad. Not even uncomfortable, just awkward.

What I learned is that my initial lump was nothing, but the test did show a small tumor in the same breast. I am glad to report that after a biopsy yesterday the tumor is benign and I (and Sean) breathed a serious sigh of relief.

All this is to say, that I had a very enlightened discussion with my new favorite doctor at Oklahoma Breast Imaging. I told her about my friends, who are young mothers, worrying about not feeling or detecting a lump until it’s too late. Here’s her advice and I think it’s great for any woman:

*She says all women’s breasts are lumpy and bumpy. Keep track of your lumps and know what’s normal for you.

*If you notice a new lump, watch it for one month. If it gets smaller or goes away, it’s not cancer. Why? Cancer won’t just go away or shrink. Pretty simple.

*If after one month, your lump stays the same or gets bigger, have it checked out.

*However, even with all of this, if you are concerned or think something isn’t right, go to the doctor. Bottom line: we know what’s right or wrong with our bodies, so if you think you need to see a doctor - GO!

Alright that’s it, enough for today – thanks for indulging! I will return shortly to the obligatory Christmas posts and stories of crazy girls. I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!