Girls: Know Your Girls!

This is not just for women - men need to read this too :)

Let me first say that I am not writing this with the intent of scaring anyone.  I just want to raise awareness.  The statistics say now that 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer.  It isn't just happening in older women either.  I can't stress the importance of doing self breast exams enough!  Girls, please check your breasts often, and know what is normal for you.  If you've never done a self exam, google self breast exams. There is so much information on how to check your breasts.  Here is a good one:  http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/moreinformation/breastcancerearlydetection/breast-cancer-early-detection-acs-recs-bse
The main thing you'll want to do is to start by checking your breasts at different times during your monthly cycle to see what is normal for you during those times (your breasts may feel different right before or after your period).  Then, check your breasts often.  If you notice a change or lump, don't panic!  Most likely, it isn't cancer.  There are so many other things it could be.  Go see your doctor and have him/her check you.  Now, I know in my case, my doctor was wrong.  I honestly don't think that happens often at all.  You know your body, and you will know if something is wrong.  If you don't feel satisfied with what the doctor tells you, and you feel something is not right, go get a second opinion from another doctor.

I want to encourage you to get your yearly checkup done so your doctor can check your breasts for you.  If you are at the recommended age for mammograms, please have them done!  For me, having a mammogram was not painful at all.  I know it is so scary to have these tests and exams done, but it could save your life.

If breast cancer runs in your family, I want you to consider being tested to see if you carry the breast cancer gene.  I have talked to several girls that I have been concerned about, and they have all told me that they would rather not know.  I completely understand.  However, I want you to really think about it.  Knowing you have the breast cancer gene doesn't mean you have cancer.  It doesn't mean you are going to get cancer.  Your risk is just higher than others.  I urge you to think about being tested because you can meet with doctors and genetic counselors and you'll have options available to you that aren't there if you don't know you have the gene (ex:  mastectomy, etc.).  Looking back, I wish I had been tested for the gene earlier.  Knowing is so much better than wondering!

I know it seems like this is written just for women, but men also get breast cancer.  It is not as common, but it does happen.  So, men, don't be too manly to go to the doctor if there is a problem.  Also, encourage the woman in your life to see her doctor yearly, do self breast exams, and have a mammogram if she's at the recommended age.

I know cancer is very scary, and we would rather not think about it or talk about it.  I'll say again, knowing is so much better than wondering.  Early detection is a huge factor in survival rate.  Unfortunately for me, my cancer was not caught early.  But that isn't stopping me.  I'm a fighter and I am determined to beat this.  I don't want anyone to have to go through these awful rounds of chemo, then surgery, then radiation, then hormone therapy, etc.  If the cancer is caught early enough, it could just mean surgery to remove the cancer! Please don't let being scared or nervous stop you from going to the doctor or doing self breast exams.  If you find something that's not right, please have it checked out.  The worst that could happen is that it's cancer, and you'll be treated.  More than likely, though, it will be nothing and you'll have peace of mind.

To my friends, family, acquaintances, or even those who barely know me:  If you have any questions about anything dealing with breast cancer and need someone to ask or talk to, I would love for you to ask me.  I don't mind talking about breast cancer, treatments, or screenings.  I have been blessed with a passion for raising awareness for breast cancer, and would love to talk to any of you about anything :)

To end on a lighter note, I just have to say that I have found a very positive aspect of being bald.  It's warm enough now to wear shorts, capris, and dresses, and I am loving the fact that I don't have to shave my legs anymore :)