Introducing my boobies...Coco & Baps ;)

I have 2 very special beings in my life--my breasts. I call them Coco and Baps. They have been so good to me throughout the years and I give back to them by making sure they have the support they need at all times. They reward me by always being perky and happy. Every month, sometimes twice a month, I do a self breast exam to make sure that my girls are healthy. In our community, breast cancer is killing our women (and men) and we can catch the disease early. All it takes is a few minutes of your time to feel yourself up. Heck! I'm sure you do this during the month anyway. Why not make it more worthwhile?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! A breast self examination (BSE) is to be performed each month in addition to an annual mammogram or a clinical exam. Knowing your boobies,what is normal for you and what regular monthly changes in your breasts feel like, is the best way to keep an eye on your breast health.

Here is your recipe for healthy boobies. You can perform this task solo or with your partner, which may make it more fun, but please be sure to take this seriously because it can change your life for the better.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 15 minutes a month....more if you are doing it with your partner...I would hope ;-)

What You Need:

• A mirror which lets you see both breasts
• A pillow for your head and shoulders
• Privacy

1. Make a regular date for your breast self exam (BSE)

• If you are pre-menopausal: Set a regular time to examine your breasts a few days after your period ends, when hormone levels are relatively stable and breasts are less tender.
• If you are already menopausal (have not had a period for a year or more): Pick a particular day of the month to do the exam, and then repeat your BSE on that day each month.

2. Visual Exam - Hands on Hips

In the privacy of your bathroom, strip to the waist and stand before a mirror. You will need to see both breasts at the same time. Stand with your hands on your hips and check the appearance of your breasts. Look at size, shape, and contour. Note changes, if any, in the skin color or texture. Look at the nipples and areolas, to see how healthy they look.

3. Visual Exam - Arms Over Your Head

Still standing in front of the mirror, raise your arms over your head and see if your breasts move in the same way, and note any differences. Look at size, shape, and drape, checking for symmetry. Pay attention to your nipples and areolas, to see if you have any dimples, bumps, or retraction (indentation). Look up toward your armpits and note if there is any swelling where your lymph nodes are (lower armpit area).

4. Manual Exam - Stand and Stroke

Raise your left arm overhead, and use your right-hand fingers to apply gentle pressure to the left breast. Stroke from the top to the bottom of the breast, moving across from the inside of the breast all the way into your armpit area. You can also use a circular motion, being sure to cover the entire breast area. Take note of any changes in texture, color, or size. Switch sides and repeat. This is best done in the shower, as wet skin will have the least resistance to the friction of your fingers.

5. Manual Exam - Check Your Nipples

Still facing the mirror, lower both arms. With the index and middle fingers of your right hand, gently squeeze the left nipple and pull forward. Does the nipple spring back into place? Does it pull back into the breast? Note whether or not any fluid leaks out. Reverse your hands and check the right nipple in the same way.

6. Manual Exam - Recline and Stroke

This is best done in your bedroom, where you can lie down. Place a pillow on the bed so that you can lie with both your head and shoulders on the pillow. Lie down and put your left hand behind your head. Use your right hand to stroke the breast and underarm, as you did in step 4. Take note of any changes in texture, color, or size. Switch sides and repeat.

7. Tips For Doing Your BSE

1. Mark your calendar to remind yourself to do your BSE regularly. This is a good way to prevent worry if find a normal cyclic change.
2. Stay relaxed and breathe normally as you do your BSE. Becoming tense will produce some knots that you may mistake for something worrisome.
3. Report any changes or unusual pain to your doctor or nurse practitioner. Keep a log of changes, if that helps you remember.
4. Remember to have an annual clinical exam and a mammogram.
 
Now remember that healthy boobies are happy boobies. Take it from Coco and Baps ;-)
 
*Sweet P*
 
**Information taken from the National Cancer Institute.**