Breast Cancer (Day 2)-- Self Exam

Could I have breast cancer? What are some signs?

There are no specific outward signs of breast cancer that you can feel or see. "If there are outward signs, the more common ones include a lump, an area of thickening, or a dimple in the breast. Less common signs include breast swelling and redness or an enlarged underarm lymph node." (http://www.breastcancer.org/questions/bc_signs.jsp?gclid=CMbz3eO9tp8CFRUeDQod3HVKzg)

Although, even having one or more of these signs does NOT mean you have breast cancer. Remember, that most of these signs usually turn out to mean nothing. Having said that, it is still extremely important that you make an appointment to see your doctor right away. Not only will having your doctor take a look put your mind at ease, but if it does turn out to be something, you can get everything taken care of right away. Any cancer in its earliest forms are easier to get rid of and put into remission, then forms at a later stage.

Women with a family history of breast cancer, could be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer later on in life. (Make sure you know your family's history...) Breast cancer affects 1 of every 7 women of the course of their lifespan. 

Breast Self Examination (It's going to get a little weird...)

(5 Easy Steps)

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror, with your shoulders straight and your hands on your hips. You're looking to make sure that your breasts look normal. Normal color, shape, and size. You are also looking to make sure that your breasts are evenly shaped with no distortions or swelling.

If you see any changes in your breasts, be sure to point them out to your doctor, such as:

• Dimpling
• Puckering
• Bulging
• Nipple that has changed position (such as inverted [pushing inward instead of sticking out])
• Redness
• Soreness
• Rash
• Swelling

Step 2:

Now raise your arms above your head and looks for the same changes.

Step 3:

While you are standing in front of the mirror check for any signs of leaking fluids. (Such as watery, milky, yellow fluid or blood) 

Step 4:

Next, feel your breast while laying on your back. Use your right hand to check your left breast and vice versa. Use a smooth, firm touch, using only your first few fingers, keep your fingers together. Use a small circular motion about the size of a quarter. Be sure to check all of your breast, top to bottom, side to side.

Step 5:

Finally, check your breasts, in the same manner, while standing up or sitting down. Most women find that it is easier to do this exam while you are in the shower, so the skin is easier move across. Make sure you cover the entire area of your breast as you did in step 4. 

For more information go to http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps.jsp?gclid=CLKx7Y_Atp8CFQUMDQod3Skt3Q

I know this entry went very in depth, and it's not for everyone to read, but it's very important that you know how to check yourself, and what to look for. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please don't be afraid to look up some of the information and statistics for yourself. Also, please help donate for those who can't afford to get their yearly mammogram exam.

Breast Cancer (Day 1) -- Basic knowledge and information

Day 2 of my blog and I wanted to share a topic with you, that I find very important, and feel very strongly about. My mother and my grandmother are both survivors of breast cancer, both are in remission and are strong and healthy.


Breast Cancer...

"Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. For more information, visit Cancer Among Women.

In 2005 (the most recent year numbers are available)—

• 186,467 women and 1,764 men were diagnosed with breast cancer.*†
• 41,116 women and 375 men died from breast cancer.*†

†Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2005 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2009. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs.

*Note: Incidence counts cover approximately 96% of the U.S. population and death counts cover 100% of the U.S. population. Use caution in comparing incidence and death counts."

(Quote taken from http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/)

Let alone the fact that approximately 41, 491 people died from breast cancer in 2005, how many more men and women don't have the money to get their yearly mammogram exam, to find out if they have breast cancer? How many of those people, could have been saved?

There are many sites set up to help donate for people who can't afford to get their yearly mammogram, such as The Breast Cancer Site ( http://www.thebreastcancersite.com ), just being one of them. 

Click here for an easy and free way to help fund mammograms for those in need at The Breast Cancer Site!

Breast Cancer Awareness is more important now, then ever before. Statistics are growing, and more people are dying.

First Blog, First Thought...

Well, first off, hello. I'm pretty new to this whole thing, so let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Alli. I am 19 years old, I recently had the most adorable little boy, named Markus. My boyfriend and I moved into our own place out of the clutches of our parents. On my 19th birthday, he proposed. The time frames is set for sometime this coming summer. (Hoorah!) Living with someone, who is not my family, on our own has been much more trying (and much much more revealing), then I thought it would be. In 6 months, I have cried, and I have laughed, I have learned, and I have loved. In that time, I couldn't even begin to tell you what has been going on.

Well, enough about me.

A penny for some thoughts.

In the past 6 months, I have figured out that I am exactly where I didn't want to be in life. I am a stay at home mom and housewife. I rely completely on someone else to take care of and support me and my family. When I was young, I had every dream to be a working professional, who had a high school diploma, who went to school to be someone important, who could take care of herself, who was independent, who could work, who didn't need financial aid and the support of others to survive. But I am, exactly that. I stress, and I worry, just like any other individual. And I get frustrated and sometimes, I just don't know what to do with myself, but I love my family very much, and I love my fiancé and my son with all of my heart.

But I guess the moral of the story is that, no matter what happens, and no matter where you end up in life, you still have to be yourself, and be happy with what you have, because eventually, everything WILL work out.

^_^