I know many of you have
heard this numerous times, but please let me begin by saying: Examine
your breasts regularly and use your intuition, don't question it. If
you are concerned about a suspicious lump, rash , indent or
discoloring, arrange to see your doctor. Maybe you will feel foolish
if your wrong and it's nothing, or maybe you will feel relieved.
Maybe you will be diagnosed with breast cancer and be mad or scared
as all outdoors, or thanking god that you listened to yourself.
Nevertheless, I can not emphasize enough that the utmost importance
in treating breast cancer successfully is time! If you are not
content or satisfied with one doctor's opinion get another (i always
do whether I am content or not), it is YOUR body, empower yourself. If you are a person who is supporting someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the most important, valuable advice that I could give is: Treat them as an individual DO NOT compare their cancer or feelings to your's or anyone else's. Each person going through breast cancer may feel different than the next. The best support a person can give is to, listen and simply be there!
Please keep in mind that I do not and would not claim to be an expert
in breast cancer, just one who went through it. I am still learning
myself!
Redness or Rash on skin of breast
A lump (painful or not)
Dimpling or Denting
Discoloration or change in skin texture
Flakiness of skin around breast nipple
Unusual Discharge from nipple
Baseline Mammogram, x-rays done by compressing the breast from different angles
Needle Biopsy, a fine needle is inserted and a sample of the fluid is withdrawn
Surgical Biopsy, sometimes can be done in the doctor's office
Nipple Discharge Pap smear, fluid is placed on a slide and sent to a lab.