Back in “the day”, being a well endowed woman, I would happily stick out my chest with pride, optimizing what (I thought) were my best assets.
If you got it, flaunt it, right?
As the resilient working machines, they served the twinlets and I well when it came to breastfeeding. Tandem breastfeeding even became a little party trick. Well, kinda. Almost. Not really.
Late last week, I thought I’d just see what my puppies were looking like. You know, get reacquainted with them because it had felt as though it’d been a while with a twin pregnancy and heavy duty breast feeding in between.
Raising my arms up in the air in front of the mirror, I noticed that my breasts weren’t the same. They were actually quite different from each other. But they seemed to also appear differently than the past.
Then, in the shower, I felt something in my left beast; nothing big or obviously severe but definitely a lump of sorts.
I made an appointment with my GP for that morning and she could feel something too. While she could feel it was slightly mobile and didn’t think it was anything to be too concerned about (“Cancer feels very different. It sticks, it’s stubborn and hard…”), she’s the kind of GP that when it comes to any kind of breast abnormality, she will write up a referral letter without hesitation or doubt.
Straight after my GP appointment on the Friday morning, I called the Sydney Breast Clinic and booked in for a check up for first thing, 8am on the following Monday.
We’re damn lucky we live in a country with fantastic medical specialist facilities. The clinic ran like clockwork and most of all, the staff make you feel comfortable and relaxed, despite the unknown, somber circumstances.
During my extensive check up, I discovered the following:
- Women in their 40’s are prone to getting a higher density of breast tissue, meaning it will be harder to detect cancerous cells. In this case, my Breast Physician suggested that every 12 months, I book in for a mammogram.
- Mammograms are unfortunately still uncomfortable and slighty painful (All that squishing and squeezing! Yeouch!). The good news they are now available in 3D, called a tomogram. Obviously the images are far more accurate and can be examined by the radiologist with one layer at a time without hidden tissue been overlooked.
- Tomograms are provided as an option and while a lot more expensive, at the Sydney Breast Clinic, 85% can be claimed back through Medicare with a referral.
- We’re all aware that our breasts constantly change – the shape, size and even our nipples. To keep abreast (Pun completely intended) on anything out of the ordinary, check them out on a monthly basis. Right after you’ve finished your period, get into the habit of doing breast self-examinations. And while a breast check isn’t going to be as life saving as a mammogram, it’s a start in becoming proactive with something that’s vitally important for your health but also for the well-being of your family. What would they do without you?
- An initial consultation with a Breast Specialist, a mammogram, another consultation with a Breast Physician, then an ultrasound and finally back to the Breast Physician again to get the final all clear, I was in and out of the clinic in 2 and a half hours.
Not every lump or bump means that it’s cancer. My Breast Physician told me that 90% of lumps found are benign. Having said that, as our own personalities develop with age, so do our “other personalities” The most important thing is getting to know them well. Really well.
Joining Essentially Jess for another fabbo round of IBOT
Kimberley M says
Thanks for the info, Grace (I didn’t know some of this stuff as well as I know my own puppies)! The Tomogram, huh? Sounds like a Japanese cosplay strip-o-gram (although probably not as fun).
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Zanni Louise says
I really need to do regular checks. Thanks for the reminder Grace. My aunt found a very advanced cancer a couple of years ago. She’s OK, but only after surgery and intense chemo. x
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Aroha @ Colours of Sunset says
Always a good and important reminder Grace. And you’re never “too young” to be aware! It is not something that should be taken lightly, and good on you for acting quickly. Did the results show it was nothing? 90% may be benign but anyone can fall into that 10%. 🙁 x Aroha
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mamagrace71 says
They couldn’t find anything, Aroha. It was most likely tissue that had just hardened a little.
For me, I’d rather focus being in that 90% and then cross that 10% bridge if I have to.
Rhianna says
It was makes me smile to see and hear women talking about their boobies. It really can be a life saving difference. Thanks for sharing your experience Grace.
Leaving some fairy wishes and butterlfy kisses from #teamIBOT
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Lizzy Allan says
You must be so relieved, Grace! Thank you for sharing your experience – I learnt several things I had no idea about before. The photo of you feeding the twins is so gorgeous 🙂
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Alison at The Thrifty Issue says
Mine are so small, I just forget about them!!! Particularly after having two children. But yes, it’s a good idea to check them monthly … thanks for the reminder. Good on you for checking yours. Cheers, Alison #IBOT
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Ai Sakura says
Wow that’s a scare! But thanks for sharing this and reminding us all again how common breast cancer can be. Thank goodness your personalities are safe 🙂
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Nat - Home Sweet Kitchen And Garden says
What a talented lady tandem breastfeeding! And great info that every woman should be reminded of!
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Author Bek Mugridge (@bekmugridge) says
VERY important post Grace – thank you so much for sharing and for the detailed information.
I am really passionate about this subject and raising awareness of it.
I have had a lump scare myself and know how scary it truly is, thinking of you and hoping all is well XX
Author Bek Mugridge (@bekmugridge) recently posted..Vegelicious Muffins and Super Foods for Kids
Trish says
Very informative and important post Grace. So glad you got the all clear and were seen promptly to ease your fears. The more awareness the better.
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mamagrace71 says
Deep down, I think you’ve influenced me, Trish. I was thinking of you all day yesterday as I was going through it x
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me says
Great reminder, Grace. I’m glad you got the all clear. I had a benign tumour removed from my breast when I was just 20. Even after that scare, I still forget to check.
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Sam Stone says
I’m glad your breasts are a-okay!
It is definitely a great idea to keep an eye and hand on them 🙂
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Bec | Mumma Tells says
Eeep. Glad you’re okay. A really great reminder, especially for those out there like me who know they should know more, but don’t. X
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kirri says
Sheesh. I think you are amazing talking about your puppies so openly. I am sitting here blushing in my prudishness. So glad you are ok and that you got yourself checked out xx
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Jody at Six Little Hearts says
My mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She found the lump early and had it removed with success. She is 83 and is in a high risk category because of her age. The doctors thought it happened after a fall in which she landed on top of something sharp which pressed into her breast. Apparently a hard knock can lead to breast cancer!
My boobies are happily fulfilling their intended purpose breastfeeding my youngest at the moment. We are told this can prevent breast cancer and hopefully it is true. After these 6 babies, maybe all the breastfeeding will reduce my risk to zero.
I just love those pics of your baby twins! Every time I see your baby boys – I get clucky! They were such gorgeous little babies!!!!! 😀
A great awareness post. I tend to ignore or forget my boobies except when I am breastfeeding. I hope they are going well. I might send them a glance and a postcard to say hello!
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Mumabulous says
Three cheers for the tomogram. Doubtless Tom enjoys the work. In all seriousness though – thanks for the reminder. Even those of us of daintier proportions need to be aware.
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Lisa Wood says
So glad that it all worked out so well, gosh our lumpy breasts are scary pains in the back sides!! I have had a few lumps to deal with, and again its cause I have breast feed five boys that they are different/changed and hard to tell what’s what.
There is no family history of Breast Cancer on my side of the family, but its always better to have it looked at.
It must have been Scary for you but good to know all is ok.
And good to read about your experience with the Breast Clinic.
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Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Brilliant post to remind us Grace! I think we should all give each other a little reminder every now and then, too true what would they do without us??
The photo of you and the Twinlets is gorgeous xx
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Tegan says
Such an important post. The picture of you feeding the twins is absolutely beautiful too!
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Emily @ Have a laugh on me says
I really should get this done, I haven’t felt the girls in a while but they sure have changed with three kids, and breastfeeding and weight loss and gain! Glad you had good news xx
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Danya Banya says
I had a benign lump when I was in my mid-twenties. So scary for a few second there!
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EssentiallyJess says
I’ve got into the habit of checking fairly regularly this year, but mostly because they have changed so much, I’m just trying to work out what is going on!
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Kelly HTandT says
You had me worried for a minute! Glad to hear you got the all clear.
My breasts are so deflated now, pathetic, depressing versions of their former gorgeous selves. *Sigh*. There’s so little tissue there that I’d have NO CHANCE of missing a lump.
xx
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Rita says
I’m happy to know that everything is fine Grace. This is a very important subject and thanks for raising awareness on breast examination.
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Robomum says
You beat me to this post sweetie! I was lining it up for the weekend. Such an important issue. So glad you’ve got the all clear X
Kathy says
Glad everything was all Ok and thanks for the reminder. Mammograms aren’t the nicest things but I reckon they are pretty tame compared with all the poking and prodding involved in IVF. A small discomfort for peace of mind.
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Francesca says
Glad you’re ok xx
I’ve never had mine checked, but that’s something I’ll definitely have to keep on the radar as the years pass. My great aunt died of breast cancer – she had felt a lump, but left it too late to get it checked out.
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