check your boobs

When I was 16 my mom gave me one of those breast self exam charts that hang in the shower. I am almost positive I rolled my eyes, or was at least tempted to roll them, and tucked the embarrasing thing far far away.

I now fully appreciate why my mom gave me that chart when I was 16. A few weeks ago while getting ready for the day I noticed a lump in my right breast. Thus began a stressful few weeks of gyn appointments, an ultrasound, a mammogram, and a biopsy.

Thankfully my lump is a benign fibroadanoma. What I learned from this experience is, while rare, women in their 20s do get breast cancer and most diseases of the breast are found from self-exams.

So, ladies, check your boobs. If you find something, don't panic (okay you probably still will, I know I did) but see your doctor. I plan to check mine once a month as recommended. AND plan to thank my mom for caring enough to give me one of those charts.