Check your boobies ladies!
I thought it would be a good time to share my story on the matter. I’m one of the lucky ones who comes out of this story completely fine but it’s something that has changed my outlook for sure!
Last year in January I was home from uni for the Christmas Holidays. One cold evening at home I was cold so (ladies you will understand this) I had my hands up my top to warm myself up. In this moment I felt a lump in my boob and had a sudden panic. I ran to the bathroom to have a full check and yes there was a lump. I Called the doctors the next day and was seen that same day. I was referred to the hospital for further checks, especially because I have family history of breast cancer.
In my two week wait for my hospital I was stressing but was reassured the lump was likely nothing. At this point I’m checking my boobs everyday out of pure stress. The night before my hospital appointment I found 2 more lumps and by this point I’m having a bit of a panic but I just had to get some sleep and I would have some answers the next morning. I went to the hospital for an ultrasound and found out I have fibroadenomas, fatty lumps caused by hormones which most likely was a result of my implant.
What a relief! Whilst yes I’m stuck with these lumps forever, I don’t care as I’m feeling very fortunate. From then on I was checking my boobs and surrounding areas on a weekly basis.
Fast forward to April of this year and I find a lump in my armpit and the stress starts again. I went through the same process again of going to the doctors and being referred to the hospital and having an ultrasound. The doctors at this moment in time can’t quite figure out what the cause or diagnosis for the lump is. I have further ultra sounds booked, but they are pretty sure it’s nothing serious which is a relief to hear!
Is it scary finding a lump? 100%, one of the most stressful things I have ever gone through for sure. But am I kind of glad it has happened? In a way, yes! I had never checked my boobs for lumps or changes and now I am aware of changes in my body and aware of what to look for. It may seem like a scary thought that pretty much every GP in my surgery and in the mermaid centre have seen my boobs, but it’s nothing to be nervous about! I ended up breaking the awkwardness by joking about my really ugly comfy bras or the fact I turned up to my hospital appointment with my bra inside out lol. The process of the appointments is nothing to stress over! All the nurses and doctors are understanding and friendly and make the whole situation way less stressful.
Anyways, moral of the story is…CHECK YOUR BOOBS LADIES! In the shower, when you’re getting changed, before you go to bed… anytime! It won’t take you long and you will get to know your boobs better and will recognise changes easier!
If just one person is encouraged to check their boobs then it’s 100% worth me sharing my story!