Save The Ta Ta's!

There comes a point in a womans life when she's had a scare, nomatter how great or minute you might rationalize it, a bump is a bump.

I cannot stress how important it is to do a self breast check. Early detection helps save lives, not all the time, but that's better than never.
I lost Aunt's and my Mother in law to cancer and I don't want this disease to steal any of you!
Even if you feel silly "feeling yourself up" get the boyfriend or the husband to help you do it or do it for you. I for one ask my husband. And if you're not sure about how to do it, or what you're feeling, ask your doctor for advice.

There's no greater time than now to start a routine monthly check.

Here are five quick tips to help you out.
Operation save the Ta Ta's is in session.

*Steps and Photos taken from BREASTCANCER.ORG*

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

Here's what you should look for:

• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
• Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

• Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
• A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
• Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood). Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step

Set your silliness and awkwardness aside, swallow your pride and just do it! Your Ta Ta's will thank you!

XoXo,
Zxen