October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Show Your Ta-Tas Love

I know quite a few warrior women that have battled breast cancer and they truly are my heroes.

I myself have had a couple of scares, and I now get my ta tas squished every year, as I have a high risk due to many factors.

Those factors include but are not limited to:

Not only breast cancer in my family history, but also different types of cancer- apparently if there’s a history of any type of cancer in your family history, even if breast cancer isn’t one of them it increases your chances, breast cancer ups it more especially if it’s on your maternal side.

Your type of breast tissue matters. Having dense tissue, rather than fatty tissue increases your risk. The one place I truly want to be called fat- but no I have dense tissue. Wonder if they could take some of the back boob fat and trade it with the dense tissue?  Sorry, I digress.

And then there’s the size. Let’s be honest we all know one is bigger than the other. More often than not, the dominant side of your body (the hand you write with) all of that sides body parts are larger than the non-dominant side. As I’m writing this, I’m wondering about ambidextrous people- as there’s not a dominant side does that mean their body parts are equal? Inquiring minds want to know- something to google later.

Any how, getting back on track. So, having one breast larger than another is quite normal; however, there is a point, I can’t remember the math- (those that know me know I’m not a math person) at which the size difference becomes another factor. And guess what? That’s another old check mark for this girl.

Apparently, the powers that be, change the recommendation for age of mammograms. Let me tell you, if you feel that you want one fight for it.

I had a not so pleasant experience. Long story short, I used to have a doctor that decided to send me in for a mammogram at the age of 36 due to my history, and to get a baseline. Fast forward to age 40, what was the typical age, with a new doctor who poo-pooed the fact that I had a mammogram at 36, was so nonchalant about me getting one at 40, “there’s really no need until 45”. Despite knowing my history. I tried to talk with her but she basically shut me down making me feel stupid. The following year, I talked to my new doctor about it- who basically said the other doctor wasn’t wrong, but with my history it wouldn’t have hurt. So, he gave me the option which I said yes. And thankfully, I did.

The first mammogram found 2 lumps of something that shouldn’t be there. I had to go in for another 3 weeks later, a more advanced machine as well as an ultrasound to determine what was going on.  Let me tell you those 3 weeks were nerve wracking. I gave my left girl (the one who had the intruders), reiki every damn day and often multiple times a day.  And I didn’t give a rats ass who caught me with my hands hovering over or even cupping her- my response to any verbal inquiries or questioning looks “I’m working on healing issues in my tissues.”

And even though I tried to keep positive and humorous, explaining to people “it’s all good, my left one is smaller and jealous, she just wants more attention.” I was quite nervous- I mean I’m married to a boob guy- and I know he loves me for me but what if I had to lose them. When we talked about it, in pure Matty fashion without missing a beat- “No problem, but we have to tell the doctor to give them back to us so I can use them as pillows”. This is how we deal with things- humor. 

Another example of humor in this situation. On one of my visits, the nurse was apologizing, “I’m sorry this may be uncomfortable.” As we did the different positions and angles, she proceeded to say, “Wow, you’re doing very well. This doesn’t seem to be bothering you at all.” My reply, “Years of practice with my hubby, this ain’t got nothing on him”.  And laughter ensued. 

As they say laughter is the best medicine.

And magically I believe that it was, well that combined with prayers and reiki. Because the results of the second mammogram and ultrasound only showed one intruder and it had shrunk in size. I was told we need to monitor, getting checked yearly, but not to be concerned.

I am very fortunate and continue to feel blessed for the outcome.

Please as part of your self care routine, check yourself and monitor it. Remember to be your own advocate. Early detection is what saves lives. 

And if you need someone to hold space, listen to your stories, send healing, or make you laugh- I’m here for you.

Much love and appreciation 🙏🏻💜