It's that time of year, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month is particularly special to people who have experienced breast cancer or know someone who has suffered through breast cancer. I am here to tell you what I have learned from my own experience. Now to start off I am going to say this story is about me. Another thing is, I do not have breast cancer nor do I know someone with breast cancer.

One day I noticed a lump in my breast. I was not sure what this was. I was not informed about lumps or about self examining. I just figured it was part of my breast (breast tissue) and I let it go. Then, it got bigger. So big that I could tell a difference in size. I finally told my mom about I felt and saw. We both agreed to go get it checked out. I started to get worried as I thought the worst.. Could I possibly have breast cancer or something? The doctor had examined it and ordered an ultra sound. I had to get about 2 different ultra sounds because we late discovered a smaller one of the left side.. Later, the doctor had begun to find a diagnosis. She believed it was fibro adenoma (are benign (non-cancer) tumors made up of both glandular breast tissue and stromal (connective) tissue). This was not sure until removed and went through a biopsy. We decided it was best to have surgery and remove it. She strongly believed that the tumor was benign and I hoped so too.

Even hearing from the doctor that there wasn't anything to worry about made me scared even more. What if she is wrong? The "tumor" is 3 cm in length (the size of a strawberry) isn't that dangerous? I've never had surgery, what if something goes wrong? Thoughts go through my mind in circles. I had to wait months to have surgery and throughout those months I had so much stress. My mom continuing assured me that everything was going to be okay and in the end she was write.

Finally after surgery and a couple of weeks of waiting for the biopsy, as they expected the tumors were benign. A weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I have never felt so happy. I may have scars from surgery, but these scars are reminders of how blessed I am to be healthy and to stay strong.

After this experience, I had begun to give myself self-examinations every month. Although fibro adenoma is typically benign, they can occur again. This is why self-examination is important to me. I didn't realize that it would be important to me until it started happening to me. Early detection is key to recovering. I know I was afraid to do self examinations. I don't want to find something that could potentially kill me, but don't fret. No matter what happens, you are strong. You can get through this.

Here are some diagrams to show you some steps to self examining. Please take time to look at these to help you through this process. If you suspect something contact your doctor as soon as possible to get a check up. And don't fret, get your breasts checked! :)