Save the TaTas

I'm up to my boobs in breasts this month. As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In doing my job as a Nurse Practitioner, I know women are very concerned about their risk. I know each of us have been touched by several women in our lives who have been diagnosed. In case you're interested, let me give you some of the facts:
1. You have a 1 in 10 lifetime risk of breast cancer. So take 10 women at the age of 80, 1 of them would have had breast cancer in her life.
2. The average age of diagnosis is 61. This means 50% are less than 61 and 50% more.
3. You are at increased risk if you have a first degree relative (mom, sis, child) who has been diagnosed, you have been on hormones, or you have highly dense breast tissue(called glandular tissue) compared to fat tissue.
4. You can attempt preventing the disease by having your weight controlled, being physically active, limiting your alcohol consumption, not smoking, having a baby before age 30, breast feeding, and avoiding hormone replacement. In some major high risk situations, certain preventative meds or even prophylactic surgery (having the breasts removed) has been done.
5. If the cancer is caught in early stages, you have a 98% five year survival rate.
6. Mammograms are recommended to women 40 years and older. If you are at increased risk, they may be started earlier. MRIs or ultrasounds are also used.

Now it's time for the interactive part of the blog. Do a breast exam! You should do them monthly after your period. How? Sitting/standing up and laying down. Showers or tubs are a great place. Often this is the part the husband has no problem assisting you in. Don't forget every piece of breast tissue including your armpits! I always say that the breast tissue to me feels like cottage cheese and you are looking for a marble, a pea, a pebble in the cottage cheese. Everybodys' boobs feel different so get to know what yours feels like. And remember to just look...no redness, rash or dimpling should be noted. There is a device right now that Curves and Olivia Newton John are promoting called Liv Aid. Mindy, owner of West Bend Curves, introduced me to it. It helps when you do your exam- go to Curves if you are interested. If you just come in and check them out, you get one for free- no need to sign up. They even have something called "Girls Night In", an evening packed full of discussion and entertainment!
We know as women how important those tatas are. Though they certainly don't define who we are (flat, large, flopsy, augmented...), they set us apart. I have found no greater joy than going from a AA cup size to DD in a matter of months to feed my children, engorged one day as all get out, prancing around in front of the mirror imaging Hugh Hefner was going to call me at any minute! Oh, they are gone now but, boy, that was fun while it lasted for the day! And luckily I do not have the boobs like the lady in the National Geographic special- have you seen it? She is naked bending over this pot of rice just stirring away. All of a sudden in back of her comes one of her kids. I SAID FROM THE BACK. He grabs hold of her breast and pulls it behind her to take a drink and she just keeps stirring. Amazing. What was more amazing was this colony she was living in was perfect. She was the master. She had several husbands who did almost everything for her. Hmmmm.
OK, back to breast cancer. Chix for a Cause is a great organization. They help people with all types of cancer. I know they have helped several who have had breast cancer. I remember Peggy Anderson telling me one day that she thought Ty Pennington was coming to her house to build her a new home. In fact, it was the Chix organization surprising her with some much needed cash during her battling days. She is a true survivor by the way.
Which brings me to the Shoe Hunt. I am so excited. I have received several confirmations for the evening which means there will be women out hunting for shoes and accessories very soon! There will be women gathering together, spending some time together, laughing, loving, living. Yeah! It's not about the shoe- height, size, color, cheap....don't matter! See you there!

Want a cool shirt that makes a statement during October. Go to www.savethetatas.com

Paula
A brown eyed girl too!