Hey Ladies and Gents! It’s Monday morning and for many of us, that means going to a workhouse. Or work. Or a job. Or somewhere you’d rather not be going. That’s probably your regular work schedule.

But do you have a wellness schedule? Are you motivated to do something for yourself on an annual, monthly or weekly schedule? 

If you do, congratulations! If not, let me help you schedule your monthly breast self-examination or, BSE. You can add it to your calendar so you can always be reminded.

Many women choose a specific day of the month to do their examinations. Often it’s “the first” day of the week or specific day depending on their schedules. It can also be a birthday, anniversary or another special day that you won’t forget.

I’m suggesting the first Monday of each month if you don’t have a special day. So, let’s get started.

It won’t take long, BUT TAKE THE TIME YOU NEED. I always start in the shower because the warm water makes it easier to palpate my breasts. 

1. Raise your left arm.
2. Use the pads of three fingers of your right hand to palpate your left breast first in a circle starting under your arm to your nipple and then up and down. Be aware of any bumps, valleys, firm areas, or mysteries. Make a mental note of them.
3. Raise your right arm.
4. Use the pads of three fingers of your left hand to palpate your right breast first in a circle starting from under your arm to your nipple, and then up and down. Be aware of any bumps, valleys, firm areas, or mysteries. Make a mental note of them.

Complete your shower then examine both breasts in a mirror. Look forward, left, and right. Hold your arms up and down as you look in each direction. Are they unform? Is one significantly higher or lower? Is one unusually warm or cool? Is there a difference in color? Is there puckering? Is there anything that looks odd?

Now, let’s repeat the examination while lying in bed.

1. Lie down with your left hand above your head.
2. Use the pads of three fingers of your right hand to palpate your left breast first in a circle starting under your arm to your nipple and then up and down. Be aware of any bumps, valleys, firm areas, or mysteries. Make a mental note of them.
3. Now place your right hand above your head.
4. Use the pads of three fingers of your left hand to palpate your right breast first in a circle starting under your arm to your nipple and then up and down. Be aware of any bumps, valleys, firm areas, or mysteries. Make a mental note of them,

Contact your physician if there are any noticeable differences. I would start with my gynecologist but would contact my primary care physician if I didn’t have a gynecologist. Then I would find a gynecologist! 

Don’t be afraid to complete your exam today and don’t feel guilty if you’ve never done one. Start now. The purpose of the exam is to become familiar with your body, to know it so you can act if there is a change. 

And don’t panic if there is a change. If you KNOW there is something that requires action, make sure your doctor listens and acts on your behalf. Be prepared to explain what you suspect but IF YOU HAVE A GUT FEELING THAT SOMETHING IS OFF, demand action anyway.

If your doctor doesn’t believe you, ignores you, tries to delay you or convince you that you are wrong, FIRE THEIR FUCKING ASS AND GET ANOTHER DOCTOR! This is YOUR life and YOUR body and YOU ARE IN CHARGE.

If you need help, contact your healthcare advocate. The person who:

• is on your side
• believes you
• will fight on your behalf.

Who is that person? Think about them now.

Here’s a guide to print and hang in your bathroom. Early detection and treatment are keys to survival.

How did you choose your date? Do you have an alternative way to plan your exam date? Tell me, I’d love to share it with my readers!