So my phone alarm went off this morning as it does every month to remind me to do something very important. Is it to pay the mortgage or the rent on my office? No silly, it’s to remind me that it was time for my monthly breast self-exam. When the alarm went off, I laughed a little. What was I going to find that three mammograms, two ultrasounds, a biopsy, and an MRI would have missed? Then I thought, “What the heck? I’ll just do it and keep up the habit. Plus, lefty has not gotten nearly the attention that righty has gotten.” So I did my exam and not surprisingly I felt nothing, even in the area that has a known tumor.
So ladies, you will soon tire of hearing me say this if you haven’t already, be sure to get regular mammograms. Yes, they are awkward, yes, they hurt, yes, you may feel that you are the star of some really weird fetish film. Plus, almost all of us have given birth by the time we start mammograms. That’s a lifetime of awkward physical exams for each kid. Finally, for the 12% of you that will some day get breast cancer, all that boob squishing will likely save your life.
Yes, I know I turning into a zealot. I’m going to dye my hair pink, wear only pink clothing, and get a pink ribbon tattooed on my right forearm. Feel free to dodge my calls if this happens but don’t forget to get your mammograms.
My Eyes Are Up Here 
Hi honey,
Make sure you keep up with getting your massages, too. You need the stress reduction and a new study shows massage helps trigger healing! xoxoxoooo
Thanks, Beth. I had my regular message today. Later in the day, Zoe and I got pedicures. Although the pedicures probably don’t promote healing, my toes do look festively orange.
I guessing you told your LMT about your diagnosis. Some LMTs are uncomfortable massaging people with cancer. There’s still some old school myths about massaging cancer patients (that massage could spread the cancer), but there’s no contraindication for massage, even during the time you are receiving radiation treatment. Maybe the pressure needs to be altered, so it’s more gentle, less deep tissue, maybe you only get massaged face-up or side-lying for your comfort. Lymphatic massage might be a good technique to add to your sessions. If your LMT doesn’t know that modality, she’d probably know someone who does. It’s a particularly effective technique post-radiation treatment if you end up with any edema…which some of my cancer patients have experienced.
Pedicures involve loving touch, so I’m quite certain it has health benefits. Maybe your insurance would cover it. LOL. ;- )
Yes, I told her. She does not seem hesitant at all. I will ask her about lymphatic message, too. Based on my understanding that the lymph system is pretty mechanical (relying on pressure and physical movement to help it work), lymphatic massage really makes sense.
And don’t worry, my insurance company is going to be shelling out major dough for my treatment. I’m hoping they don’t make me work any harder for it, as insurance companies somethimes do.