In a funny way, I’ve been thankful for my small boobs because I knew that statistically speaking, the more dense your boobs are, the higher the risk for breast cancer. With these little things, I thought I’d have no problems!

And then I found a lump … not a small one. A big one. My first thought was “How could I let it get this far without noticing it!”. I was terrified.

And then I found a lump … not a small one. A big one. My first thought was “How could I let it get this far without noticing it!”. I was terrified. I was in New Orleans packing my bag on Sunday when I found it. I knew I couldn’t do anything until I got home so I pushed it to the back of my mind … as much as I could. Rich Poulin was at the Metallica concert when i arrived home so he was late getting in. It was the first thing I told him. He looked worried but told me not to worry. He said make an appointment first thing in the morning and we’ll figure this out. So I did.

All I could think about that night was how I’ve been living what I thought was the healthiest year of my life and then this happens … ironically right after an amazing weekend full of health and fitness and listening to incredible motivational speakers.

It’s been an emotional week but I’ve learned A LOT! I’ve never had lumps before and really have never been through something like this. I now realize that many people have been through it so I wanted to share what I’ve learned.

First, talk about it. It’s amazing what other women know (and men for that matter who have gone through it with their partners). My concerns were almost immediately reduced when I started talking about it.

Second, most lumps are cysts and they are very very common.

Third, mine hurt which is also a good sign that it was a cyst. But it was huge so it didn’t move much which scared me.

Fourth, I was crazy emotional on Monday which I thought was because I was so scared but now looking back, it had to be hormones. Hormones are most likely what caused the cyst to grow and hormones are also most likely what caused me to ‘freak out’.

And finally, I need to touch my boobs more! I’ve never been one to do my own exams in the shower because I didn’t know what I was looking for. The fear I felt on Sunday is not something I want to experience anytime again soon so I want to know what ‘normal’ feels like. If I had been doing regular exams, I would have known immediately that this lump just popped up suddenly which is also a pretty solid sign that it’s a cyst…which my Doctor confirmed today it is. No matter what, if this happens again, I will most likely still see my Doctor but at least I am more aware now. And I also know that so many other women go through this on a regular basis and there is nothing better than sharing the knowledge we learn through experience.

So get to know your boobs – whatever their size and whatever age you are!! And if you have a question, talk about it. It’s more than likely that a little conversation with a friend will ease your worry.

Now it’s time for wine <3

I’ve been asked by a friend if they can share this post .. please yes do share it if you feel it could help somebody else!

Author: Tracy Poulin