Weekend of Deep Thoughts

There's been moments that I just want to escape this world and reality.

This weekend was one of those moments.

Cancer has taken over our lives, and we don't want that. We need to be in control. we need to be able to do things without being afraid of cancer. We need to stop our brains to remind us of this horrible fate that came upon us. We're not able to remember life before cancer, we don't know how it feels anymore. Everything changed. The way we see the world and the way the world sees us. I don't want people feeling sorry for me, I want people to still tell me their happy thoughts and their happy moments, share with me their daily struggles and moans without thinking that "oh you're going through worse". No! We all have battles, we all have our good and bad moments that we like to share with other people. Don't think for a second that I won't be happy for you or for your achievements. 

If something, cancer made me see that there's more to life than holding grudges and feeling jealous of people. I've learnt that every single one of us have their own struggles and battles to fight and it doesn't matter what they are, because at that point in time they are important. Don't judge people if they are going through a bad moment, they might be fighting a battle you know nothing about, because not everyone shares their life on social media. 

Be kind to one another and love each other.

- Deep thoughts over - 

Friday was my first day out in two weeks. I felt anxious. I hadn't seen people - apart from family - since I had my hair cut and had my chemo - ridiculously that made me feel vulnerable and afraid of the world. It's unbelievable what a couple of weeks without being a sociable person can do to you. After I was out with the girls definitely felt more confident and end up having a really good time with the old gang!

As per the rest of the weekend, back in February - far away from thinking this would have come so handy - we booked a weekend away by the beach, just because we thought it would be a good idea. And sure it was. A month ago we didn't even know if we would be able to make it, the way people "painted" cancer was so much more horrendous than what it actually has been. And we are extremely thankful for it. We never thought this weekend would come in such a good time and it was so needed. All we've been doing for the last 2 months is cancer related, there's not one single day we don't speak about it, with friends, relatives or complete strangers.

So this weekend we ran away from all of that and decided to be normal and feel normal. It was just the perfect weekend for it! So lucky with the weather. M and I went with a couple of friends and we all had our first BBQ on the beach, lots of walking, ice creams, a day on the beach and the first swim of the year (not for me, L was the brave one!) But the most important thing, we laughed!

The only thing I always had to be aware of was the sun. 50spf every day before leaving the house and looking for shade whenever possible. The big hat I bought is very handy but not when it's windy. 

A lot of water to make up for the heat and a good rest after the long walks and I managed to have a normal weekend away. 

Now, ahead we've got a pre-chemo week - I know... it's gone so fast!

No more horrible side effects so far. So I'm pretty happy with the good week that I promised myself!

Every day we make it without side effects is a win! We have now learnt how to appreciate those days - although we still feel like it's a bit of a miracle.

"Sale away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Life is Never Boring

I have decided that this week will be a good week.

Even though I'm in pain. It has to be a good one.

Mum has gone back home on Monday and it might be the last day she sees me with this hairstyle. So first we had to take a selfie!

The hair should start falling around day 14, and we're at day 10 already. Everyday I've been playing with it, making those little twists that most of us secretly like, and everyday I've got this secret fear that one of those twists will just get stuck around my finger and comes off my scalp. - So I keep checking. And nothing so far. - Anyway, if it does, at least is while I'm doing something I enjoy. Looking at the towel after a shower and look for "hair loss" has become a habit too. I shouldn't be so obsessed with it and should just embrace it, but I think I want to cut it really short before bigger amounts start falling. So let's embrace it and try to take it as a part of the process, similar to all those injections and medical interventions. 

Hair update:

The wig is ordered, Tracey came to see me on Monday to do a color and length consultation, 

I've got a feeling that I'll like it, just afraid it will be to hot to wear, but as M says all the time: "then you'll have the option". - The baldness will remain until winter time anyway, so I'll have plenty of time to use it. 

Medical interventions update:

Another thing that happened last week, we got a phone call from the hospital saying that they need to repeat the ultrasound and biopsy of my neck as it came inconclusive, the good thing is: it won't be this week. I'm waiting for a letter and definitely not looking forward to it. I'll have an appointment with the oncologist next week and will get the bone scan results and hopefully she can stage the cancer once and for all.

Fertility update:

We've got 3 little embryos that have been frozen and will be waiting for us in a few years time and that is sooooo exciting! We've got 3 tiny lives awaiting us and despite the fact there is 50/50 chances of them implanting first try, it's a pretty good thing to hold on to!

Last night I had my last injection of GSCF (Filgrastin) and since then been having horrible bone and muscle aches. It feels like someone is squeezing my bones together from the inside in 10 second intervals, leaving me with weak legs and difficulty in breathing for the duration of the spasms. This is the best I can describe it as they are located mostly on my lumbar back and rib cage (from the back to the front) weirdest feeling ever. - I know... seems like I've got a new thing every day, my life is never boring! - M looked pretty scared this morning when he caught me on my way to the floor as both of my hands were occupied and I wasn't quick enough to hold on to something.

So uncle R had to take me to the nurse today for my new injection (Zoladex it's name, also known as Goserelin) as I was unsafe to drive myself - thank goodness this one is only every four weeks and I don't have to do it myself, whoop whoop!- This injection will cause a temporary menopause with the intent to save my ovaries from being so damaged with the hope that I can get the fertility back. Fingers crossed.

"Strength grows in the moments when you think you can't go on, but you keep going anyway."

P.x 

Not So Good Week

When you think things are almost going back to normal, there comes the hormones to ruin it again.

(Sarcasm alert!)

I felt normal for 2 days... just 2 days.

Then a stream of emotions came down on me. Well, it definitely arrived a little to early. But that's exactly what happens, our monthly old friend always shows up when we least expect.
Since I had to inject myself with those stupidly high doses of hormones that my body doesn't really know what's happening, or what it's supposed to do, or when - We're both confused really - So now we both have to cope with a 15 year old version of me: irrational crying (actually spent an hour in the bathroom crying - shame on me), extreme mood swings (leave me alone kind of thing), lower abdominal pain (back to curl up in bed feeling sorry for myself) and headaches (however there might be another reason for those). All those "cool" things that I used to hate as a teenager and got promised they would go - oh they did... temporarily, with my good old friend pill (never truly appreciated how easy the pill made things for me, until now).

And now as it's been a week since my first chemotherapy, my immune system might start to lower it's functions and for that reason, brilliant doctors or scientists created another injection for me to take. Filgrastim it's name. Another horrible little devil that hurts like hell to be injected and the side effects make me feel like I've been run over by a bus: Headaches (the kind that makes me feel like my brain is going to explode through my eyes), tiredness and aches around my body (enough to keep me in bed for half a day). 

As you can see, not been in a very good mood to write, nor my eyes would allow me. 

My daily walks eventually turned into going out food shopping too and I'm pretty sure some days I've overdone it. But I want to feel useful. No one lets me carry any bags or shopping baskets, but I want to. I don't feel right, walking around the supermarket with my 60 year old mum carrying the shopping for me, knowing that she has her own aches and pains to deal with. 

It's awful when sometimes I feel so weak that I might break but some days when I feel better I wish people wouldn't look at me as if I'm made of glass. I used to love my independence, doing things on my own, but now I feel like all I do requires a second person to "assist". And it's so frustrating. 

I've done so much and came so far on my own, is this some learning curve showing me I should rely more on other people? That is best if we are united and live in society? Perhaps life is trying to teach me that old motto "Together we are stronger" - Thanks life, but I think I already knew that one!

On the bright side I got to spend a few days with my mum and had a nice dinner with friends even feeling at my worst. Because that's exactly what friends are for, to pick us up when we're feeling down. 

"Here's to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them"

P.x

Day 2 Post Chemo

Day two post chemo wasn't as bad as we thought.

The first night I had horrible aches just before I went to bed and had a paracetamol that helped just to take the edge of it, enough for me to be able to fall asleep and have a good and rested sleep.

Yesterday only a lot of tiredness in the morning and  eventually had a nap in the morning after breakfast as I wasn't feeling well. After a healthy "mummy cooked lunch", we went for a walk (as per every nurse and oncologist instructions) 30-45 minute walk - we didn't really count - it was lovely, sun was out and the nature is so immense around here were we live, so much green around us that inspired us to keep going. Saw some neighbours and had some doggy cuddles and that was good too. It was just unfortunate that I got home extremely tired and stayed in bed for a good hour and a half.

After my rest seemed like I had drunk some kind of energy drink. I was ok - despite a bit of sickness, but I was ok.
Got up and felt energetic, mum was happy with it, I baked a cheesecake, done my nails and cooked dinner when M got home. Felt really proud of myself.

Then I felt like I've done too much and spent too much time on my feet as I was so so tired.

"Walking in the nature is a sure way to help you de-stress and get your creative juices going."

P.x

Round One of Chemotherapy

First day of chemo today.

Not as bad as I imagined. - It never is.

Not a lot of sleep last night. Woke up at 04:00 for the normal "morning wee" and couldn't sleep anymore. My gastritis thought it needed a bit of attention as my stress levels were high and they don't like each other. It was so much pain in my stomach that I couldn't sleep properly anymore. Managed to get breakfast down my throat because it needed to be done before heading to hospital.

We were called in and Mum and M were able to stay with me throughout the whole session. The nurse was so kind and inspirational, she explain everything as if was my first time dealing with chemo and that felt good. When it concerns to ourselves the nursing goes a little out of the window and we're not rational anymore.

The nurse started asking if I wanted to try the cold cap. Everybody speaks so much about it but there's so many divided opinions. I wanted to try it on, but had a strange feeling I wouldn't cope with it. And I wasn't far from being right.
I've requested to try it under the condition I would take it off straight away if I couldn't cope. The nurse chose the size medium for my head - I'm glad at least I'm not big headed - and slid it in my head - It felt horrible, so tight and uncomfortable. I Can't even imagine the cold that would make it expand even more and get it even tighter. - I hesitated and the nurse straight away realised it wasn't for me. Tears rolled down my face, not sure if it was disappointment or just because the whole situation took control over me and for a second I was not in control and frustration came out in a form of tears.
The nurse was amazing dealing with it. She gave me a hug and tried to explain to me that is not used that much as most of the people don't really tolerate it but it was worth to try it on and at least I know. - I won't die stupid now.

My chemo regime is Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide for 4 cycles three weeks in between them. And after that I'll start Paclitaxel for another 4 cycles. But before she started giving me the chemo was time for Dexamethasone 8mg tablets - after the good old friend Omeprazole - and a good lot of Ondasentron intravenously for the sickness. Inserting the gripper in my portacath was less painful than I'd imagined - I had never asked my patients before and this is giving a whole new experience. -  The gripper is a special needle that goes inside the rubber part of the portacath (as I showed on the picture two posts ago) and only penetrates a very thin layer of my skin so it doesn't hurt as much, it hurts more the fact that the whole area is still bruised than the actual needle. I had a saline bag put through just to flush the line and another bag with the Ondasentron. Great experience so far as for the first time didn't feel any drugs going up or down my arm - Oh happy days! - I really didn't like that feeling.
This was followed by a bag of fluid whilst the nurse pushed the drug in very slowly with a big syringe, 5 syringes in total and they both made me have a weird taste in my mouth. - I can only describe as the smell of old hospitals, if anyone can relate. Another bag of fluids was put up to flush all of it around my body. Good thing is, that was half of my fluid intake for today so that's great!
After it all felt a bit lightheaded for about an hour after and then felt normal. - Oh P, you just wait a few hours so you stop feeling normal again. - Bang! 17.00 and tiredness hit, head felt heavy, legs and arms felt heavy and uncomfortable and asking for bed. And that's exactly what I gave them.

Although was a very emotional day for all of us we are still smiling and being positive that together we'll kick Cancer's arse, and we have friends and family looking after us.

And then got home to a special gift that came from heaven!

"There is nothing prettier in the whole wide world than a girl in love with every breath she takes."

P.x

The Haircut

Guess what?

I took control, and most of it is gone!

My beautiful hair (that took me so long to grow after a bad hair cut) is gone.
And no more unicorn hair 🦄 😞

I took all the braveness in me and went for it. 

Gary was the one that created the masterpiece, and made a potential sad and very tearful experience into something beautiful that made me smile.

I like it, I love it. And so do family and close friends and that's all that matters!

I did it even when I could barely move my neck and the pain was taking the best of me, but we can get strength from places where we don't feel it exists anymore.

Surround yourself by the right people and you'll be stronger than ever. You've got it in you, you just need to set it free.

Mum arrived last night too on a very late flight, she got the haircut as surprise and she loved it too! But mum is always a mum and she'll always love you no matter what.

"It's okay to be scared. Being scared means you're about to do something really, really brave."

P.x 

No More Needles!

Today was Portacath insertion day!

I should be well excited about this... but all I feel is pain.

All I've been feeling this week is pain.

I feel sorry for M when he feels powerless towards my screams of pain. - Most of you don't know, but I hate taking tablets, being them painkillers or not. If I can stand the pain, I will, only take tablets when I'm completely desperate (This came after I've been diagnosed with gastritis a few years back and I think everything will upset my stomach).

My abdominal pain stopped yesterday, I still have the odd sharp pain on my right ovary if I laugh or cough but otherwise was fine. I was extremely glad about that as we had the pre-chemo meeting and the last thing I wanted was to sit there in pain. We watched a DVD full of information about the team and how the unit works, and the most common side effects - that don't happen at the same time to everyone nor all of them happen - I already knew most of them from my research and revived my memory when I was in nursing school, but was very good for M - well good for information but bad to make him worry even more.
We got loads of information about support groups that we can meet around our age group - I'd like that, I know I have so many people around me and they're all superstars but I'd like to have people that are going through the same too.

Today we woke up early - M barely slept with the worrying, and I had a sleep full of horrible tiring dreams. - Hospital was awaiting us.
I've asked for this, I'm starting to have a special hate for cannulas and needles going in my skin for the last month, so having a portacath was my choice. - Just didn't freaking know it would hurt so much!!!

Portacath's are a medical device that stays under your skin and allows medication to go in the vein and bloods be taken out. So people don't need to keep finding my veins anymore. A small needle pierces the rubber center and is a direct connection to the big veins in the body.

Dr Richard Leech was amazing! 5 stars 🌟 for him! But instead of the normal approach he had to use the jugular and go under my neck muscle and over my colarbone. So I can now tell you that, even swallowing my own saliva, hurts!

Pain score? About 9/10 when I move...6/10 when I'm resting.
Just trying to focus that in a few days time this pain will be gone and no more cannulas or needles for me! Yay!

P.x

The Art of Conceiving

I've always thought making babies would be easy.

Bullshit! 🙊

At least not when you're making them through the unconventional way. Is this to prepare you for all the hardships they (the kids) will give you in life? Is this a warning sign - Please don't be stupid, kids will be your worst nightmare? Making them is already being my nightmare, this can only get better isn't it?

High protein diet #doasyouretold

Two days after the egg collection and still feeling like my abdomen is going to explode. Feel sick all the time but still trying to intake 2-3 litres of fluid a day plus "a high protein diet" as recommended as it's suppose to help with the symptoms. Something is getting compromised - obviously.

Not sure if you want to know or not, but I'll share it anyway - My bladder is working better now (bigger amounts of wee in one go) and bowels started working today. Yay!! Still not helped with the symptoms though.
They said symptoms should go away in a couple of day - I honestly hope so as I've got appointments to go to this week and all I feel like doing is laying down at the moment.

In regards to our future babies, only 10/19 were mature enough to be fertilized and only 6/10 got to the next stage. They said they are good numbers considering the fact I only had one shot for this. Despite the fact they said that, I was not very happy with the news because they raised my hope when they were so happy with the 19 after the procedure. I'd rather they said "We've got 19 but not all of them will be mature" just to lower my expectations. Anyway, fingers crossed these 6 little devils will hold until the freezing stage. We will know better on Saturday.

I've been worried about so many things regarding this. There's only a 40% chance of the embryo implementing - for my age group (this is obviously way after I've been cleared from cancer and be able to get pregnant) - and if we haven't got enough for a few attempts we might only be able to have one baby at the best. M and I were both raised as only child's and would really like to consider having at least two children, but I guess it will have to be something to be considered and discussed further when we actually know our chances.
We'll see how it goes on Saturday when they freeze them and then I can rest this case to face chemo and kick cancer in the face!

Egg Collection Day

Barely no sleep last night.

Just what you need before a procedure.

I'm definitely feeling better - now that's the end of the day - after way to many drugs that were given me.

It's amazing how drugs make you feel. The egg extraction today was done under sedation, so I was aware of the whole process although I kinda only remember half of it. It's weird! Took around 20 minutes to empty the 20 something follicles and we had a surprising 19 eggs out. M went to do his own contribute for the process whilst I was in theatre. - As he said, he was taking one for the team.
I was completely spaced out up til the end of it that started feeling the last couple of aspirations. Don't really know how I've managed to stand up and sit on the wheelchair but I certainly did. M was waiting for me in the recovery room very patiently.

A glass of water, a hot chocolate and 3 biscuits later I was out the door on my way home. Fell asleep on the car and again on the sofa when I got home.

Oh thank goodness for the drugs! 

Not feeling as bloated but not tolerating huge amounts of food or drink in one go as still feeling slightly sick. Also peeing small amounts at a time, but I'm sure it will go back to normal soon.
All fun and games when you want kids, hey! They've been a handful already and I haven't even met them.

Now after all this huge adventure, we'll have 5 months ahead of a tiny bit worse scenario. Can't wait! - Not!
Roll on next Monday.

Tomorrow we will be told how many eggs were fertilised in the end, but now I'm believing more that there will be a chance of us being parents one day 💗

Don't stop believing!

"There is nothing wrong with wanting more. There is no reason why you shouldn't get everything you want from life."

P.x 

Aches and Pains

Not been an easy last few days.

After struggling with what to do with my life on Thursday, and trying to find the positive things on a very cloudy day that I spent binge-watching Grey's Anatomy (I know.. I haven't finished the last season and that's unacceptable - I had a busy life before this...), and that didn't help that much apart from distracting me from my world, at least I was living someone else's drama.

Jumped into a Friday full of appointments and barely had time to breathe. Morning had what I thought it would be my last scan before Monday but the follicles had been a bit lazy the day before and not grown as expected, so got booked another ultrasound scan for the next morning (after we just drove for 45 minutes) to see if they would have improved by then. (08:30 on a Saturday morning - I can definitely say that we weren't very impressed specially M that worked most of the week) I didn't get very hopeful and started thinking if all this suffering would be a waste but Matt as always had positive words for me.
Later that day we went back to the breast unit for my breast scan and insertion of a coil inside the tumour, but because the CT scan showed a distended lymph node on my neck, another biopsy needed to be done. And so I lied there whilst being poked again with needles and scalpels (because my skin is too young apparently and difficult to penetrate a needle, they always end up making a small incision prior to the needle) but this time my little lymph node didn't like being disturbed so the doctor had to press on my skin with the ultrasound machine to "hold" the bastard to be able to perforate it.
Tears rolled down my face as that experience was so alike the first day I was in that room. I wished no one noticed but the very caring technician that was with me held me tissues and my hand. M's face was suffering for me too, he could see the efforts of the doctor and all the faces I was making with the discomfort of the whole situation. (Needless to say that now I feel a massive bruise underneath my skin and it's painful to turn my neck and had an allergic reaction to the dressing😢)

As if that wasn't enough the anesthetic inside the tumour didn't work so I felt exactly where the coil was being pushed in and it kept stinging for a good hour after it.
That day I just wanted to stay home the rest of the evening, but bowling was a way of proving myself that I could still have a normal life - And I can't.
I'm going through so much and I just wanted to have a little bit of fun and distraction. But I can't because my body is not letting me. My body is crying for help. And just to top up that day, my car run out of battery at the bowling car park! Great! It turned out to be that someone 😏left the lights on...

So when do the good news and good days begin???

Not on Saturday - well perhaps for a few hours - After the scan we were told that this hormone nightmare will end on Monday - Hurrah - meaning that I'd have to have a boost of the - already huge dose - injection as soon as I got home.
Estrogen is a horrible horrible thing. Sometimes I wish I could be a man. The side effects of this injection doubled on me yesterday. Sickness was the worst, but adding to pain in my ovaries and bloatedness that I've been having all week, pain on my neck and breast from the day before, the fear of chemo making me feel 100 times worse than this made me panic.

Shaking, crying, sobbing, completely out of control was how M found me on the bathroom floor.
I wanted to be sick but I wasn't able to, and that was making me feel worse physically and emotionally. I just wanted it to end. Tried 111 to get a prescription for anti-sickness but no luck, the triage guy was probably thinking I had appendicitis, perforated bowel or diabetes with all my symptoms, so ended up putting my case through a GP on call, that eventually took way to long to phone back.
Hospital it is then! One IV cyclizine later was feeling better to come home to eat and drink again.

Today the sickness was slightly under control, not been able to eat a lot, but at least drunk enough. I still feel sick but it's bearable. I'm extremely tired, got aches and pains everywhere, felt frustration about ridiculous things and felt at the verge of crying but M could see the ridiculous of it and start laughing, which made me feel stupid for tearing about it. First world dramas😅.

Tomorrow these little me's are coming out and hopefully will start feeling a bit normal again - well probably only after the sedation effects go away (could do with some quality sleep right now).

"Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."

P.x

A Little Smile

To be honest, not really feeling like writing. I'm in pain.

Not been feeling the best of myself for almost a week, all my energy and happiness seems that have been drained from my body. I think I've told this too many times, but I hate these hormones and they are taking the best of me. But I know this is for a greater good.

Although I'm feeling like that, I don't want to sink to it. I make myself get up, get dressed, go out, even if it's just for a walk - I refuse to drown on this mood changes. Some days it's harder than the others as it feels like there's no purpose. Really think that UK horrible cloudy weather doesn't help with feeling down.
But I'm ok.
I still get to be in the comfort of my own place, have food and drink on my table, have friends and family around me and feel so much love from so many people every single day.

So if you're having a horrible day, or a horrible week, just think that - eventually - it will all pass. Be thankful and grateful for all the things that you have around you and the people that walk by your side.
Bad things don't last forever, they just make us stronger for the next challenge in life. So... "Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up and Never Give Up" - even when you don't feel like it.

Something that made me smile yesterday was certainly be surrounded by the right kind of people. Despite the fact they've only known me for two months, my lovely work colleagues sent me a great surprise to make me feel supported and loved. For that I felt so grateful to know such nice people. You are amazing, thank you 💗

Fertility update: Ovaries are now causing me pain. I can definitely point out where they "live". Yesterday I started feeling the aches and thought to myself it could be normal, but M made me call the out of hours nurse. She said it's normal, and the scan this morning showed that it's painful because the follicles are using a lot of my lower abdomen space making me feel very bloated as well.
It's a good sign, means that they are doing what it's suppose to do but it's very uncomfortable and the fact that it hurts every time I cough or sit down - basically when intrabdominal pressure is increased - I honestly hope the harvesting is on Monday. Fingers crossed.

Ps. Pretty long text for the one that didn't feel like writing. 😅 oh well...

"Some days are better, some days are worse. Look for the blessing instead of the curse. Be positive, stay strong, and get enough rest. You can't do it all, but you can do your best."

P.x

I Miss Her - Saudades Dela

Some days I wish my tears would dry.

Talking on the phone with mum yesterday, we talked about my old T. She's a beautiful Cocker Spaniel, the love of my life 💖. She'll be 14 years old on the 23rd this month, and she's blind and deaf. But she can still feel everything. 

She still sleeps with me every time I go back home even though we might have been apart for so long, and even though she struggles getting in and out of bed because she doesn't see. But she still tries. 

T knows when I'm about to leave and makes sure she lays on my clothes when I'm trying to pack. I know she hates goodbyes - same as me - but I always squeeze her really tight and kiss her loads because every time I come back to England I think I might never see her again - and I always do.

That's what made me cry yesterday.

I haven't felt her or she felt me since December. I still see her over skype but she can't see me anymore. Or hear me. 

And that breaks my heart.💔 

Mum started her packing to come over and left the suitcase in my bedroom, and because it's my suitcase in my bedroom T knows something is about to happen, so she's been sleeping in my bed, probably looking for me or waiting for me.

Never been this long without going back. And it will be long until I can again. What if she's not there anymore? What if that morning when I was rushing out of the door to go to the airport was the last time I felt her and she felt me. I truly hope she holds on. I hope she waits for me so I can hug her One. More. Time.

We shouldn't take things or people for granted. People that are there today might not be there tomorrow. 

Enjoy every moment you've got with the ones you love. Don't argue. Ask yourself if that is really worth arguing about. Give them your time. It's the best present you can give to someone: Time!

Nothing in this life is more important that them. 

"Give the people you love the best of yourself, not the worst. Make the commitment today to give them the time they deserve."

P.x

Check your boobies ( . ) ( . ) / ( • ) ( • )

First day of the month ladies and gents!!

Have you checked your breasts today?

Checking your breasts frequently will detect early signs of breast cancer.

I felt my lump a little bit too late, and when I found it was a bit too big to just be removed. Me and M feel guilty about it almost every day because we didn't feel it early. So ladies and gents please get those bras off and get checking the boobies!
Do it in the shower, after the shower, before bed, in the middle of the day, doesn't really matter, just make it a habit at least once a month.

I'm attaching some images to show how easy it is - only takes a few seconds of your day - and the things you should look for.

1. First of all put your arm up on the side of the breast that your checking to make the surface as flat and stretched as possible.
2. Use the tips of the 3 bigger fingers together to cover enough area for the exam. You have to do a certain amount of pressure - so just you feel the fatty tissue underneath your skin (about 1-2 cm deep).
3. Mimic the movements as shown on the picture below.

4. Look for signs of:
(Caroço, mamilo invertido, depressão ou covinhas na pele, secreções no mamilo, vermelhidão, mudanças na pele)

Don't leave it till tomorrow. Tomorrow is one day too late.

"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."

P.x