I did want to flag early signs of breast cancer that I missed….details re boobs (well, one boob at least) so don’t read on if you don’t want to think about tits…

Hard not to feel quite stupid for having missed them, to be honest. Yes, I know, gentle on myself and all that…but I am human (apparently so at least)…

The main thing I noticed but didn’t register was changes in my breast. I was always focused on lumps when it came to breast self awareness – even though other changes are talked about in relevant literature. I clearly did not absorb that information though and am only really now realizing it – so wanted to flag for all of you. And the reason I get it now is because my breast is returning to normal – which is brilliant!!

So – the changes were a ‘puckering’ of the skin on the outside of my breast, where the lump is. It was not always there – it would come and go, hence my not really paying it much attention. It is clearly though an early sign of breast cancer. The skin, after a shower and other times, would look different from my nipple to the outer side of my breast – the only word I can use is puckered. It affected pretty much half of my breast – as I say, the outside where the lump is and where it spread to the lymph nodes.  Also, and again, I only really notice now it’s reversed, my left breast shape changed across the same area. It was less round – like the outside area had sunken in a bit. Very obvious to me now it has fleshed out again, but was not obvious at the time. Not least due to weight loss and gain I generally go through a lot which affects breast shape. But again, now I know what to look for its actually very obvious. 

I remember my first appointment at the Marsden with the surgeon – and her looking at my breast while I was standing – I see now what she saw.  I could see something in her face registering, but didn’t fully get it. 

So my friends – do watch out for these signs (if you don’t already) as they often appear before lumps are obvious – and definitely did in my case.