Betty Dodson with Carlin Ross

Better Orgasms. Better World.

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I think it is great that you scheduled an appointment when it is obviously worrying you.

It's okay to be worried, but now you will get it out of your system soon!

I was regularly freaking out about my moles -it even became kind of a habit - but it took me forever to check with a dermatologist. Why did I drag it out and worried again and again, when it would have been so simple to schedule an appointment?
- Maybe there is an internal aversion to seeing a doctor, some irrational fear that if you go see one, the chances are higher that this lump/ mole is something worrying.

About breasts not feeling normal:
Could it be that it is mostly due to our lack of comparisson?
Women today generally hear about breast cancer and that lumps or nodes in the breasts might be a first indication. When I was around 13-14, I checked my breasts and felt something. I was assured by my mom and my father (a doctor) that this was "normal".

I don't know why, but I always pictured breast as something fluffy - mostly fat and soft. And when I squeeze my breasts they don't feel how I picture other women's breasts. Now that I think of it, how did I ever come to this conclusion when the only breasts I consciously remember touching (well examining thouroughly) were my own?

Hm, I will try to find a friend to do mutual breast exams to change that soon.
Thanks for the post, VirginMonoblogger - it made me realize a few things.
Enjoy this over-prized coffe-drink you've been writing about.

I'm not a big fan of self breast exams because breast tissue changes throughout one's cycle. I applaud your decision to see a doctor (most nurses make the worst patients, good for you for taking care of yourself). However, can your breast changes be explained by an increase in caffeine? One of my first jobs had several patients with fibrocystic breasts which the doctor would remind them was made worse by caffeine. This reminds me that I am way overdue for my mammogram, I'm actually at the age where I should get them yearly (baseline was 10 years ago), in the same decade as my mother when she had her first bout of breast cancer, and have other breast issues. Go get felt up for your health!

Same thing is going on with me. Like you I went to see my doctor and he dismissed me. Basically he told me that if they hurt I should take an  advil. Really? Sometimes I even feel like my underarms hurt alot before I get my period too. My doctor didn't even try to feel around. I mean I don't know what's normal. Shouldn't he have checked? Fill us in on your visit :)

nanha: I've felt my fair share of boobs, haha. None of my friends' boobs feel like mine, but then again, they don't feel like each other's, either. Mine are definitely the "lumpiest" by far. They don't look lumpy and there's no dimpling or rippling. I guess I'll find out soon whether they're normal or not. I sure will treat myself after my appointment. Thank you for your comment!

Heylin: Part of the reason why I made the appointment is BECAUSE I'm in nursing school, lol. It's made me so unbearably paranoid. I've started taking vitamins now and everything. It's just time to get this question answered, and I've been wondering about my boobs for years. Also, I literally drink little to no caffeine. I can't remember the last time I had a soda and I never drink coffee. Not a lot of chocolate and things like that. I never feel the effects of caffeine, anyway. I remember trying a 5 Hour Energy Shot some years ago and I was falling asleep while drinking the second half. It made my heart race, but that was it.

You go get that mammogram!

I view my boobs in a very similar way. While I've never had breast pain (atypical periods) , I do have "fiborous" breasts; very soft and pillowy but with a little pressure there seems to be a lot going on. I've only done one self exam and decided to put off dealing with that aspect until my first pap (like a month away) just because of how much I could feel. 

VirginMonoblogger,
You're probably a healthy, normal young woman.  Breast pain in the two weeks before your period can be due to high progesterone levels.  Natural progesterone is a good thing; a protective thing.  Don't let your doctor put you on fake hormones (the pill) and tell you it will make you "feel better".
I started taking bioidentical progesterone at 40 and now, 12 years later, am still on it.  I can tell when I'm taking too much (breast pain), and when I don't have enough (don't feel "right").  I take mine orally at bedtime to help me sleep.  It's like Valium for the female brain, according to my compounding pharmacist.
Please continue with regular gyno exams.  Your sensitivity and fears will help you become a compassionate nurse.  Think positive and stay healthy.

I'm hoping and 99% sure that you will be fine. I'm also sure that I will be fine as well. Still, a professional opinion will set both of our minds at ease.

My doc, as I'm sure most would be, is a total professional and knows that many people find the breast exam awkward, so she engages me in conversation throughout the whole thing...only takes about 30 seconds. You'll be fine :)

Ms. Louise is right. A clinical breast exam is very clinical and quick. Doctors and clinical staff really don't want to see more of the patient than necessary.