United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I can't do a self breast exam and not just because of the length difference but also I can't really feel well with my robpi finger tips... I also can't take my own pulse and that's annoying for exercise and Cardiac Rehab.

One breast is much larger than the other and my peck muscle is wasted ( but not really noticeable to others). I was not allowed to nurse BUT I know that other bpi mothers have nursed. The doctor told me I could not but I don't think he knew for sure so he did not want to take the chance.

This is a big worry for such a young girl. She still has more time and lots of changes between now and the time when she will have to face these decisions. We change so much in our teen years. A beautiful well developed girl of 15 still changes a great deal as she matures...

Hope this helps
Kath robpi/adult

Hi Louise,
at 22 I am not quite to the baby stage yet although I am planning my wedding for next fall so babies are not too far off. Until you mentioned this, nursing was not really a concern other than positioning. However I did discover that my sensation is different throughout more of my body than I had previously though. I used to think just my hand/ arm was involved as far as sensation loss however, I was waxing this weekend (shaving a bikini area suck when you cant use both hands) and my right (bpi side) is so much less sensitive than my left side. I never knew that differences went that low...I only discovered in the last couple years that my sensation is markedly different in my back too.

So thinking about it, I am sure that breast feeding will be just another thing that will be so different. I also had a pec transfer so my size is now almost a cup different. Hope that helps miss Elizabeth.

I have found the cure for self exams but I am not sure its appropriate and what moms want to hear so email me if you are really wanting to know what I am doing since my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in December. My mom is very young and genetics are a huge factor for cancer in my family so breast exams a super important to me but I cant do my left side so I impervised....My method only works with a commited relationship.

Hope that helps,
Amy 22 years old ROBPI from MN

Amy
You are tooooooo funny.... Not that breast exams are funny but just the way you put it out there!!!

You still crack me up!!!

Love & Hugs
Kath robpi/adult

Sorry ladies but I had to be honest. Breast exams are super important to me now since my mom is so young and her cancer such an aggressive form...I had to find some way to make it work and the elationship thing was the best thing that came to mind.

And yes, I hope Miss Elizabeth keeps her body private for 7 years too! Thats not something that should be shared with just anyone...it takes a very special someone to be the "self" examiner.

Amy

Amy
I think it was wonderful of you to share this information. Many women do not ask for the help they need for breast cancer. Why? I don't know...
Of course, you know I tend to be very open about health care and this is an important subject as more and more teenage girls share these boards.
Your answer may have inspired some to ask for help. With a history of breast cancer in your family is is soooooooooo important to make sure that nothing has a chance to escape you.

I don't often think of it because I don't have a history in my family. However, my Gyn told me " as long as a woman has breasts, she is at risk." He reminded me that I should try or get help because I was not immune because of the lack of family history.

Love & Hugs
Kath robpi/adult

GREAT ADVICE Ladies, ALL. I too am laughing cause I could tell stories too about Left BPI side ALL UP & DOWN my body in ALL IMPORTANT PARTS being less or more sensitive[i'm not telling which!!]than my "unaffected" side. NOW you may read between the lines Louise and KATH...LOL 'cause i am, a notty old 71 yr old lady! TEE HEE...

Carolyn J

....ohhh yes, THANKS for sharing AMY!!! We may have opened a topic of conversation for committed realationships
I HOPE!!

Carolyn J
LOBPI Adult