Shhh! b...o....o...b.....s!

I was wondering what to post about today, when I popped over to Dani's blog and read her post entitled - boobs. I knew instantly what my post was to be about - yes, boobs. For the sake of those who blush at this word, let's call them breasts. Either way, this is one of those subjects that affects every woman. For most, they are either too big or too small; for others, it's a story of life and death as they've experienced that awful moment and realization that they have breast cancer. I've met only one woman, or at least know of only one woman, who had a mastectomy, so this subject is foreign to me. I know there are woman out there who have had experiences that they are sharing with others and more who should. I have found myself wondering if age 40 is too late to have a mammogram and if I should be screened earlier. Here are two stories that might make you laugh, or not - but either way, I hope to raise breast health awareness by just talking about that hush, hush word-boobs:

Story #1: My sister Jennifer and I grew up always three years apart. I think that we enjoyed each others company, but as her little sister - it was my job to annoy her - right? One evening while doing dishes together my sister and I were singing the song, Hit me with your best shot, by Pat Benatar. She had just taken the foil from the counter and rolled it in a ball to throw it away. Goofing off, she said to me while putting the foil over her boob - 'hit me with your best shot'. So, I did. OK, hello? Did she not think I wouldn't take that shot?! My only choice at this time was to run and try to defend myself from a very upset - sore - sister! It's a fun story to tell now, but having no breasts of my own at the time -I understand now why she was so mad!

Do you think the media feeds into our bigger or smaller methodology? Or is it entirely personal?

Story #2: Two weeks ago I went to a department store to be sized. My bras were seriously stretched and it was time to get some more. There was this little old lady at the counter and after trying on a couple of bras on my own, I approached her to size me. She did the measurements, stepped back looking perplexed. I said, "So, my size?" "Hmmm," she said, "32...." wait for it ... " double d". "Really?" ...and with her french Quebec accent, she said,"I'll be back".

Seriously, it seemed like 10 minutes, she came back with what she said was the only three bras in the entire store with this size and asked me to try the first one on. She opened the door right as I put the bra on and the next thing out of her mouth was "beautiful!" She than called to the other woman working the counter. Soon I had two old ladies looking at my cleavage. It was quite the scene! While I am standing with the dressing room door open to the public, they are talking about how they have never seen this size before in all their days at their job. I guess the around size is smaller than most double d sizes? I quickly shrink back into the dressing room. I have shyed away from telling this embarassing tale, but all well - big or small, it's all about how we feel - right? Make the choice to love your size and make the choice to be aware!

Should we be tested sooner than 40 for mammograms? Is 40 too late?

What stories can you tell?
Have you had a mammogram yet?

This is for you Jennifer!