MASTER OF PLOT TWISTS: TEST THOSE BREASTS

Krystal
Aug 5
2 min read

Jamie thought retirement meant finally starting the next chapter.

PLOT TWIST...

The day after her retirement celebration, a mammogram for a lump turned her plans into bloodwork, scans, Chemotherapy, surgery, and more than a year consumed by Breast Cancer.

When treatment ended, Jamie was left with a question many survivors know too well: “Who am I now?” Instead of simply writing about what happened, the former educator used her podcasting experience to create Test Those Breasts—a nonprofit and weekly podcast sharing honest conversations with survivors, caregivers, oncologists, surgeons, therapists, and advocates. Her mission is simple: shorten the terrifying learning curve, connect the Breast Cancer community, and make lifesaving education easier to understand.

Because apparently Cancer forgot Jamie was a teacher.

She took the darkest lesson of her life—and built an entire classroom from it.

TEST THOSE BREASTS: KNOW YOUR NORMAL

Formal monthly self-exams are no longer recommended by the American Cancer Society as a substitute for screening, but knowing how your breasts and chest normally look and feel can help you recognize changes and report them quickly. Mammograms and any screening plan recommended by your healthcare provider still matter.

LOOK: Stand in front of a mirror with your arms relaxed, then raised. Notice changes in size, shape, skin texture, swelling, dimpling, redness, or nipple position.
FEEL: Using the pads of three fingers, make small circles with light, medium, and
firm pressure. Cover the entire breast and chest area—from collarbone to bra line and armpit to sternum.
CHECK LYING DOWN: Repeat the same pattern while lying down, placing a pillow beneath the shoulder of the side you are checking.
NOTICE THE NIPPLES: Watch for new inversion, rash, crusting, pain, or unexpected discharge.
REPORT CHANGES: A new lump, thickening, skin change, swelling, or anything that is not normal for you deserves a call to your healthcare provider—do not wait for your next mammogram.