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CHAPTERS
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
Chapter Six
Normal Breast Changes: Lumps,
Cysts, Thick Areas, Pain
We learned in a health class about how our breasts have these glands that produce milk. Some of the girls thought that was gross, but I think it’s really amazing! We women have this amazing power.
Amaranta, 16
When my breasts first started developing, it hurt when I’d hug anybody. Once I yelped, “Ouch!” And my friend asked, “What’s wrong?” I was so embarrassed! All I could say was “Nothing, nothing.”
Madeline, 16
I can predict the arrival of my period depending on how much my breasts hurt. They get big, hard as rocks, and feel like enormous bruises. Sometimes I get what I call the “four boob effect,” when my breasts bubble out over the top of the bra cup and look like a whole other set of breasts.
Claire, 18
When I was thirteen, I worried because my breasts hurt so much – but it was just me starting puberty!
Tawni, 20
I pulled an all-nighter writing a paper for an English class and I drank a ton of coffee! The next day my breasts really hurt. I guess that’s a side-effect?
Sam, 17
Sometimes my breasts sting and hurt a little. My mom says that’s just growing pains.
Angelica, 12
On vacation my cousin was trying to squeeze into the car. She accidentally elbowed my mom in the breast, causing a lump. My mom had the lump removed and it turned out to be nothing.
Margo, 15
I felt a lump in my breast, got really scared and was so sure I was going to die. My mom took me to the doctor right away. After a bunch of tests, it turned out to be a “fibroadenoma.” I don’t really know what that means but my doctor told me not to worry about it.
Akeelah, 16
I finally figured out that I have to wear a loose bra when I’m about to get my period. Otherwise, I’m laying there in the dark trying not to move at all because it hurts so much!
Melanie, 14
It’s really crazy. First our moms and aunts tell us all about breast cancer and how you have to look for lumps and all that stuff. But then they forget to tell us about all the little lumps and bumps that don’t have anything to do with cancer at all. They can be just a normal part of getting breasts. How come nobody talks about all this stuff?
Chloe. 15
