This is actually a message from Winnie Madding, LLLL, RN, IBCLC in Milwaukee
WI.

She discovered a lump in her breast on Dec. 5, (she had had a normal mamogram
in Sept.) the biopsy on was done on Dec. 20 and cancer was diagnosed.  She
 decided to have a mastectomy and plans radiation and chemo.  The surgery
results are good.  There is no lympth node involvement and the rest of the
breast was ok.  She asked me to transmit a very important message to everyone:

Lactation may decrease the odds, but it in no way prevents breast cancer.

Further, she requests that I remind everyone that a SBE (self breast exam)
consists of three parts:  1. Standing inspection (usually done in the shower),
2. visualization of breast tissue in a mirror and 3. lying down inspection.  She
found a grape sized tumor that was near the skin and it was only apparent when
she did the lying down inspection.