Imbalances

In Susun Weed’s book ” Breast Cancer? Breast Health!”, she offers a great tip for women who’ve been diagnosed any kind of breast imbalance. As most of you know by now, breast imbalances represent the refusal to nourish and love ourself.

Susan recommends, “Do nothing for others for a while. Stop nurturing others. Stop saying “yes” to others and say “yes” to yourself.”

This sections covers the most common breast imbalances. It is meant to give you a general understanding of common breast imbalances. They’re described to the best of my understanding and my experience today.

Fibroadenomas

Fibro def: fibrous tissue
Adenoma def: a benign tumor formed from glandular structures in epithelial tissue.
They are the most common diagnosis for benign solitary breast lumps and mostly affect younger women between the ages of 15 to 35.
The breasts are glandular organs composed of lobules and ducts which are surrounded by fatty, glandular and fibrous tissue. Fibroadenomas are common benign breast tumors and usually develop from the lobule (milk producing glands). Essentially, fibroadenomas consist of fibrous and glandular connective tissue that have grown more rapidly.
They are usually round in size, are well defined in shape, may feel rubbery or like a small pea or marble and move easily under the skin.
Fibroadenomas are hormone dependent and may fluctuate in size during the menstrual cycle.
They can grow anywhere from 2-10 cm, even bigger at times. They can be found in large quantities. I have 12 and have heard of someone with 26.
Are rarely painful.
African-American women are more likely to develop fibroadenomas.
Fibroadenomas, depending on who you talk to, do not increase your risk of breast cancer. I’m a firm believer of not letting in too much information that will stress and worry you. No one, even the so-called ‘experts’ have all the answers. Don’t be pressured into making a decision out of fear. I walked away from one of the top oncologist surgeons in Vancouver for a few different reasons. She couldn’t answer any of my questions, had very poor bedside manners and there was great hesitation on my part to work with her. My body intuitively knew that this was not the correct path or the right doctor for me. Now, some of us might not have this option, but if you do, it is well worth it to find a doctor who will answer your questions and make you feel comfortable and supported. And get different opinions. See different doctors. In my experience, what one doctor misses another one gets. Create a team of healthcare professional that can guide and support you in you all areas.
Fibroadenomas arise from high risk cells that have been affected by environmental factors such as excess estrogen.
Some fibroadenomas grow slowly and some grow fast depending on the cell affected. The key is to correct the influencing factor which is usually correcting the estrogen – progesterone ratio.

Fibrocystic Breasts

Often coined fibrocystic breast ‘disease’ which it isn’t.
Fibrocystic changes occur when your breast tissues changes or grows, which often happens with the monthly hormonal cycle. It can also change with diet. Drinking coffee for example, is quite stimulating to breast tissue and can increase the density and fibrousness.
It’s most often a normal change in the anatomy of the breast. It’s often characterized by thickening or dense breast tissue in one area. Breast may become lumpy, swollen or tender a few days or weeks before the menstrual cycle.
It is perfectly normal to have variations in breast density throughout the breast. I personally don’t believe that these occurrences should be labeled, but be aware that this is completely normal and healthy. Every woman is different and shouldn’t be compared to another woman’s breast anatomy.
Fibrocystic breast and ‘lumpy’ breasts tend to affect both breasts.

Cysts

A cyst is a fluid filled sac.
They can often be painful.
More common in women in their forties as their hormones change.
Its margins (or borders) are not as well defined as a fibroadenoma’s.
Are generally mobile and may feel rubbery when manipulated.
A cysts’ fluid content can generally be aspirated if desired. Fluid is usually a yellow, or greenish brown fluid.
Most cysts disappear with menopause.
They do not increase risk of breast cancer.
Caffeine makes the breasts prone to developing cysts. If you’ve got cysts of any kind (uterine, ovarian or breast) remove all sources of caffeine from your diet.

Lumpy Breasts

Are sometimes also labelled as dense breasts.
Breasts have various density throughout the breast which may feel “lumpy”. With fibrocystic changes every cycle, tissue may feel irregular.
Women who have small breasts or are thin might notice this lumpiness more.
Lumpiness most often affects both breasts
Breasts are incredibly sensitive to hormonal fluctuations and will undergo changes in synchrony with the menstrual cycle.
Caffeine may increase breast tissue ‘lumpiness’.

Dense Breasts

Are not a problem
Dense areas occur when there is more connective tissue in that particular area. Connective tissue is the same tissue that ligaments and scar tissue are made of.
There is essentially a higher concentration of tissue in one area.
The upper outer quadrant of the breast has the most dense tissue.
Younger women tend to have denser breasts than older women.

What’s important to note is that every month, due to the hormonal cycle, there is an accumulation of cells, fluid and cellular debris in the breast tissue. If the lymphatic system is congested this debris isn’t cleared. It remains in the breast tissue where it causes inflammation and leads to fibrocystic and lumpy breasts.

Breast Pain

Cyclical and Non Cyclical

Known as cyclic mastalgia or mastodynia. (These names make it sound so serious, no?)
Breast pain is a sign that’s there’s an imbalance in our lives somewhere. I personally experience more breast pain during stressful times.
Breast pain is most often not a sign of cancer, but as with everything there are exceptions.
Breast pain can be attributed to any number of factors; pregnancy, breastfeeding, puberty, menstrual cycle, hormone changes, menopause, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, emotional and psychological stress, etc.
It’s wise to talk to your health care practitioner if you’re experience anything that you’re unsure of. Don’t suffer needlessly. Get checked out so you can rule out anything serious and can relax. I’ve always been a hypochondriac and the slightest pain or bump anywhere would send me off the charts worrying and stressing out about the worst possible scenarios. I would wait for months before going to the doctors, always scared of what if they find something serious? I’m much better now, especially since I have a better understand of how my body works and what it needs.
Stressing out about this pain will only make it worse. It’s a double edged sword.

Cyclic

Cyclic pain occurs anywhere from 5-14 days premenstrually, during the luteal phase (2 weeks before your period begins). The pain felt can be mild to very painful and uncomfortable. Tenderness, swelling and pain are the most common symptoms.
Every woman is different and will experience different symptoms and duration.
The cause is thought to be a fatty acids deficiency within the cells. Nutrient deficiencies cause increase breast tissue sensitivity to the circulating hormones that play a role in the menstrual cycle.
Usually experienced in both breasts, the pain can be dull, achy, sore or heavy.
If pain is experienced in only one breast, it’s possible that there is something in this breast that is responding to hormonal changes.
Breasts undergo the same cyclic changes as the uterus. During the luteal phase, it’s common for the breasts to retain fluid which increases pressure and inflammation in the breast tissue leading to tenderness. The uterus has the ability to release the buildup of cellular tissue and fluid through the menstrual flow, whereas the same build up of fluids and tissues in the breasts get reabsorbed into the body.
Up to 80% of women with cyclic breast pain are able to relieve their pain simply by changing their diet.

Non Cyclical

Non cyclic pain can be related to change and interactions with our environment. Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma as well as eating an inflammatory diet, nutrient deficiencies, lack of sleep and exercise, poor posture, tight shoulder and neck muscles, having larger breasts and breast implants are all important factors that should be examined.
The pain can often be sharp, pulling, stabbing or burning.
I use my breast pain as a barometer. I look back and examine what I was eating the weeks and even month prior to my menstruation cycle, how much I was exercising, what my stress levels were, if I flew anywhere (flying can create lots of inflammation), did I run out of any key nutrients and so on. I’ll make adjustments accordingly.
Often times a woman’s breast pain is connected to a deeper wound. This pain is often a cry to address and release the message.

Phyllodes Tumor

PHYLL means leaf in Greek
The cells are leaf shaped
Are benign but can sometimes (rarely) be malignant.
They can often come back after surgery.
Are very unusual and make up less than 2% of breast lumps.

Breast Cancer

If you’re unfortunately dealing with breast cancer my heart goes out to you. I won’t dive into this area much as each case is truly individual and not an area I feel qualified to discuss, but I truly believe that all of the tools I share in this course will be greatly beneficial for navigating your healing journey. All the tools mentioned, from my limited research, do mention that they benefit breast cancer.
“Many healers and Caroline Myss teach that cancer is the disease of timing. It can result when most of a person’s energy is tied up dealing with old hurts and resentments from the past the they can’t seem to release. These old hurts need a witness – someone who validates the wounds – before healing can begin.” Dr. Northup
I truly believe that our bodies are capable of healing any imbalances regardless of the ‘stage’ of the dis-ease. I believe in you to heal and find your path for health and wholeness. I