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One of the biggest myths surrounding breast cancer is that the disease only affects women.

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Women’s bodies are extraordinary. We literally make tiny humans inside of us. But is also a terrifying place. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, I want to remind you to do monthly breast exams on yourself.

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You will be scared, you will be anxious and you will be upset. You might want people’s opinions, you might want to tell them to shut the fuck up — you do you.

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You can honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month simply by talking about breast cancer, mammograms and preventative measures with friends and family members.

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Lisa’s story, her power-hold over cancer, and her raw sense of humor have started to give me hope. Hope for what, I can’t really articulate. I just know I’ve felt hope for the first time in a long time.

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I sat in the waiting room, a nervous wreck. I had the cold sweats, my hands were shaking like a drug addict going through withdrawal, and I never felt more alone in my entire life.

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When I took off the bra, I began feeling more immersed in the world and less burdened by the contraption on my chest.

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The only advice is to not ignore that this is a last of something in her life and in yours. But from lasts, come new firsts.