terrified of breast cancer, please help me (women only)?

[the greatness]

Okay. I think I may have breast cancer and I'm scared shitless. I have to go see the doctor for an exam but I've dreaded this all my life. I am so modest I can't even have people bump up against me. The idea of having someone see my breasts and...touch them (noone has seen them since I was a YOUNG child) freaks me out, maybe worse than death. I am DISGUSTING! As if physical deformities weren't enough, I just don't know if I'll be able to do this. Really. Anyone would be freaked out by my body, even a doctor. The appointment is not being forced upon me, it's my idea. Are there any reassuring things you can tell me? Any stories of having this done? Or any pointers on how to not wimp out...again.

This is a huge deal which has been bothering me for a while, and I just have to get it dealt with.

[Eagles Fly]

First thing to do is calm down. You should be congratulated for having enough for sight, to know you should see a doctor about this.

One thing you can do, if you have a male doctor, request a female doctor. Many, many women feel more comfortable with a female doctor. There's nothing wrong with switching doctors. It's done all the time.

You can "take it to the bank" that doctors have seen it all. If you feel that bad about your body, then take a minute and explain to the doctor of any deformities you might have. Be up front with the doctor. Then there will be no surprises from either one of you. Just say, doctor, give me a minute to explain something to you and then say what you want to say before the exam begins. You can also tell the doctor that you're scared shittiest about this whole thing. I'M SERIOUS, use the same word you used here to describe your fears. Can tell you one thing .... I wouldn't hesitate to tell it like it is. I can get just as scared about things as you.

Don't care how you feel about your own body, YOU ARE NOT
DISGUSTING AT ALL, so throw that right out of your head now. Took me awhile to finally come to the conclusion that I had to except my self for who I am. Body and all.

You assume anyone would be freaked out about your body including the doctor. Never assume anything, because the chances are you're going to be wrong.

I'm always nervous about have my yearly physical and I've seeing the same female doctor for years. Don't tell anyone, but there have been many times when I've gone to see my doctor with an attitude I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I'm not saying that, just to make you feel better. My doctor can atest to that.

I know I have to deal with my attitude, you have to deal with not wimping out and do the right thing for yourself. Always remember, you're number one, no matter what the circomstanes are. I also have to deal with my spelling.

If we can't laugh about ourselves, then what's to laugh about.
Bring up that courage from the tips of your toes, because that's when you'll start feeling better about yourself instead of hiding.

You have all my support and I'll be thinking about you. You can take that to the bank too.