One of the things about breast cancer is sadly there are so many of us that have been through it. 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. In some way it touches us all.
Right from the start, I wanted my experience to help people. With more knowledge than the average patient, I felt I could. But, I am not alone in my plight to help. It seems a common trait amongst those that have suffered. We are all desperate to make it better for the next person.
On the weekend, I attended the Bigger Boobie Ball at Sabina River in Busselton. The brainchild of Carol and Heather, this event gets bigger and more celebratory each year. Raising money for Breast Cancer Care WA is the main aim, but they have a whole lot of fun doing it and it is an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate those that have fought this insidious disease.
I was humbled to be asked to contribute my experience to a video that was played on the evening. I had recorded it several weeks prior. It wasn’t emotional, it was factual and direct. My message was clear. Take control, use the amazing services we have in WA and know your body. It was typical Amber.
What I didn’t expect, were the tears rolling down my face when the video came on (although a close friend had predicted it). I’m not entirely sure what happened, or why I was so emotional but I think it was a moment of….. shit, this really happened to me and all since last year’s ball.
Once I gathered myself, I was able to stand proud. Proud of what I got through this year, proud for sharing it and proud of all of my supporters. Without them, I never would have survived it as well as I have. I rang the bell and celebrated ‘feeling like me again’.
One of the things I loved most about the evening was the coming together of breast cancer sisters. The photo below, shows a few of the group we call the ‘Shitty Titty Committee’. We stand together and make sure no one goes through this alone, we ask each other questions, we share experience and head coverings, we find funny in the not funny.
But this picture is my moment…….. each of us has just rung the bell to celebrate our own unique milestone and Heather has asked if there is anyone else present who would also like to ring the bell. We look so happy to see someone we don’t know step forward, courageous and brave, ready to ring the bell. We have no idea who she is or her story, but we know she is one of us. She is part of our sisterhood.
As we like to say in the Shitty Titty Committee…. ‘shittiest club but best members’. The frightening fact that struck everyone as we stood there glammed up and happy, was how young we all were. Maybe the older ladies were at home, maybe the drag queens and music and dancing and food and Boobie golf and silks show was too daunting…….. or maybe this disease is beginning to strike younger…….
Either way…. it sucks (the older ladies would have loved the night).
Ax
The BooBee Journey 