Hello and happy new year, I hope this year brings some better times for us than last year.
There are ladies out there who will join our ( not so) exclusive club this year. I can’t stop them getting breast cancer, though I am sure peoplebare working hard to achieve just that.
But what I can do is try and give any ladies who develop bc a better chance of surviving and being cured. What I can do is educate women so they catch it early, and give themselves the best chance possible.
My 2010 was about diagnosis and treatment. I want my 2011 to be about being well and raising awareness. It’s my new years resolution and where better to start than here on bcc?
I have already done the facebook status new year awareness thing ( see my other thread for info) so anyone could do that too. I have texted and emailed the same message to people I know who aren’t on fb. I just think how would I feel if I didn’t pass the message on and someone I know missed detecting their bc early despite the knowledge I have? What I’ve gone through has to be for something, surely?
I am due to give a talk to look good, feel better thus month and will use the opportunity to raise awareness. I will be doing other bits and pieces too. I think using smear test appointments to mention bc is a great opportunity that’s missed and I’m going to highlight this to my gp and see what we can do. Not a difficult job but imagine all the local ladies my message would reach through this?!
My view is that it’s the individual story and xperience that often works in making people self aware. Big charities are essential and do sterling work, but there’s still a gap for real stories from the ladies at the coalface of bc. If we all did just a little bit it would help. If you have ideas, post them here. If you have people willing to help, post it here.
I sound like a Tesco advert, but every little bit helps.
So this is an easy(ish!) way to help others, and to help yourself by feeling good that you are raising awareness.
Thanks for Reading this. I’m off to
miather my fb buddies now…
Vickie, do you have a local paper which might like to print your story? We have quite a few free circulations here, they quite often carry individual stories. I am sure, you will be very good at spreading the word! X
Good idea tina! I’ll get on to it. My friends husband is a reporter for the Oldham chron and local BBC and you’ve just made me remember that awful bit of info! Thanks!!! And well done for de-christmassing your house already. Monday is the big de-Christmas at torsville.
Hi
am going to talk to my gp this week. He is the head of the practise and I am going to ask for something to said said or given out at smear tests re breast awareness. Dx
Just couldn’t help adding a few words after reading the idea of mentioning breast awareness at smear tests. (apologies in advance for diverting the subject):
I went for a smear test a few month after I was dx and was on Tamoxifen at the time. Mentioned Tamoxifen to the nurse and she asked why I was on it. After I told her why, she was quite surprised that I’ve got it at my age (20s). And before I left, she gave me a leaflet on how to examine my breast!! Thanks, I already knew that.
So, great idea, vickie & Midge. Make sure they hand out those leaflet BEFORE BC dx!!!
You may have seen it already but there is the charity Coppafeel which is working hard to promote breast awareness! Maybe you could get some ideas from there for what you want to do? Xxx
Hiya, yes I’ve had a look at their work and seen
the lady who founded it on tv quite a few times. They have really got their act together haven’t they! Will gladly steal ideas!
i am inhosp at mo wth neutropenia etc but am on the case! looking at lots of loo doors in hosp there is info re domestic abuse on them. There should be info on boob checking on every loo n changing room door!
Oh no lif! Hope you get home soon and those White cells bounce back up! Good idea about hospital loo doors. I think that’s now on my list for Oldham
hospital where I had my treatment! Also all these businesses that helpfully support the fluffiness of bc (no, step away from the cynicism
vickie…), we could target them too. Even if just leave the posters up for a month or week?