You just don’t know where life is going to take you.
One minute you’re travelling fine, going about your everyday run-of-the-mill business. The next the breast cancer bus has stopped to pick you up. The doors fold open, and the driver calls your name.
“What? ME?” you indicate. You look around to check for the other person – the one the bus has really stopped for, but no, there is no one else about.
“Oh, sorry. You’ve got the wrong person! I don’t belong on the breast cancer bus. I am fit, young, and healthy and have no family history. Are you sure it’s me you’re after?”
The driver sighs and nods with knowing compassion. He’s seen this a billion times before. He holds up the ticket, with your name clearly printed in neat, bold letters. There are doctors, specialists and experts all indicating that you should get on now and stop holding up proceedings.
But where is the bus going?
You wonder, already, if you will ever be able to get off.
The truth is NO ONE wants to get on any sort of cancer bus, because we know all too well, that sometimes you do not get off. Sometimes the cancer bus takes you to your place of permanent rest, so getting on is a scary process. No one is ready to sit down and take a seat on this particular bus, one that is going to deliver pain, grief and exhaustion as definitive experiences and one where you are likely to lose a breast (or two), your hair and possibly your life. It goes without saying that you are NOT seeking a multi-rider pass for this particular mode of transport.
I got on this bus in 2017 and I am still riding it. I don’t have cancer anymore, but the bus doesn’t seem to stop long enough to let me off. True, it is no longer speeding out of control, likely to crash and burn at any moment (think Sandra Bullock in SPEED), but it has not slowed down long enough for me to get off either.
Don’t worry, I’ve pushed the bell many times, indicating my intention to get off, and be done with this breast cancer shitfest! But the doors haven’t opened, and my stop never seems to eventuate. I am left holding on to the handrail for dear life and simply hoping for the best.
Almost every BC warrior will tell you that they never expected the bus to stop for them, to ever have to get on. So that voice in your head, the one telling you that you don’t have to worry about breast cancer, that it won’t happen to you because you are young or because you are fit and healthy or the numerous other reasons you mentally list that you feel will protect you from breast cancer – well that voice could be your downfall.
So let me ask you directly.
When was the last time you did a thorough self-breast exam? If like me pre-cancer, you probably have a bit of a feel or look now and then and think that will do.
Umm … no.
No, it won’t.
Learn how to do a proper self-check and then make sure you do this on a monthly basis because breast cancer can be aggressive and be in your lymph nodes before you know it even exists. Lumps won’t always be felt because they can sit deep in the tissue and be difficult to palpate. Even when my breast surgeon drew a mark on my breast and told me to push hard to feel the 3cm lump hiding in my left breast I could not feel it. I was given the darn map and the instructions of how to find it, but I still couldn’t identify anything unusual! It is important to know that there are many symptoms to look for, not just lumps. Basically, if you notice a change, it is important to take immediate action and book into your GP.
Are you 40+? Have you booked in for a screening mammogram?
Do you return regularly, every two years?
Like me, at 46, your life is crazily busy right? You’re a mum, partner, employee or employer. You’re a friend, daughter, neighbour, community volunteer – YES and you are A WOMAN – susceptible to growing a stealthy, insidious cancer in your boob.
Some 21 000 Australian women (and 200 men) will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. So why wouldn’t you be amongst them?
To be frank with you, there is NO REASON.
BC does not discriminate. Although it is true that as we age our risk increases, women are being diagnosed in their 20s. In fact, about 1000 Australian women UNDER the age of 40 are diagnosed EACH and EVERY year in Australia.
Breast cancer is prevalent across cultures, socio-economic status, body shapes and sizes. If you have breasts (men included) then you can get breast cancer.
So, yes. The bus could very well stop for you – at any time. And if it does, then you want to catch that bus EARLY in the journey. Early detection is THE BEST CHANCE of getting off the bus eventually – whilst you are still breathing.
Be vigilant.
Know the signs and symptoms.
Keep up to date with regular checks and screening.
I talk more about the grip cancer can take on your life in my memoir. I share these thoughts and feelings with you so that you may gain a deeper understanding about the lasting impact of cancer, which continues for many, past the milestone of remission.
I hope the breast cancer bus doors woosh open for me soon. I don’t want any more cancer detours or speed bumps. Perhaps now as I process my recent 5 year-all-clear ‘cancerversary’ and celebrate soon with the release of Show Us Your Tits – Baring All and Beating Breast Cancer, I’ll push that bell and be able to step out with confidence, waving the bus goodbye forever.
JO xx
Brilliantly described Jo. I am looking forward to the book launch.