Monday, 14 April 2014

I Touch Myself Project

I started to see news of this project featuring Chrissy Amphlett's “I Touch Myself” filtering through my Facebook feed last night.
It is too close to my heart. It stopped me in my tracks.


  • Talking to strangers or people in my real life about my boobs or lack there of. I feel a bit creeped out weird about what I overshare ; things I wouldn't have dare previously said out loud  to people about in real life .
Right now I have a pain in heart and a tear in my eye. I'm living in fear.

As Chrissie rode out on a horse called Music , she left us this legacy (sorry Willie) when she passed away almost a year ago

Early detection is vital.
My friend the dear Mrs Woog is an ambassador for

I Touch Myself Project.

Go ahead and check it out , then check yourself I'll wait.

Not sure how ?

One of the reasons I am blogging about my breast cancer journey is to raise and spread awareness. I know that reminding people to check their breasts could save their life.



Right now - I have a tortuous and terrifying 8wks wait (for a PET SCAN to see if the nodules found recently on my lungs are something to worry about - related to Breast cancer (or my MPNST Sarcoma) or nothing. They are too small right now to biopsy . The fear is crippling me. I wouldn't wish it on anyone - so please take note and touch yourself.


Touching yourself is healthy habit that should be as much a part of your daily routine, like showering, dressing and looking in the mirror. 

You don't need to wait for a special day, check your breasts wherever and whenever works for you but do it regularly. A minimum of monthly is recommended.


I was always a little Breast Aware but even so I was slack and hap hazard about checking.
I wasn't aware of all the changes to look for ...it isn't just a lump.


Most breast changes aren’t due to cancer - but if you find a change that is unusual for you, see your GP to make sure.

I had 2-3 symptoms at diagnosis - though my breasts were always lumpy. I found this website which tell you what to look for

 

cheeky check-up A new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in one breast.
cheeky check-up
cheeky check-up A change in the size or shape of your breast.
cheeky check-up
cheeky check-up A change to the nipple such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion.
cheeky check-up
cheeky check-up A nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
cheeky check-up
cheeky check-up A change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling.
cheeky check-up
cheeky check-up An unusual pain that doesn't go away.
cheeky check-up

I had 2-3 symptoms at diagnosis - pain, discharge on squeezing (because I had pain) and my breasts were always kind of lumpy. I did see my GP immediately, both times I had nipple discharge. May 2011 it wasn't breast cancer (that I know).

How do you reduce your risks ? 

How do you calculate your risk based on evidence ?
Calculator

 I didn't know that an inherited faulty gene only accounts for 5% of all breast cancers. Even then breast cancer is so common that it need not be a faulty inherited gene that causes BC within the same family.

I thought it couldn't happen to me , though I've had several mammograms and ultrasounds despite that misguided belief...just for reassurance.


So have you felt yourself today ...you can never be too busy !


 I'm sorry if this makes your uncomfortable !

Watch the video and share it with all the women (and men) you know.

Thanks to Allie's suggestion - yes there is an app for that .

a fun one - Your man reminder

http://www.ibreastcheck.com/  in App store and Android.


 

Comments (30)

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I have to admit, I'm terrible at bse. I don't like doing it and I am slap dash, slack and inconsistent. Thanks so much for teh kick up the bum, you are brave and wonderful to share you story. So thanks. And I will. Surely there's an app for reminding me to do it regularly?
2 replies · active 569 weeks ago
such an important message and reminder, one that we all need often as it so quickly can slip your mind. I hate that you are living in fear, but truth be told, anyone waiting anxiously for 8 weeks would feel the same. You're in my thoughts often xo
1 reply · active 569 weeks ago
Uncomfortable is okay if it's going to save your health. What a great campaign. Thank you x
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1 reply · active 569 weeks ago
Thanks for sharing all this important info. It is such a great campaign. xxx
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1 reply · active 569 weeks ago
I check my boobs so often now, in fact I can't believe all the years I didn't, such a simple act but an important one. The new campaign is great, I hope it strikes a chord with women. Hugs x
1 reply · active 569 weeks ago
My hubby is always at me to check my boobs, and yes I do on a regular basis. I have written about Chrissy's project too. Stay positive Trish...I am thinking happy thoughts & prayers for you xx
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1 reply · active 569 weeks ago
Thanks for the reminder Trish. I'm off to check out the links. I'm way too slack with checking myself out
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1 reply · active 569 weeks ago
This is something I admit I have not been good about remembering to do in the past. But since a friend of mine, who has only just turned 31, was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago I have made it more of a habit, and try to remember to do it when I'm in the shower and have nothing else to think about.

I think it's great that you are so open and honest about everything you have been through/are going through, it's vital information, and as you said, if it prompts just one person to be more cancer aware you've done your job.

Still crossing everything I've got and saying prayers for good news soon. xxx
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You are doing great work by making people aware of these things. I hope that the nodules aren't cancerous and that the time to find out goes quickly for you. Sending love and hugs xx
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I am sorry to read that you are waiting for more news Trish, thanks for the contant reminders, I have lumpy breasts as well so important to stay vigilant.
I'm touched myself today - Trish you truly are a warrior sharing your fight with us to hopefully aid in early detection and awareness!
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Bec @ The Plumbette's avatar

Bec @ The Plumbette · 569 weeks ago

I check myself at least monthly. And if I don't do it my husband reminds me. Trish I'm going to pray for transcending peace in your heart as you wait these 8 long weeks for the results about your lungs. This fear is a burden you can't carry on your own. Hand it over to the one who knows your future. We live in a fallen world and in fallen bodies. But god is a perfect God and he cares right where you are at this present time. Sending love, prayers, hugs and support and healing powers your way. Xo
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Thanks so much for posting this, Trish. Really helpful. x Brenda
I will admit Trish that when I saw the video I did think of you and wonder how you are doing. This is such an important message and was shared on FB by a friend of mine who had a double mastectomy just last week... her, like you, are such an inspiration to me for your outlook on life. I know things are pretty grim for you at the moment, hopefully that will change soon! best of luck
Amazing post xx such an important message...... on a side note when I was 11 i liked a boy and used to sing I touch myself I had no idea what the lyrics meant obviously xx
I agree such an important thing to do, I check from time to time but not nearly enough with a strong family history of Breast Cancer. My Mum fastidiously checks & knows every lump & bump and by doing so & knowing her body had her breast cancer detected early. I on the other hand get so nervous, like I'm waiting to find something, like there is a ticking time bomb that Iv been told to expect .. But it's very important & I wish you a speedy eight weeks & a healthy outcome on your scan Trish x
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Such an important message, so thank you for sharing, Trish. Your courage and strength are inspirational! I'm so sorry you have to play the waiting game - sending good vibes your way.
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Fabulous fabulous campaign and you are so very brave Trish. I wish I could speed up your wait or take some of that fear away. Thank you for sharing your story and advice, I'm almost certain it will help someone. I will be 'touching myself' too. xxxxx
I think you are so brave sharing your journey Trish, it can't be easy. I think this campaign is just awesome. I regularly check my breasts and hope that my friends so the same.
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Nice post dear thanks for sharing nice and cool post :)
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