To mark World Cancer Day, we spoke to our Boobette Rachel
Rachel lives in Dundee and has been a Boobette for CoppaFeel! since 2014. We spoke to her about her experience as an ambassador for CoppaFeel! and why she thinks getting to know your boobs is so important.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m 30 years old, I love my husband family and friends and i’m always up for a good time! I also love to travel and I am fashion obsessed. I’ve just moved into a new house, so i’ll soon be adding interior design obsessed to that list! Above all else i’m all about happiness and positivity!
How was your cancer diagnosed and how did you deal with the news?
I was really unwell – I used to do spinning classes and kept complaining to my mum about having a sore hip. At the same time I started gaining weight despite not being able to eat properly. I visited the doctor but I hadn’t discovered any lumps and they couldn’t get to the bottom of the problem. By September my stomach was so swollen it looked as though I’d swallowed a pizza box – something I later found out was the cancer making its way to my liver. I was crying and feeling totally miserable so I made another call to the doctor who suspected I had gallstones and referred me to hospital on the 10th of September. By Friday 13th September 2013 I had been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, a primary tumour in my left breast, and bone metastasis in my hip and spine. I’ve just had brain surgery for second time to remove a tumour in my brain. My family (and now husband) and my friends have been by my side throughout, but were devastated with the news.
How did you get involved with CoppaFeel!
I saw that CoppaFeel! were looking for under 35s who’d been diagnosed with breast cancer who would be up for sharing their story as a Boobette. I knew I wanted to use my story to help educate young people and immediately decided to apply.
What do you wish more people knew about living with cancer?
I don’t think a lot of people know what it is- people just assume you’re fine because you live a normal life but, the reality is, you’re living with a disease.
Do you think there’s still a need to raise awareness of breast cancer? Why?
Definitely. Even though lots of people are “aware” of breast cancer, many young people don’t realise breast cancer can affect you in your twenties and lack the tools to ensure they get to know their bodies. Despite not finding a lump at first, I knew there was something wrong and that the symptoms I was experiencing weren’t normal for me. Which just shows there is still a need to ensure people feel confident in knowing their bodies and acting upon any changes.
You’ve been a Boobette since 2014 – what does that involve?
In short, I give talks and get to educate lots of different people about getting to know their normal whilst sharing my story with them. I’ve also had the chance to get involved with a number of campaigns and was part of a team that trekked the great wall of China in the name of boobs.
What are you hoping that others take away from your experience?
That they start checking their boobs regularly and get to know what’s normal for them. If everyone I spoke to signed up for a free monthly text reminder i’d be happy with that, but I also hope my experience inspires people to spread the word, support CoppaFeel! and help raise funds.
If you could give our followers one piece of advice on World Cancer Day, what would it be?
Please please get to know your normal, so you’re able to spot any changes and look after yourself!
