We Are The Boobettes

Meet Sarah Alexander, the brains behind Mastect Expect. Find out why she decided to blog about her experience of preventative surgery with the hope of helping others who may be facing a similar decision...

I had preventative surgery in August 2016 and was a bit of a keyboard warrior before my surgery trying to find out what to expect afterwards. I knew what a mastectomy was and there were lots of websites about the surgery itself and its benefits, but, nothing practical and real. Therefore, I threw my energy… what was left of it having had my mastectomy and reconstruction in one hit, into creating www.mastectexpect.com. Mastect Expect offers, what I would call, real life advice… like how to wash your armpits when you cannot use your arms properly and when your new brick like boobies are in the way. It covers the questions people may have in their heads but are too embarrassed to ask, or situations that had not even thought about. I have split my site into 3 main areas, before, during and after. My aim is to help as many people as possible on whatever stage of the journey they are on with their mastectomy.

I have included photographs from my experience to help when people are curious. It is one thing to read about something, but you can sometimes learn or ease anxiety more from a photograph. Photographs range from about what the drains may look like, what scars are like and then the simple elements like what should I pack. It is an easily accessible site for all, with the aim of helping people going on the journey but also educating those who know someone going through this process.

We came across this amazing charity called Drain Dollies. After being diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene, Charlotte (the founder) had had a preventative double mastectomy, which means she had both boobs removed to reduce her risk in the future. 

The BRCA gene, which is a mutation in your cells and means your risk of developing breast cancer is a lot higher in your lifetime than a woman that doesn’t carry the gene. Less than 10% of breast cancers are caused by this genetic link, but if you do have a family history do go and have a chat with your doctor, who can give you more information.

Charlotte found it hard to find a good solution for her after surgery drains. She wanted to keep her hands free and as there was not existing solution for these pesky drains. As well as being incredibly convenient to store these using the dollies they also come in a variation of colours and print!

Owner Charlotte explains on her website: ”‘Drain Dollies are the ideal size to store drains and are made from a soft comforting fabric, perfect for patients post op. A donation from each Drain Dolly sold will go to Genesis who are working towards preventing breast cancer with their fantastic research.”

It is recommended that two drain dollies are used for a double mastectomy and one drain dolly for a single mastectomy. This is so that each bag can sit comfortably on your shoulder.

Find out more here.

We love quirky reminders to check your boobs and we stumbled across this video created by Seed Animation.

In August, I took part in one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  I completed a gruelling 3-day, 58km trek across the spectacular Icelandic wilderness of volcanic ash, ice-fields, lava fields and SO many hills with 52 other people – raising more than £160,000 for CoppaFeel! in the process.  

Organised by Fabulous magazine and CoppaFeel!, the trekkers were divided into two teams, all headed up by Vicky Pattison, Queen of the Celebrity Jungle, and fitness guru Chloe Madeley, We were also joined by Boob Chief Kris Hallenga.

Although I’ve taken part in challenges like this before, it was different this time.  My cancer has continued to spread to my liver, I had chemotherapy for most of last year and was recently put onto chemo tablets.  These treatments take a toll on your body and the main side effects for me have been tiredness and really sore and cracked feet.  Not ideal for anyone about to embark on a trekking challenge!  

It was good having Kris on the trek as we are both in a similar position cancer-wise. Over the years we have become friends and there was an unspoken determination between us of ‘If she can do it then so can I!’.  We pushed each other to the finish.  Our bodies definitely felt it after the trekking and freezing cold camping but the memories and spectacular scenery made up for it.  

What else inspired me through these three days was chatting with everybody taking part in the challenge and hearing their stories about why they were doing it.  Some people had been personally affected by cancer themselves.  Others had experienced it through family members and friends.  Then there were some people who wanted to challenge themselves and raise money for charity.  The latter are the people who actually amaze ME the most.  I often think to myself, would I have been so involved with a charity had I not been affected by a life-changing situation.  I won’t ever know, (alternate universe Laura you better be getting your charity fingers dirty!)  

People often tell me how they think I’m strong and determined to constantly challenge myself like this in my situation.  I feel it’s almost my duty to spread as much awareness as possible about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer so people don’t have to be in my position and have to live with secondary cancer.  I enjoy these challenges because of this.  However, I have so much more admiration for those people who just want to do something good to help others in need.  The world needs more people like this!  Chloe summed it up perfectly for me.  She said she wasn’t doing it for herself but for the whole team and everyone else touched by cancer.  I loved this attitude and way of thinking. 

The one thing I would urge anyone to do in their life is to do at least one thing for charity. Whether it be taking on a challenge, shaking a donation tin, volunteering, having a bake sale etc, the list is endless.  I can guarantee you will make new friends, have loads of fun and it will give you a sense of enormous wellbeing (thanks to Blur’s Parklife for that last line!).

Call to action: If you’re ready to challenge yourself, head to coppafeel.org today to sign up for our next big event!

Ask any of the 80+ Boobettes spreading boob love up and down the country about CoppaFeel! and they will tell you about the moment this incredible powerhouse of a charity changed their lives.

In some cases, they were diagnosed because of CoppaFeel!s life-saving message. For others, they found CoppaFeel! because they wanted to help young people find the confidence they couldn’t find for themselves and go to the GP. And, others wanted to remind the world that young women do get breast cancer – a fact that steals our friends and loved ones every single day.

CoppaFeel! changes lives and that is, in no small part, down to the fantastic boob-loving Maren. Maren set up the charity with twin sister Kris when Kris was newly diagnosed with secondary breast cancer (a cancer that can be treated but not cured). You only need spend a few minutes in their company to see the bond between them and it is incredibly humbling that Maren has dedicated so much of her life to spreading the message she only wished Kris had heard years before.

CoppaFeel! is now going from strength to strength because of that bond and although Maren has now decided to follow a new path, we know it will be one that often leads her back to those giant inflatable boobs!

We couldn’t let Maren head off on her new adventure without a Boobette tribute. It’s hard to put into words all that Maren means to us. She’s a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Her creative thinking has helped turn CoppaFeel! into a small charity with a big voice. And, I reckon she’s run more races in a giant boob than anyone else.

I have met her a few times (mainly on race days) and she always makes me smile. It’s one thing to support your sister through life-limiting illness. It’s quite another to give up everything to make sure other sisters don’t have to feel the same pain. Maren is my selfless shining star and I feel grateful to know her.

And, I am not alone. Here are just a few thank yous from the Boobettes:

‘I remember my meeting at CoppaFeel! HQ like it was yesterday. I’d finally found a group of ladies I could relate to and were changing a negative into such a positive. I have seen how supportive and what a beautiful bond Maren has with Kris. It is so lovely to see sisters that are so close and are so driven to educate young people in such an important and personal subject.

For me, CoppaFeel! is the charity that us young (ish on my part) people needed. To break the taboo of ‘boobs’; and the importance of checking and self-examining. Maren, you should be so proud of your achievements and the lives you have affected. I wish you all the success in your future ventures.’

Kirsty W

‘I’d like to say a huge thank you to Maren as she is the first person I met when I joined CoppaFeel! As a Boobette and she was super supportive and generally awesome. Wishing you so much luck for your new adventure, you will be amazing at whatever you do.’

Rachel T

‘There’s been a lot of water under the CoppaFeel! bridge since we first met back in 2013 when I contacted you about doing some voluntary work with CoppaFeel! Little did I know I would be caught up in the whirlwind of boob madness that has prevailed since and become a Boobette. Thank you for being such a welcoming face of CoppaFeel! over and over again.. I don’t know what I’d have done without the charity these past few years. There will be an enormous boob shaped hole but I wish you the most enormous amount of luck and love for the future whatever that may bring.’

Sarah (and Ben)

‘I wanted to thank you for doing what you have done over the past 7 years. I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to see you grow as a charity founder and am so proud of what you have achieved! Have loved working with you and occasionally bumping into you, and will miss your gorgeous face. You truly have been an honour to volunteer for and appreciate all you have done for The Boobettes, CoppaFeel! and for me!’

‘Now go do what you need to do and enjoy every minute. I can only hope that we continue to bump into each other in the future.’

Tons of love

Jess x

‘Thank you Maren for all that you have done and creating an awesome charity that means a lot to a lot of people. CoppaFeel! has made me realise a lot. Without you guys I would probably still be struggling with my mental health as you have helped me so much. Being able to share my story for you, and having an amazing circle of Boobettes around to lean on and get support of has meant the world to me. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I wish you all the best and good luck in your new adventure. You will be successful in whatever comes your way as you have achieved so much in the last 7 years!

‘You are awesome!’

Lucy

‘I have had a few opportunities to meet and chat with Maren she’s a lovely kind person who’s beautiful soul definitely shines through when you meet her. I wish her good luck in her future endeavours but I know she will always be a part of the CoppaFeel! family. Good Luck Maren xx’

Keely

‘HUGE thank you for everything you’ve done for CoppaFeel! and for being a wonderful human being. I’ve loved every second of volunteering and you’ve been a big part of that. Enjoy all your new adventures. Big love Zwinkels xxxxxx.’

Susan Z

‘I would love you to know that I feel so thankful CoppaFeel! was set up as it really is an amazing charity. I feel so proud to be a Boobette and love spreading the boob love. I have heard so much positive feedback about what we do. Thank you for setting it up and all the hard work you have put in.’

Katerina

Wherever the next chapter takes you, we hope it will be every bit as brilliant as you. Thank you for everything!

And today the CoppaFeel! family will also be thinking of our own boob heroes. Our wonderful team of Boobettes has recently lost two amazing young ladies, news which has shocked and saddened us all. So today we’d like to celebrate Vashti Emma and Alex for the remarkable young women they are and send our love and support to all their friends and families.

Alex was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23 and has been part of the Boobette family ever since. Her infectious smile, energy and courage rubbed off on everyone who met her. Alex made a phenomenal effort to raise awareness through her blog and campaigning and was known for making the most of everything life threw her way. She will be missed.

Vashti Emma from Lincoln first joined CoppaFeel! as a member of our Uni Boob Team when she was a student, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in her early twenties. She went on to become one of our Boobettes, working tirelessly to get other young people checking their boobs. Vashti was a keen musician and artist and put her talents to good use to help spread awareness by any means possible.

Wishing CoppaFeel!’s Kris and Maren a fabulous 31st birthday today! Celebrating 31 years of being totally AWESOME! 

Most of the time people avoid the word cancer or talk about it with loved ones. This is something we really want to change. Cancer and its terminology should definitely be a part of your vocabulary. Ignoring the subject does not make it go away. Children seem to have no problem talking about this. Even though it is sometimes hard to make them understand what it all means, you can get the cutest responses.

Our Boobette Shelley told us about her children and how it affected her going through treatment.

In the breast cancer world, I was considered to be very young to be affected, however, compared to a lot of my lovely fellow boobettes who have had a personal diagnosis, I was (slightly) older than most when I was diagnosed in 2014 at 33 years old.  My young children were aged 4 and 2 at the time.

I won't lie, going through multiple surgeries and treatments whilst also being a mummy to 2 little ones was really tough sometimes, but they are also the reason I managed to get through each day with a smile on my face.  I do have lots of sad memories collected throughout my journey over the last couple of years, I have many more happy and fun memories though so this post is to share some of the (hopefully) funnier parts.

The most difficult part, without a doubt, was losing my hair & having to explain this to the children. Even now my youngest still thinks that daddy wrongly cut off all my hair (naughty daddy!).  I explained to her again only last week (she's now aged 5) that I asked him to shave it off because it was falling out anyway and hurting my head so he was doing me a favour. She now has a slightly worried look on her face some mornings, like if she complains too much about it when I brush her tangled mane, compassionate daddy will whip out the clippers and take it all off for her!

I think she actually really liked my bald head. Most nights when I lay with her to give bedtime cuddles, she would stroke my shiny smooth head and tell me how cute I was. She loved to pretend I was her little baby and kiss my head, she even once asked if she could have no hair like me when she was older.  She also got to keep all my hair accessories for herself when I had no use for them.

My sensitive little boy however wasn't as keen on the baldness, he asked me not to take him to school without my wig because he didn't want people to laugh at me.  He also refused to have a dose of Calpol we were trying to give him one evening for a high temperature he had, he didn't want the medicine to make his hair fall out, bless him.  That never stopped his cheekiness though of regularly telling me "alright, keep your hair on!" which then proceeded to fits of giggles from both kids! Thanks to the Wise Old Elf from Ben and Holly for that line!

We're all 2 years down the line now and my hair is a short bob which they both love to mess with. When we look back at my bald or really short haired photos, they look at me like they can't even remember it. That's the great thing about children I guess, they're so adaptable and just take everything in their stride plus they also have really short memories!

Wishing CoppaFeel! a happy cake filled 7th birthday!

Why not celebrate by coppin’ a feel... here is our very own Boobette Joh showing you how it is done; squeezy boob style.

How do you #GetItOfYourChest? Lucy, one of our wonderful Boobettes tells us how she does.