Thursday 2 October 2008

HNT: The Blogger Boobie-Thon

The beginning of October sees the launch of the Seventh Annual Blogger Boobie-Thon raising money for breast cancer research and awareness. Bloggers are invited to donate and/or submit photos.

I sent in my pre-launch photo on Monday. Naturally, it's not really safe for work so will probably find itself in the special section reserved for those generous benefactors who donate more than $50. It's one of my favourite photos which very few people have actually seen. The first boob shot I ever sent to Ruf. The first time he had seen me uncovered and recalls some very happy memories.

It was taken with my old phone so it's not a very big photograph but the image itself reminds me not only of how very lucky I am but of others who were not so fortunate. A couple of years ago, I found a lump on the tail end of my breast under my arm. It was quite painful and didn't seem to be there all the time - just at certain times of the month. I bit the bullet and went straight to the doctor. They were unsure of the cause and referred me to our local breast screening unit who were absolutely brilliant. I was palpated, mammogrammed and then had the picture explained to me by a senior consultant. Apparently, it was a hormone-related swelling in the breast tissue, which could be alleviated by ingesting large doses of evening primrose/starflower oil for a period of three months and then controlled by a regular dosage during the critical part of my cycle.

A couple of people that I know were not so lucky. They found a lump but ignored it. Hoped that it would go away. It didn't. It got bigger. A few months later, when they finally plucked up the courage, the lump had become a major problem requiring radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The delay in diagnosis and treatment meant that the cancer had had a chance to take hold and spread into their bones. One of those women was a previously very fit and healthy woman with four small children, all under 13 who have had to grow up without their mum.

Once again, I urge all of you to check your breasts regularly, both visually and manually and, if you're not sure about something, please consult a professional. Here's the link to show you how to self-examine.


Obviously, I can't let you lot see my photographic submission without you having made a donation first but if you clickety-click on the Boobie-thon button above, there's a sort of sneak preview...




HNTbutton

13 comments:

Ms Scarlet said...

Sounds like a fun way to raise money for a good cause.
Sx

Mike said...

I will be donating within the next few days to this very worthily cause as its not only women that get breast cancer, some men do also.
HHNT

Cate said...

Love the click thru! I am guessing that is Ruf having fun?!

And will be checking out the Boobie-Thon - a brilliant way to help such a worthwhile cause.

Cate xxx

Ms. Inconspicuous said...

I couldn't agree more on the message. Too often we neglect preventative checks that could mean the difference between an early diagnosis, and a later, long, hard fight.

Oooh, and it looks like you have a guest star in your pic. :)

Osbasso said...

I believe I've seen your submission! Twice, even!

Glad you participated!

Joanna Cake said...

Scarlet - It's all anonymous, have some fun :)

Mike - Excellent

Cate - :) Ive spent the morning sorting out what I can send to the site you spoke of

MsI - Well, Im not flexible enough to do it myself :)

Os - Stalker!!!! ;P

Jennybean said...

YAY BOOBIES!

HHNT!

JW said...

That is such a tease ... and what better than to tease in such a good cause? :)

Happy HNT!

Anonymous said...

Good for you. I lost my mother to breast cancer. I'll be participating and donating.

- said...

Sexy click*thru. I admit I'm not very good about checking & examining. I need to be better about that, I know. Happy HNT pretty girl ; )

BlazngScarlet said...

I have done boobie-thon twice.
Maybe i'll do it again this year :D

You've inspired me .....

ez cheese said...

"Once again, I urge all of you to check your breasts regularly, both visually and manually and, if you're not sure about something, please consult a professional."

Hey, I know this is a breast cancer thing, but I know your male readers need to hear the same thing. Check yourselves, I just had a lump removed from my package and was OK because of finding it early.

I like what you're doing here

Daren said...

A sexy way to support something very important. Good stuff.

Daren
xxx