Monday 19 October 2009

Breast Cancer Month

Now that's got your attention !!
October is Breast Cancer Month - at least it is here in Australia - this disease is the most common cancer in women and kills at least 2,600 per year in Australia alone.
My wife, Nola, was diagnosed with it in 1998 - a terrible shock for us both - after surgery to remove the lump and an extensive course of very debilitating chemo and radiotherapy she thankfully made a complete recovery.
In July this year - 11 years later - another lump was found in the same breast. After a lot of heart searching, and a few tears, we made the decision for Nola to have a bilateral mastectomy ( both breasts removed ). The surgery was done and some ten weeks later she's back at work and on the road to a total recovery. The cancer, which was in it's infancy, was totally removed negating a need for chemo therapy. Very dramatic surgery but a small price to pay for having your very best friend still around.
I know this disease has touched a lot of families, a lot more than I knew before 1998, and if caught in time is not by any means a death sentence. Please urge your wives, mothers, daughters and sisters to have the regular check ups and learn self checking, particularly once they reach 40. There is no more worthwhile cause to donate to - trust me !!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

well said! it's good to hear your wife and yourself have pulled through those difficult times. I can't imagine how hard it would've been.

And good to see your art has kept its sense of humour as well! (Yes those boobies did get my attention)

Unknown said...

Thanks Nori - it was a very difficult time but this was not a 'poor us' call by any means, she's over the hurdles and I kept quiet at the time. As long as everyone makes sure their loved one's get checked out, the old ' it'll never happen to me' is no protection !!
....... and yep boobies are lovely things, just make sure they're not ticking !!

flats said...

From these examples Tel its obvious you have spent lots of time studying breasts. I imagine there are plenty on show this time of year in Oz...

Unknown said...

True Flats, guilty as charged, I have - a boob man from way back and Australia in the summer is 'Boob central' !!!!

Unknown said...

your work is excelent!!!

Lash LeRoux said...

Congrats to you and the wife for fighting and winning! My favorite "Breast Cancer Awareness" Slogan in the States? "Save The Tatas!"

Luke Watson said...

Great post and I'm glad things are on the up.

Regards,

Luke

Unknown said...

Thanks Parpa !

Lash and Luke thanks for that - this little item has had lots of 'looks' but people are reluctant to comment - it's the same in the real world. It took one neighbour three months to speak to us - thanks guys !
'Tatas' is that Southern talk for 'titties' ?

Anonymous said...

The very word gives me the chills. Sorry to hear that Nola had to go through this. My business partner lost his wife to breast cancer last month and we were all devastated. She was only 40 years old.

Hope she is well and healthy.

Regards,

Kamal Dollah,
Singapore

Unknown said...

Thanks Kamal - Nola's doing great - thankfully.
How's the 'little 'un' doing ?

Rick Wright said...

Good to hear your wife is up and running and made a complete recovery. All the best. Nice illustrations too, got my attention!!

Will miss you at the convention this year. Hope to see you at another one very soon!! Cheers!!

Unknown said...

Cheers Rick - I'll miss catching up with everyone at the Con but it is a long way from here !!
I've earmarked 2011 for a return visit ..........