EXCERPTS FROM LETTERS IN DEAR BOOBS

I finally respect and appreciate you and understand that, with or without you, I am still me. So, my friends, let’s do this thing. Let’s beat this bastard of a disease. Let’s get on with living, be up for the fight and be mindful of the still, the calm, the beauty… and the power of just facing every day with an open mind and a ready smile. Let’s go do crazy stuff together!

- Jo

Tonight Boobs, we are resting with our feet up. Feels good at seven-and-a-half months pregnant. I am looking forward to sustaining the new baby with you, original Boob. Pretend Boob can watch patiently from the sidelines. We’ll have to cut short our breastfeeding this time, to go back on the meds. But I’m cool with that… You still rock, Boobs.

- Megan

The biggest thing you did for me, and for which I will always be grateful, is that you were my canary down the mine. You alerted

me to the fact that something was seriously wrong inside – something that would probably have killed me if left undiagnosed and untreated. Thank you, Boobs. You’re gone but not forgotten.

- Fiona

You did a half-arsed job of growing out of a trainer bra. You did a half-arsed job of feeding my babies. But, thank God, you did a half-arsed job of growing cancer!

- Tessa

It’s time to be brave, and you have to go so I get to stay.

- Ange

I have learned that boobs do not define who I am as a woman, a wife, or a friend. We are grateful you were in our life, for a reason and a season – sadly not a lifetime.

- F and LB

Four years on, I think of you fondly, but I really enjoy being free… free of the weight, the pain, and the worry. Now I can find a new me. I am not a different person, but I have more experiences to draw on and more confidence to take on my journey.

- Kirsty

I have taken a cast of you, which I will paint and maybe even display. It helped me to say goodbye.

- Ellen

In your absence, I am using my flat, scarred chest as a public service announcement to everyone who passes me on the beach. “Check your breasts,” I tell them with my eyes.

- Aubrey

I have met so many amazing people through this cancer journey. I might miss you, Boobs, and wish I could have you back. But I am so glad I haven’t missed out on life and all its wonderful offerings.

- Emerald