So Thankful for Help Shopping for My New Outfit

I have been a bit anxious about getting a new outfit for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Ottawa. I had already been shopping a couple of times, looking at clothes but just didn’t have the energy to try anything on. So at our Sears coffee group yesterday, I was thrilled when Irm and S offered to help me pick something out.

We went into Sears and while we were grabbing at outfits, a clerk named Maria came by and said, no those colors won’t work for you … you need these colors that will pick up the color of your eyes. How wonderful … someone who really knows what they are doing. She then picked out a couple more outfits and together we went into the change room. 

I said thank you so much, I need help because I am undergoing breast cancer treatment and I have low energy. I anxiously told her I need a special outfit for a special event. She said no trouble at all, calm down and I will help you every step of the way. We will do this slow and easy.

Right off the top, I told her I’m not exactly an easy customer. My tops can’t be too low in the front because I have a breast prosthesis and a catheter scar and I want to make sure they’re well covered. Tops also need sleeves long enough to cover my PICC and wide enough fit over my lymphedema. And most importantly, I just want the whole thing to be comfortable to wear. 

Maria was amazing. I lost track but she brought in 20 or 25 pieces of clothing over ~two hours. She helped me put on and take off each and every item. As time was ticking by, I tried to rush things a little. She said slow down, I’m here to help … it’s my job. I think she ended up missing her break. She really did go ‘above and beyond’ to fit me. 

I have to thank Irm and S for being so patient with what looks good on me. I can hardly believe how blessed I am to have all this help.

I came out with an amazing outfit and can’t wait to show it off.

Flu Season Facts

I’ve come across a few people recently who have either had a cold or the flu. And my reaction is usually the same ... I try to put some distance between them and myself. I try to be on high alert on things that they’ve touched so I don’t touch them. I just don’t even want to consider being sick. 

So, as this flu season approaches, it’s time for some simple reminders on how to avoid getting sick. They are things we all should be doing all year long but have probably become lax on.

• Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands ... or, if you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Refrain from touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
• Stay away from people who appear to be sick.
• If you are going to have visitors, don’t be afraid to ask them if they or any immediate family members are ill.
• Consider a flu vaccine.

And for friends and family of someone undergoing cancer treatment, please remember that people undergoing treatment are at a higher risk of infection because of their chemo weakened immune system. A simple flu to a healthy person can turn into pneumonia in a cancer patient. So be aware.

For more information on flu facts for cancer patients ... pls click here.

More Good Times...

Introducing.... Goodtime Mama Jojo

Burlesque legend joins Burlesque Against Breast Cancer

Hello Folks,

It gives me nothing but great pleasure to announce the news that BABC have themselves a new recruit on the management team. She is a British burlesque legend and her name is Jo King.

Jo has had over 30 years experience in performance and is the founder of Europe’s original burlesque training academy. She is the founder of the London School of Striptease and the London Academy of Burlesque, where she has taught over 10,000 women and not to mention a few of us guys too. Specifically, Jo has worked with people with disabilities and more recently, has taught burlesque those who have gone through breast cancer.

Why did she do this?

“I want women, all women, to feel fabulous about themselves regardless of age, shape, size or ability!”

AT BABC, we think that this is the perfect attitude of what we want to achieve and showcase, especially within the realms of Breast Cancer. Because this crippling disease shouldn’t hold back or hinder anyone from doing what they want. I mean, if Def Leppard can have a one-armed drummer, then....

Jo has collaborated with many well-known names including: The Erotic Awards, The International Workshop Festival, Seven Dials Festival, Coco de Mer and the UK’s biggest Burlesque Jam at the Royal Festival Hall. She also has an impressive list of television appearances including; Strip School for Channel 5 in 2003, the award-winning Crippendales in 2006 and more recently, Dawn Gets Naked (with Dawn Porter) for BBC3.

Jo choreographed showgirl Immodesty Blaize’s original, highly acclaimed, reverse striptease act. She has taught many of the current professional burlesque performers such as Miss Polly Rae, Honey Lulu, and Kiki Kaboom, all of whom have also benefited from Jo’s inimitable choreographic skills and artistic direction. She also choreographs actresses and dancers for film, television and stage work.

Jo is an ambassador for the industry, giving her candid views in the press and on many radio and TV shows. Considered an expert in her field, she is often hired to give her incredibly motivational seminars about self belief and positive body image.

We are very excited about what a difference Jo can bring to Burlesque Against Breast Cancer and how she can help us take the organisation to the next level, thus enabling us to sell more books, put on more great shows for you and raise lots more lovely money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mark, BABC

Presented with a Great Opportunity

I have been invited by the Canadian Breast Cancer Network to speak and to help promote Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13. This day is recognized in Canada and in the United States. My name will be used in media alerts and press releases and they might quote me and use my photo. 

To help me out with all of this, the CBCN has sent a background information package about the CBCN to help prepare me for the press and TV interviews that I will be doing. 

Even tho I am thrilled with this opportunity to speak about my experience and get the message out about metastatic breast cancer; I’m just a bit nervous about doing a good job. I wasn’t sure I had it in me, so I asked D … do you think I can do this? He said yes, without a doubt. 

To kick off the event, the CBCN is having a breakfast rally next week on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. My flight and room are already booked … only thing left to do is to buy a new outfit.

New Mammogram Technology

This is a 3 minute video on new 3D mammograms making it easier to spot tumors.