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Without retouching and unadulterated, cancer patients can be portrayed for the project. They honestly show their scars and their zest for life. A campaign that inspires.
October is breast cancer month. Because there is still a lot to be done: removing the tabs, breaking down clichés and creating awareness of the importance of preventive medical check-ups, even among younger people. This is also the concern of the initiators Nadja Kapelle, Ines Thomsen and Julia Kurbatfinsky of "That's me".
Nadja developed breast cancer herself in 2018 at the age of 35. "The disease offers enough reasons to whine and moan. I have certainly mastered that in some cases with flying colors." At the same time, however, she always tried to look at the situation from several angles: "I said to myself: 'Ok, I have no more hair, not so cool.' But also: 'Wow, I don't have to shave anymore or worry about my high forehead and hair that doesn't sit well …' or: 'Ok, I can't go to the swimming pool for at least three quarters of a year - and I love swimming! ' But also: 'I now have a lot of time to myself at home, where I can maybe dance again or just relax and live the day.'"
However, she invested most of her energy in setting up her campaign, which collects stories from those affected and shows pictures of bare breasts after operations.
Accept life. It is beautiful as it is
Kerstin also had herself photographed for the initiative. "It was January 2019 when I felt a slightly raised area near my sternum." Diagnosis: breast cancer. "Tears streamed like rivulets from my eyes as I got on my bike after talking to the doctor to ride home to my husband and little son as quickly as possible. How could that happen? I was only 36 years old."
The mother of a five-year-old son started therapy. This helped her to regain her optimism: "The following twelve chemos were very easy for me to cope with. Especially since I had my husband at my side as a very special support in addition to my family. Although he is afraid for me, he has always supports me with positive words and lots of love. Going through this time together brought us even closer together after 22 years of relationship. " Her son also gave her the strength to get up again and again and showed her that it is worth fighting. "For this reason I would like to say to all those affected and not affected out there: Accept life. It is beautiful as it is. Listen to your feelings and stay positive.
Breast Cancer: The Importance of Early Detection
Robert, 63, is also a breast cancer patient. In 2011 he discovered the knot in himself. Since then he has been involved in public relations on the subject of "Men can also get breast cancer". "I've seen a few cases where GPs were unaware that men could get breast cancer too and a lot of time had passed pointlessly. "Hence his appeal:" If you have any suspicions and symptoms such as lumps, swollen lymph nodes under the armpit, retracted nipple, secretion or inflammation of the nipple, it is best to go to an oncologist immediately. Early detection is the be-all and end-all of a cure."
"I've become a lot more confident!"
Rebecca, 41, is married with two children. In August 2016, when I palpated my breast, I felt a 1.5 cm lump. It was already clear to me during the mammography and the subsequent punch biopsy what it was. A month later the diagnosis: triple positive breast cancer - that is, malignant breast cancer in which the lymph nodes were also affected. My only thought was: 'How do I explain it to my husband, the children, the family?'
This was followed by eight chemos and then a breast-conserving operation that also gave her an infection. Since then she has not been able to lift her arm properly. "After this procedure I had to go to chemo 14 times and had 33 radiation treatments at the same time. These treatments also left visible traces. But I have always avoided wearing a headscarf or wig, because I think you don't have to hide the disease. Since an additional hormone therapy that brought about an artificial change, I have also been struggling with my weight and unfortunately I am no longer as fit. "But: the cancer is gone." That is all that counts!
The illness changed Rebecca. Also their perspective on life. "I'm taking much better care of myself now, and I'm quicker to say no. The strong support from my family and my children, who accepted the honest approach to the disease, helped me a lot and encouraged me to make this change."
