Tag Archives: breast cancer

Jane Delahay’s “The Leap Year”
A breast cancer story

“You have breast cancer” No one ever wants to hear those words, but on 22 February 2016, I was told this devastating news and it changed my life”Jane Delahay

Jane's story

I first spoke to Jane in September 2016, six months after her breast cancer diagnosis. She had contacted Inspired Adventures following the launch of Breast Cancer Network Australia’s Tuscany trek and I could instantly tell that Jane was an incredibly special woman, whose kindness and warmth was unmistakable.

I couldn’t wait for Jane to begin her Inspired Adventures journey (although I know she hates the word ‘journey’!) and over the next 8 months I got to know Jane more and more in the lead up to her adventure, which saw her trek across the Tuscan countryside for 8 days alongside 19 other woman who had all dedicated 2016 to raising money to support all Australians with breast cancer. In total, the team raised over $100,000, with Jane raising close to $7,000.

Following BCNA’s trek, Jane felt inspired to fulfil her dream of becoming an author, and has now written a book about twenty women trekking in the Tuscan countryside. Jane’s book ‘The Leap Year’ was published just before Christmas.

The Leap Year is a beautiful, inspiring and humorous read about Jane’s rollercoaster of a year. Jane offers a rare insight into breast cancer diagnosis and the full range of emotions that go with it. Although each person’s experience is unique, Jane has done an outstanding job of providing insight into the experience that so many Australians face following the words ‘You have breast cancer’

Jane refused to let her diagnosis stop her and she instead used it as a catalyst to take on new experiences. As Jane explains  “This story is about how my life changed in an instant, how I finally found what I was supposed to do. Breast Cancer had given me a chance to start again and I had to decide what I wanted from my life.”

Inspired Adventures is so proud of Jane for following her dreams and being such an inspiration for everyone in the office. If you’re looking for your next read, please don’t go past The Leap Year. The Leap Year can be ordered online by visiting Jane’s website. It is also available Kindle.

Feeling inspired?

Check out our calendar for the latest Inspired Adventures!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

breast cancer awareness month check

The importance of checking your breasts this month

There’s no better time to start talking about your breasts, than the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while you may be aware of breast cancer, this month is really about taking active steps to detect cancer in its earliest stages. Breast cancer affects women (and men!) of all ages, including those under the age of 30. Being breast aware is important for all men and women, and regular self-examination should be part of your health routine to spot any changes in your breasts.

The importance of early detection

The earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances for treatment and survival. Self-examination is an easy way to understand your body and know when something might not be quite right. However, self-examination is not a replacement for a doctor’s visit or mammogram and should not be relied upon as a diagnosis. It is a way for you to be aware of changes in your body.

Breast Cancer Awareness
Family

The breast self-exam

Self-examination involves taking the time to understand what is normal for your body. Not every cancer can be found this way, but it is nonetheless important. Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, so what’s “normal” for one person, may not be for someone else. Only you know what is “normal” for you. The best way to learn is to take some time to get to know your body!

According to McGrath’s app Curve Lurve, the most important steps in a breast self-exam are:

Look – examine the shape and appearance of your breasts and nipples in the mirror with your hands by your sides. Raise your arms above your head and have another look.

Lurve – Love your pair! Feel all of your breasts and nipples looking for anything that isn’t normal for you. Feel from your collarbone to below the bra-line and under your armpit too.

Learn – Learn what is normal for you. Breasts come in all different shapes and sizes, so get to know your normal. See your doctor if you notice any changes.

The app sets a reminder in your calendar to check your breasts each month.

Quick facts:

  • Breasts are mostly made up of fatty tissue, this tissue is supported by ligaments and the large chest muscle that extends over the ribs
  • Hormones regulate a woman’s cycle and are the reason you may notice changes in your breasts before your period
  • Before your period, your breasts might feel fuller and heavier. They may also be tender or lumpy, this lumpiness may gradually fade although some women have tender lumpy breasts all the time.
  • Everyone’s different! Normal comes in all shapes and sizes.

Inspired Adventures helps to raise money for several breast cancer charities including National Breast Cancer Foundation, New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Network Australia and McGrath Foundation to continue to provide care and support, vital medical research as well as raise awareness about early detection.

Feeling inspired?

Check out our calendar for 2017!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES