Woman reveals how a $6 bra from an op shop led to a shocking diagnosis
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Usually, coming across a gem in an op shop or a bargain store only leads to feelings of euphoria, especially if it’s an incredibly rare find for a great value. But for one woman, a meagre clothing item drastically flipped her life around. Here’s how stumbling across the deal, quite literally, saved her life.
An Australian woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, bought a new bra from an op shop after spotting that it was on sale for $6. But after a few days, she was starting to regret the purchase as it ‘wasn’t fitting right’ – but the dilemma was only the beginning of a grim discovery.
'While trying to figure out why the bra didn’t fit right, I found a large lump at the bottom of my breast.’ she said.
She then raced to the hospital for a lumpectomy and was diagnosed with breast cancer, further highlighting the importance of regular self-breast checks.
'I literally owe this bra my life! Thank you to whoever gave away this nearly new Sloggi bra. Best $6 I've ever spent.'
The op shop bra that ‘saved’ the woman’s life. Source: DailyMail
The woman shared her story in a social media post, which has since reached thousands of users who expressed their gratitude for the warning.
'Sometimes the op shop purchase finds you, not the other way around. I hope you are getting better and your life is filled with many blessings.’ one woman said.
'I think you will triumph over cancer. This bra was so meant to be yours. It had a purpose and did its job. I wish you a speedy but gentle recovery,’ said another.
The woman went on to reveal that she hasn't worn the bra since her diagnosis.
'But I will keep it always. And I still visit the op shop regularly. Please don't be like me. Regularly have mammograms and do self-checks!’ she urged other women.
She believes finding the bra and lump was down to 'divine intervention'.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, women of all ages must perform breast checks at least once a month.
‘Forty per cent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.’
So, what’s the right way to do a breast self-exam?
The next time you’re in the shower, raise one hand and examine your entire breast and armpit area by pressing down with light, medium, and hard pressure. Feel for any lumps, thickening, hardened knots, or other breast changes. Make sure to repeat these steps on the other side.
Don’t forget to perform breast exams every month! Source: NBCF
You may perform this similar technique while lying down on the bed with a pillow underneath one shoulder and an arm behind your head. When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall, aiding in a more thorough examination.
Then, visually check your breasts for any obvious changes. Any changes in the contour, swelling, dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. If you spot any, book a consultation with your GP immediately.
Source: City of Hope
Some people don’t experience any symptoms of breast cancer and are only diagnosed during a mammogram. But according to cancer.org.au, if you experience any of the following, it’s best to have your breasts checked as soon as possible:
What are your thoughts about this story? What’s the best item you’ve ever bought from an op shop? Let us know in the comments!
Learn more about breast cancer by watching the video below:
Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation
An Australian woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, bought a new bra from an op shop after spotting that it was on sale for $6. But after a few days, she was starting to regret the purchase as it ‘wasn’t fitting right’ – but the dilemma was only the beginning of a grim discovery.
'While trying to figure out why the bra didn’t fit right, I found a large lump at the bottom of my breast.’ she said.
She then raced to the hospital for a lumpectomy and was diagnosed with breast cancer, further highlighting the importance of regular self-breast checks.
'I literally owe this bra my life! Thank you to whoever gave away this nearly new Sloggi bra. Best $6 I've ever spent.'
The op shop bra that ‘saved’ the woman’s life. Source: DailyMail
The woman shared her story in a social media post, which has since reached thousands of users who expressed their gratitude for the warning.
'Sometimes the op shop purchase finds you, not the other way around. I hope you are getting better and your life is filled with many blessings.’ one woman said.
'I think you will triumph over cancer. This bra was so meant to be yours. It had a purpose and did its job. I wish you a speedy but gentle recovery,’ said another.
The woman went on to reveal that she hasn't worn the bra since her diagnosis.
'But I will keep it always. And I still visit the op shop regularly. Please don't be like me. Regularly have mammograms and do self-checks!’ she urged other women.
She believes finding the bra and lump was down to 'divine intervention'.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, women of all ages must perform breast checks at least once a month.
‘Forty per cent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.’
So, what’s the right way to do a breast self-exam?
The next time you’re in the shower, raise one hand and examine your entire breast and armpit area by pressing down with light, medium, and hard pressure. Feel for any lumps, thickening, hardened knots, or other breast changes. Make sure to repeat these steps on the other side.
Don’t forget to perform breast exams every month! Source: NBCF
You may perform this similar technique while lying down on the bed with a pillow underneath one shoulder and an arm behind your head. When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall, aiding in a more thorough examination.
Then, visually check your breasts for any obvious changes. Any changes in the contour, swelling, dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. If you spot any, book a consultation with your GP immediately.
Source: City of Hope
Some people don’t experience any symptoms of breast cancer and are only diagnosed during a mammogram. But according to cancer.org.au, if you experience any of the following, it’s best to have your breasts checked as soon as possible:
- new lumps or thickening in the breast, especially if in only one breast
- nipple sores, change in the shape of the nipple
- nipple discharge or turning in
- changes in the size or shape of the breast
- the skin of the breast dimpling
- discomfort or swelling in the armpit
- rash or red swollen breasts
- ongoing breast pain
What are your thoughts about this story? What’s the best item you’ve ever bought from an op shop? Let us know in the comments!
Learn more about breast cancer by watching the video below:
Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation
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