A personal note from our founder
Why we do this
Around this time last year, my life looked very different. I had just finished my last chemo. It was tough, but hey look at where we are now. More grateful than ever, and cancer free. Today I get to look forward, celebrate life, and hopefully use my story to help others.
It was a crazy ride of treatments and surgery. I had 18 chemo cocktails (sounds a bit more fun, right?) and I got some new boobies. I like to call them my new best friends, here to stay and totally self-supporting😉
What helped me most during treatment was keeping myself busy with the things that gave me energy: coffee with friends, small walks outside, a moment at the beach or in the park, and yes call me a workaholic but also working on fun campaigns, designing new nails and shoots for Blitsbee. Luckily I was still able to do a lot, and that positive distraction meant the world to me. Even with a chemo brain. And yes, I even had a little chemo after party when it was all done, because if there is one thing cancer taught me, it is to celebrate every milestone.
Cancer will always be part of my life now, but it never stopped me from living. That is the biggest lesson: life does not stop after a diagnosis.
My story is simple: do not wait for “later.” Live in the moment, follow your dreams, and find happiness in the little things. And if you are reading this while newly diagnosed or in treatment: you got this, and you are never alone. I am endlessly grateful for all my cheerleaders in life: family, friends, and colleagues who stood by me every step of the way. And I’m equally grateful for the incredible care I received. Now I want to give something back.
That’s why this campaign with LINDA.meiden is so close to my heart. I felt a lump in my breast with my own hands, and together we designed special nails to support Pink Ribbon. From a fun “all the boobies” design to one created especially for women in treatment with tiny reminders of strength and courage.
All profits goes to Pink Ribbon, to fund research and support women with breast cancer.
So wear them proudly. Check yourself. And celebrate life. 💗
Jantine
Founder of Blitsbee
How to recognize breast cancer?
It is important to recognize the symptoms of breast cancer early so it can be detected at the earliest possible stage. But how do you discover breast cancer? Keep in mind that many changes or symptoms in the breast are not cancer. Still, stay alert and consult your doctor if in doubt. The following symptoms may indicate cancer:
A lump (swelling) in the breast
One of the most common symptoms is a lump. This refers to a thickening or hardening in the breast that feels different from the normal lumpiness you might notice. Lumps can feel very different from one another. Read more about a lump in the breast.
Changes in the breast
The following changes in the breast may point to breast cancer:
- a painful spot where the tissue feels different
- a sore or wound that does not heal properly
- sudden changes in the shape or size of the breast
- the breast feels warm and looks red
- a thickened cord leading to the nipple or a thickened vein
- dimpling or indentation of the skin
- changes in the skin’s texture, such as looking like an orange peel
Also be alert if you notice swelling or a lump in the armpit.
Changes in the nipple
The following nipple changes may indicate breast cancer:
- crusting on the nipple
- a nipple that has become pulled inwards
- pain in the nipple
- nipple discharge (bloody, green, watery, or milky)
- ulcers on or around the nipple