Cancer survivor has goodbye boob party before double mastectomy

By Amy Reast

A mom battling breast cancer had a 'boob voyage party' before a double mastectomy - featuring 'booby bingo', boob decorations, and even a breast-shaped cake.

Steph Coffield, 41, was diagnosed with breast cancer after attending a routine mammogram in August.

The mom-of-three had no symptoms but was referred for additional testing after doctors found something - and biopsies revealed the worst.

Steph, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, was booked in for a double mastectomy.

As she was sad to say goodbye to her breasts so before the surgery a group of friends arranged a 'boob voyage' party for her.

The pink-themed party event boob-related decorations, party games, drinks and activities - which Steph said was the perfect send-off.

Steph, a name consultant and content creator, said: "We already had a girls' night on the books, planned before I knew I needed surgery.

"So we had a party to celebrate saying goodbye to my boobs.

"We played all the fun games - even 'boobs vs butts' where you have to work out if what you see is cleavage or a butt.

"It was all very pink and 'boobalicious' - the perfect chance for me to thank my boobs for their service.

"My boobs have always been a big part of my femininity and it took a lot to process losing them.

"It helped me to accept it and officially say goodbye."

Steph's doctors only found cancer in one breast - but because she's young and has kids, she didn't want to take risks.

What was found was an early cancer which hadn't spread yet - stage zero ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a cancer of the milk ducts.

It was classified grade three as it was fast-growing.

She decided "they come as a pair, so they go as a pair" and her double mastectomy was booked for October 23.

While Steph knew it was the best thing for her health, she was sad to say goodbye - as her boobs had breastfed her three kids and were "part of [her] identity."

On October 12, Steph and her friends threw the boob-themed bash - and it went down a treat.

As well as games and decorations, they decorated boob mugs and drank from straws with boobs on them.

She said: "I think it's a great idea to do a party to celebrate your body before a major life change."

She went under the knife last week and has since been healing from the major op.

A post-op biopsy revealed some micro-invasive cancer spots meaning she needs further surgery to remove a lymph node.

If that goes well, afterwards she'll be ready for reconstruction, using her own tissues from her lower abdomen.

Steph added: "I think it's important to talk about women's health and share your experiences."