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Bricks for Boobs

By Monica Turner

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$1,190

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Hi, my name is...

Hi. My name is Monica, I live in Adelaide, South Australia. I have an 11 year old son, work as an Education Support Officer while studying to become a Childcare worker, as well as running a hobby business selling new and used Lego Sets and individual pieces online. I'm also about to begin a course of treatment for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. 

Even at 35, this will not be the first time undergoing treatment for cancer. 2 months before I turned 22, I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer, and 6 months later, Pancreatic Cancer. Both were treated with invasive abdominal surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Then in 2014, 6 weeks after my son was born, I underwent a further 6 months of chemotherapy to treat a relapse. My last chemo pump was removed on New Years Eve of 2014, and I have continued to be proactive in frequent screening tests to monitor the unpredictable hand I'd been dealt from a genetic mutation known as Lynch Syndrome. 

Unfortunately, I now need to put some of my plans, goals and dreams on hold while I live through this next chapter. 

This is why, from June 1st until December 31st 2025, I’ve decided to donate a portion of every sale from my BrickLink LEGO store (store.bricklink.com/thriftingbeauty) to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Every brick or set purchased will help fund critical research focused on continuous improvements for screenings, treatments and ultimately a cure for breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, with around 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for about 15-20% of all breast cancers and is known for its higher risk of recurrence. NBCF is leading the charge to improve outcomes for people like me by funding innovative research that’s saving lives every day. 

Thank you for your support, your kindness, and for helping to build hope — one LEGO brick at a time.

My Updates

The hair is starting to go...

Thursday 3rd Jul
I was warned. I dyed my hair bright pink in preparation, even though the colour fades quickly from my hot showers. (I might even sneak a home dye job in so I can look cute as it falls out.) But my scalp has been itchy and achy all week, and it's beginning to thin, so I guess it's a little bit of history repeating.

In saying that, I feel more prepared than the first time I lost my hair. I had 6 months of chemo in 2011 with no noticeable hair loss. Then a change in chemo for another 3-4 months in early 2012 and nothing. Another change in July where I had a chemo bottle attached and swapped weekly (with radiation) and nothing. So I became complacent. 

Then in 2014 after I had a relapse, I was given another different regime. I was told about hair thinning but because I hadn't had any from the first few times, I dismissed it and went on with things, the thought of hair loss far from my mind. But it was closer than I realised.

I remember I was at my parents house for the weekend, making the most of my not-so-newborn and Grandparent time. I was washing my hair and as I was rinsing, more hair was coming out than normal. I have always had really thick hair, and I was constantly losing strands, but not like this. It was chunks as thick as wool, gently coming away from my head. Over and over, and continued over the following days and weeks. 

I had a shiny bald spot forming near my crown, and within a week, I wasn't able to conceal it with a ponytail. I took the "fuck it" route, and sent my husband to Kmart to get a shaver. We laid towels down on the lounge room floor and permitted him to "just do a thing", and he gave me a reasonably cute faux-hawk, which I rocked for 10 minutes before finishing the job.

Luckily it was towards the end of winter so I was able to rock beanies and headscarves, I saved a ton of money on shampoo and hair cuts, and my son never went through a hair pulling phase, so there was a convenience to it I never thought I'd accept. 

I eventually embraced it and developed my own style. I remember towards the end of 2014, I had just been discharged from a chemo date with my Mum, as she was going through treatment at the same time. Her hair had fallen out as well, so we were twinning it up in our head scarves. We were on a bus on the way to the city to meet my Sister. It must have been around October because it was warm and I was feeling it under my scarf. I complained to Mum how uncomfortable I felt and pulled my scarf off for some fresh air on my scalp. Her eyes went so wide and she whispered, "but what if people stare?" I politely scoffed and told her I couldn't care and I'd rather feel comfortable. Her face changed as the words sunk in, and she slowly reached up and pulled her scarf off too. We shared a moment of power and the memory is forever imprinted. 

Fast-forward to now and I am reflecting on the first hair loss journey and it's slowly filling me with the same power. The first thing the Oncologist asked me when discussing chemo options, was how I felt about my hair. I said I'd rather stay alive, and the hair will grow back. I gave the cold cap a go, but I don't think it sat snug enough on my head due to my thick hair and odd sizing. I'm glad I gave it a chance, but have already cancelled the cold cap chair for next week's treatment. It's time to embrace. I am sad, nervous and reluctant about it, but at least I have a semi-speck of control this way.

I had warned my son that I might lose my hair, and he could be the one to shave it if I did. He responded with "Really!?" while excitedly clapping his hands. So at least one of us will have a good time. At least it's winter again so I can make use of all my beanies! 

I'll post photos when it happens!

Much Love
-Monica x

June Bricklink Sales Update!

Tuesday 1st Jul
Firstly, thank you so much to those who have taken the time to share, look or place an order at my Bricklink store! The support has been amazing!

Over June, we were just shy of 10 orders for the month, including some from people new to Bricklink! From the sales, we have raised a further $17.83 for the NBFC and I have added this to the donations.

The fundraising event will continue until December 31st, so please continue to look, share or maybe buy some Brick for Boobs! And let's aim to raise more over July!

Thanks again and I hope to send some bricks to you!

Much Love
-Monica

Week 1

Thursday 26th Jun
It's been a whole week. It's been a lot. 
Tuesday ended with nausea and although I was a big girl and didn't actually, technically spew, man did I try! I couldn't talk without dry retching. The anti-nausea medication worked amazingly but there were still some gaps but I know what I'm up against next time!
I didn't get a well rested night as I was constantly woken from either nausea, racing thoughts or the inability to lay comfortably. I'm a side, pillow hugger, turtle sleeper. Which is a problem when both sides are compromised. I'm nervous to sleep on my right as I can feel the port and it can be physically uncomfortable, but on my left, I feel like I can feel the tumour. It took a more than usual to be comfortable and I woke every hour on the hour wanting to spew, but nothing would come up.
From Wednesday through until Friday I juggled nausea, napping, vegemite toast and odd jobs, ticking a lot of small things off my list like sorting and counting Lego sets to upload to the store, and condensing doom boxes I'd started months ago. 
Saturday I summoned all the energy to take my son to the Museum to see an exhibit on some Viking treasures that was on display and had a really nice afternoon, but my body gave up the second I got home. I got a short nap before having some dinner (first proper meal in a few days) and then went back to bed, and ended up sleeping over 12 hours. 
Sunday was an in bed day, napping on and off and not getting up until late afternoon, and just having a physical sense of something that I couldn't put my finger on but eased ever so slightly every day, especially since seeing my Oncologist on Tuesday. A quick blood test confirmed nothing major was happening, other than my tanked counts due to the chemo, which under the circumstances are 'normal'.
Upon reflection, we have put the oddness down to anxiety and post-traumatic stress, which threw me, because even having an existing diagnosis, I had never felt it manifest so physically before. I guess I had locked a lot of my past chemo experiences away deeper than I realised.
Looking forward now I have a baseline I can work with, so here's hoping when I start my next treatment in a couple weeks, I can be prepared like a girl scout and it will be easier!
Thanks for all the support so far! Continue to share the post, page and spread the word. Let's continue to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation's hard work and keep looking to the future!

Much love
-Monica x

Bricklink Store FAQ

Thursday 19th Jun
Thank you so much to those who have looked at, shared or made a purchase from my Bricklink store so far! The support has been overwhelming! I will be depositing the monthly totals on the 1st of each month, and I cannot wait to share!!

Here are a few frequently asked questions I've had. Hopefully it helps you out!

How do I access the BrickLink Store?
Store.bricklink.com/thriftingbeauty will take you directly to my store page.

Will I need to sign up to make a purchase?
Yes, you will need to create a buyer account before making a purchase.

What payment methods are available?
All payments will be made securely through PayPal. A link will be generated once you've submitted a request for an invoice.

Why do I need to request an invoice before payment?
It's an option I have for my store so I can determine best, economical shipping cost for you. I send a confirmation of shipping when the invoice is sent (ie. Smaller orders sometimes fit into a large letter/rigid mailer but with no tracking).

Do you offer local pick up/delivery?
I do where time and location allows. I am happy to negotiate this with you once the request for an invoice has been recieved. If I see a local suburb, or somewhere I know I will be travelling to or past within a time frame that suits you. 

How much would postage cost?
Postage costs are dependent on how much you purchase through size and weight. 
Prices are:
$3 - Large letter/rigid mailer (No Tracking)
$10.95 - Small parcel, up to 500g, tracking included
$14.95 - Medium parcel, 500g-1kg tracking included
$18.95 - Large parcel, 1kg-3kg, tracking included.
*Please note I also use recycled packaging where possible*

Why are some sets marked as "incomplete"?
As I acquire Lego Sets and pieces through various thrifting opportunities (op shops, Facebook Marketplace, eBay etc) sometimes sets come incomplete. Before adding to the store I use the Bricklink inventory to count the pieces and replace broken or missing pieces where my surplus allows. Most sets marked as incomplete will have a list of missing pieces, including individual part identification numbers. 

I hope that answers most of the questions. 

If you have any further inquiries, feel free to contact me either through Bricklink, Facebook or though this donation page. 

Thanks again for your support! 

-Monica




The First 24 Hours

Wednesday 18th Jun
I made it. The first 24 hours are done, hopefully not setting the standards for the next few days, as that bar felt close to being out of reach. 

The treatment itself went fine. Port was accessed easily, and I had my big girl pants on to have the needle placed without topical numbing cream, just to take away the sting! Each infusion went for 10-30 minutes but there were a few. The nurses were great and explained every step but I can tell you nothing landed. My brain was a trampoline and new thoughts were having a party. Every time one launched, a new one would join in, so my brain did little to no processing yesterday. It wasn't until I got home did things slow down and I began to reflect on my day. 

The memories of the past came crashing down and someone took away the trampoline and they all landed in a crumpled heap at my feet. The reception who recognised me, by name and face, from over 10 years later from a previous Chemo Day Hospital. The warm and welcoming escort from the front desk to my chair, willing to offer a helping hand for absolutely anything, including carrying my Oodie down the corridor. The nurses who are winners of the personality lotto, and have found their calling in life. Knowing when to joke and when to be serious, keeping me relaxed and distracted. 

And then there was the finer details to the layout of the treatment space, the sounds of the machines, the repeating of who I am, even the smell from the band-aid they placed over the needle. It was all there and I couldn't escape it any more. And the nausea hit and the anxiety won over, so I had a cheeky cry. I had a short chat with my sister but it was hard to talk through holding back the sobs and the dry-retching that had hit. Thankfully, once I hung up, I dozed off and on until waking up bright and sparkly at 3:30am, where I began writing this post. It's only been a little over 12 hours in drafts, which for me is posting it early!

I managed to get some cheeky 4am toast in, where it stayed, and again at 6:30am. Got in contact with my Psychologist and another cheeky nap later before I went in for a bone marrow booster to help stimulate cell repair from the chemo and immunotherapies. Finally felt human enough for a burrito bowl too which is helped boost my morale. 

Expecting the next few days to hit the peak of dreadful, but feels like the anti-nausea medication will do it's trick and hopefully be feeling more human again by the weekend.

A huge thank you to the people who have donated so far or reached out. Every kind word, thought and good vibe has been felt. 

And thank you to those who are also checking out my second-hand Lego store through Bricklink - store.bricklink.com/ThriftingBeauty - 8% of your purchase I will also be donating to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. I have also been using my spare time to upload more sets and minifigures, as well as updating some prices to match the sales averages, which is slow going but getting there!

Thanks again and much love.

-Monica

Treatment #1

Tuesday 17th Jun

OK. I'm ready..

Tuesday 10th Jun

The days blur as they bring me closer to my first chemo date of 2025. 

The initial shock of a breast cancer diagnosis at 35 has eased, plans are made and the shaking ground that was leading to the future has settled. The last task is the re-installation of an Infusion Port. Then we will be ready to rock.

I plan to share more in the next few days, weeks and months about my current journey, as well as my past experiences that I was hopeful I wouldn't have to draw from again.

You're welcome to come back and check in as I work through this next chapter.

Don't forget to share and donate what you can. Every dollar is appreciated!

-Monica

Thank you to my Supporters

$206.20

Anonymous

$106.12

Chris Berny And Amelia

Keep those's eyes looking forward, you've got this!

$106.12

Rebecca Johnson

$106.12

Leonie Fenech

$80.25

Anonymous

💕💕

$61.52

Therese Kerkhof

All the best Monica.

$61.52

Tracy Heritage

Remain strong 💪 warrior

$60.83

Britt Burton

$60.15

Monica Turner

$54.12

Karly Woolford

You are braver and stronger than you know xx

$54.12

Ebony Bruce

❤️

$54.12

Veronica Hubert (may)

$38.33

Mel Amey

$38.33

Britt Burton

$38.33

Jemma

Sending my love and thoughts xo

$22.58

Anonymous

$17.83

Youthriftingbeauty (bricklink) - June

$11.65

Anonymous

$11.65

Hannah Nagel