Em Rusciano: The note that put things into perspective

WHEN Em Rusciano was handed a note about boobs scribbled on a serviette on Saturday night, it brought her to tears.

‘A serviette gave me perspective’

ON SATURDAY night before I went on stage to do my stand-up show in Perth, a note was delivered to me scrawled on a napkin in blue sharpie.

It said the following:

“Hi Em, We have a friend who was supposed to be here tonight who couldn’t make it. Her name is Nat and almost exactly 12 months ago she was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer.

She is a teacher of disadvantaged teens, Mother to 2 young boys and wife to a great guy. On top of all this she is one of the most amazing friends ever. She was supposed to be here tonight, but when ‘free’ breast recon comes up on the same day sometimes you have to make a tough call. It was close but I am sorry to say you missed out to the boobs — I’m sure you understand! Please give her a shout out, we love her and she is amazing.

Lots of love, Ali, Lynley, Taryn, Danielle, Jo-Dee, Catherine and Jane.”

Well, needless to say that touched me down to the bottom of my black heart. I stood there in my leotard and feathers and suddenly I didn’t feel quite so nervous about what I was about to do. It was a reminder that there are people out there with real shit happening in their lives.

I couldn’t even begin to imagine the emotions Nat must have been feeling. I’m sure the thought of yet another surgery was weighing heavily on her mind, even though this time it was to give her a pair of breasts back rather than to take them away.

I asked for Nat’s phone number and thought perhaps she could do with the love and support of 1000 or so well wishes (95 per cent of them having boobs themselves). So we called her on stage before she went into surgery.

Nat was upbeat and excited for what was to come for her chest area. She seemed remarkably calm, unlike the rest of us who were snivelling wrecks.

“Hello?”

“Hello is that Nat?”

“Yes. Is that Em?”

“YES! I have a few other people here too. Your friends dobbed you in, they’re all here, 57 white wines down, but here. So is the cancer gone now?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Good girl. I also hear you’re getting some new tits?”

“I sure am and I can’t wait!”

With that, the room erupted. I felt a tsunami of love and support rush the stage aimed at the phone in my hand and the woman on the other end of it. We all started crying, it was completely lovely and traumatic all at once.

I let Nat go as she had a big night ahead of her, and she promised to send me photos of her spectacular chest once it was ready to be on display.

Later that evening Nat sent me a message from her bed. In fact she sent you all a message which I think is important to share.

Nat, I hope your breasts are magical, perky and glorious. I hope they’re a symbol of your bravery and new beginnings. Yes I know that it a lot of pressure to place on a rack but still, I have high hopes for them. Well done on kicking cancer in the dick. You must be a pretty wonderful human to have such dedicated and loyal pals.

There are no morals or opinions in my column this week. I just wanted to share this story for a couple of reasons. I wanted to highlight the power of women supporting women through rock solid friendships and the importance of staying on top of your health. But mostly because I was so moved by the whole experience I thought you might be too.

So to all the ladies out there, do as Nat says and check your bumps for lumps.

Originally published as Em Rusciano: The note that put things into perspective