Pink!
EVERYTHING IS PINK OR HAS A PINK RIBBON IT.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m thankful for Breast Cancer research. I am. (Although the term “Breast Cancer Awareness” stumps me a bit. Is there actually an adult in the US who isn’t aware of Breast Cancer that we still need to reach????)
When I started this blog last year, one of the reasons I decided to do it, was to educate others who have never walked this path themselves or with someone else. There are things I’ve experienced, emotions I’ve had, thoughts I’ve had, that surprised me.
How I feel about pink ribbons is one of them. I always thought Breast Cancer Awareness Month was a great thing. It never once occurred to me that it would be a painful month for so many women. It never once occurred to me that buying someone who has breast cancer a gift that has a pink ribbon on it, might make them sad.
You see, seeing pink ribbons everywhere, is a reminder that I’m part of this “club”, that I don’t want anything to do with. It’s hard to be reminded you have breast cancer everywhere you look. I admit this year is easier than last, but it’s still not easy.
Then there’s stupid things like “No Bra Day.” Grrrrrrrrrrrr!
If you’re not on Facebook, here’s my post from this morning about that.
“I don’t post or rant much Facebook, but I don’t think I can keep my mouth shut today. Clearly the person that thought of No Bra Day for breast cancer awareness, has never had a breast cut off. They must have no idea what it is like to look at yourself in a mirror without a bra and see no breasts, severely scarred skin, or one breast that is droopy and one foob that just sits there looking funny without a nipple.
For those who like the idea of going without a bra to support this research, would you please just think about those of us who actually can’t go without a bra for the exact cause you are supporting? How would you feel if you were in our situation?
Losing a breast was ultimately not as difficult as I thought it would be. I am thankful for that. It has been a great reminder that God is in control of all things, and ultimately, it does not matter if I have one or two breasts.
If you want to support breast cancer research and patients, please donate money, get a yearly mammogram, give a hug, send a text, buy flowers, surprise your favorite breast cancer patient with a latte…anything but this.
I am leaving my bra on today, because honestly, I want to look normal and forget that I am a part of this pink breast cancer awareness club.
Thanks for being transparently honest with us!
Education is GOOD. You go girl.
AMEN to everything you said!!!
Jennifer, your honesty has enlightened us to an issue no one has ever mentioned. Pink everything is like throwing salt in a wound. Continue to speak out and maybe others will follow. Your boldness may start a movement of respect for the survivors who fought the battle like you. You’re an amazing young woman, Jennifer. May God bless you and your family always.
And, one of my least fav’s is the congratulations about surviving breast cancer…one survives the treatment…hopefully all signs of side effects are alleviated with the passage of time and/or medications…but, one’s body is NEVER the same…
Anyway, I thought I’d chime in because I just don’t feel the need to be congratulated…I’d like to thank God for showing me more of His mercy during one of the most difficult years of my life ♥ and for reminding me how brief our life on this earth truly is.
Yes…I’m never sure how to respond to a “Congratulations” comment. I’m still dealing with it. 🙁 I lost another toe nail last week because of Chemo – lol. At least I made it through the summer!!
I think October is a month we can doubly pray for others to not become part of the “club”…it’s a trial for those who have already been thru (and, who wants to remember the trial?); but it’s a reminder, too, of God’s faithfulness to deliver us from the disease, which if left unchecked, would have taken our lives…anyway, it just occurred to me that I can’t expect others to understand my point of view…and, I hope they never do! We didn’t ask for it and we would never wish it on anyone…October is a month to remember His faithfulness and renew our resolve to pray for others currently facing the disease/treatment and those who may in the future.
And, yes, I lost all but two toe nails…they still aren’t very “pretty” (the last of the effects of chemo still going thru them), but I was REALLY glad they didn’t hurt when they came off!!
Ditto! I personally have a huge struggle with the outfits worn at the Race for the Cure. Can we add that to the rant?!
But I do have good news! My sweet hubby got me a very nice pink ribbon necklace and a year after my last rafiaiation treatment, I can finally wear it. I wear it because it’s like a special hug reminding me of the journey God has taken us on and His amazing grace that has seen us through it.
The outfits at a lot of those events…I agree. 🙁