When my Mom told us she had been diagnosed with breast cancer I believe there was a collective F word muttered in my five siblings’ heads that culminated into one audible “FUCK!” from the one member in our family least likely to vocalize such a word in front of our mother.
We were stunned. No WAY was this happening again. What kind of weird, cruel joke was this to have lost not one, but two dads to cancer only to have the strongest staple in our life turn to us with the same news? Was this the Bible? Were we Job? Was anything we loved and looked up to in our lives going to stay alive or were we cursed?
We reacted before she had time to explain. Not that it mattered. We all knew she was going to die. Because that’s what happens when you get cancer.
You die.
We had proof.
Twice.
But this time was different. She had been diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, which is to say the form of breast cancer she had was common and had not spread. She was treated with a lumpectomy and six weeks of radiation.
She did not die.
Because cancer actually IS treatable.
But you need to find it first.
Today I’m supporting Army Of Women and their goal to get one million women to sign up for breast cancer research studies:
“We are dedicating ONE day to reach ONE million women to sign up for the Army of Women. We are declaring October 1, 2010 the official Army of Women Day. We beseech all bloggers to blog about the Army of Women and empower women to take the next step by signing up and taking part in breast cancer research studies. Together, we can move breast cancer beyond a cure and eradicate it once and for all.”
**This post is dedicated to Ellen Degeneres and her decision to host a show on Breast Cancer Awareness even after my 15th letter encouraging her to have me on instead. You know the old adage…if you can’t beat’em…talk about Breast Cancer Awareness with’em…errrr something.**
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
This is fantastic. Unfortunately I have had to be against most breast cancer research due to the fact mice and other animals are tortured and given cancer and studied. They know how to cure cancer in mice now, sadly they keep testing on them even though mice and humans are very different. I think this has been proven by them themselves since they can cure mice and are not close to curing humans. This however, this I can support. Such a welcome change. Women saving women! Love it! :D
Wow. So we really can beat it.
I heart this.
And you.
*signed up*
I still find it a little funny how much so many of us have in common. Glad to see you blogging for breasts today, too! So glad your mom is well :)
Linds
Love it, Mama Kat! My mother in law had the same diagnosis and treatment plan just over a year ago. You are so right about the collective “f” word… she told me on the phone, and instructed me to tell my husband, thinking he would handle it better if i dished the initial news. “F_ _ _” is exactly what i thought. I did as I was asked, though – and things went as smoothly as possible throughout the process following that first scary day. I appreciate your post and nodded my head as I read the whole thing!
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007. I opted for a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy – as I told my doctor, I didn’t really need that boob anymore and if he took just a portion there wouldn’t be enough left over to notice anyway – and had that surgery on July 3. I had chemotherapy treatments from August to January. I elected not to have radiation. The chemo was not fun, but then it was done and life goes on. And someday I might even have real hair again (I think the hormone blocker I’m taking now inhibits hair regrowth). If not, I’ve got life and it’s so great!
Ladies, get those mammograms when you’re supposed to and do your self-checks!
So happy your mom fought it, MK! I am having those same fears about my friend who was just diagnosed (with liver cancer) since I’ve seen my dad and sister succumb to it, but I am staying strong and positive that she can beat it!
Oh, and stay persistent with Ellen. I just know you’ll get on there!!! xo
yes, yes, yes, check your boobies girls. And don’t go thinking breast cancer is an old ladies’ disease. I was diagnosed while I was still breast feeding.
I had a lumpectomy and radiation too, just last fall and so far so good. No more cancer. I am taking a pill every day for 5 years that is very costly, but it’s to help keep the cancer from coming back. Great news that your mom didn’t need chemo either! The key is to discover it early BEFORE it spreads. Take those mammograms seriously and GO! It’s only a little discomfort for a few seconds–well worth it if it can save your life!
Go, you!!! And fuck cancer.
Thanks for this post. My mother is a cancer survivor, having had surgery just two years ago. Cancer sucks! You’ve inspired me to take the pledge.
Thanks!
I thought the same thing when my best friend was diagnosed, that was 5 years ago and she is still going strong!
Missed this specific day…but it is Breast Cancer Awareness “month” so I’ll get it in my posts soon! Had my own scare recently…..hoping it will be the last time I have to face those kind of exams.