Monday, September 30, 2013

In The Pink

     
              I have to admit something to you all.



                                    I hated October.




       It's not because the weather get cooler ( even though it is a drag) It's because every October there is a deluge of pink ribbons.
                                               
                                                                 source 



                     October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.




 I should love October. Having those pink ribbons everywhere saves lives, but it also reminds me and reminds me and reminds me. 
                                                        
                                                                                                     source

It seems I'm drowning in the recollection of one of the worst times in my life and my family's life. I can't get away from it.


The fear of cancer returning sometimes grabs hold and seems to sit right on my chest like an anchor.  Last year I tried to pretend it didn't bother me. I felt selfish and such a terrible person for not wanting to wear a pink ribbon everyday. I mean isn't it enough that I have to wear these scars across my chest?  


But you can't see my scars. 


  If you saw me walking down the street...you'd never know.






       ...and I want you to know.






               I want you to know that I survived this awful monster. 





      I want you to know that I never ever ever want this to happen to you.







So this year....I might very well wear my pink ribbon.
                      
                                                     
                                                                         source





       I'll wear it for all those fighting right now.

             and for those who will start their fight tomorrow.

                                     
                
           and if you stop and ask me (whether in person or on this blog)....


             
               I will share everything, in the hopes that you will never wait too long or skip altogether a mammogram 


                                 


                    I REFUSE to cry with the memories.

                      
                     I will not fear it


                      I will NOT let it rob me of anything else.



        Bring on the PINK.....I'm ready.
                       
          

          Here is a video I found Titled "Stuff Breast Cancer Survivors Say"
                
                              Uploaded  to You Tube by:  Cherry Bombs   




Blessings, Joanne                    


15 comments:

  1. Joanne, just so thankful that you are a survivor! I have a dear friend that battled it and survived also. My sweet mother had one breast removed so I do not miss a mammogram. Stay Cancer free my friend!
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jann, so happy to hear that your friend and mom are both survivors!

      Delete
  2. How long are you cancer free now? Did you have chemo? Both my sister-in-laws got it this year at about the same time. I am SO very glad you are a SURVIVOR!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ginny, I wrote about it a while back. in fact if you scroll to the top of my blog you can click on the tab marked "My breast cancer story"

      Delete
  3. Oh Joanne, I'm tearful. I have more respect for you than ever. Be proud. You're an amazing woman. I'm glad you shared this.

    xoRobyn

    ReplyDelete
  4. A very powerful video....and I'm so thankful YOU are a survivor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Delores, as soon as I saw the video I knew I had to post it.

      Delete
  5. What a thing to have gone through! I will think of you when I see the pink ribbons this month.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am so glad you are a survivor. I have a scar from my open heart surgery. My kids call it my life line. You can call your scar your life line too. I am sure as you tell your story you are helping others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Barb....you are so sweet. You made me tear up with your comment. "Life line"....I love it!

      Delete
  7. Yes pink is everywhere ...they have done a great job of educating the public.....do tell your story sometimes. Wear those scars proudly but I understand why you would not show them

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are very brave and strong and I am proud to have you as a friend! Thanks for sharing your story! I'll wear pink for YOU! Sweet hugs!

    ReplyDelete

I LOVE comments...I think I'm addicted to them! they are like chips...oooo chips....or chocolate....yum...chocolate. Or like......can ya tell I'm dieting? Please leave me a comment so that I can keep my mind off of snacks!!!