You've probably noticed that it's "Pink October". Everywhere you look there are pink ribbons intended to make people aware of breast cancer. I think we can safely say that, by now, just about everyone is aware of it.
Most of the time, breast cancer reports are accompanied by survival stories--courageous tales of women who have taken a stance against this nasty disease and beaten it. Happily, there are many such stories.
Very rarely does a news report focus on those 160,000 or so of us that are living with metastatic breast cancer--that which has spread to other parts of the body. This is probably because there aren't very many happy endings in this subset of cancer patients. It is not inspiring to fund research for those who, statistically, only have an average of three years to live. People want to help those who can win, and more often than not those with early stage breast cancer CAN win. So I completely understand this focus.
Many women with metastatic breast cancer feel left out and overlooked. I know this because I am active on discussion boards for those in my situation. Although I personally am delighted by any research or awareness done, as it ultimately benefits us all, I nonetheless am happy to report that today is National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness day. The intent of this day is to educate the general public about those of us living with more advanced breast cancer. And while, no, it's not curable like early stage breast cancer, it IS treatable, and we are living longer and longer with this chronic condition. I, for one, plan to be here much longer than average!
There is a nice article today about it in the Huffington Post, here.
Now that you know, have some cake or something!
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6 comments:
Great Blog! You are a credit to the cancer blogging community. I have added you to my blogroll, “Cancer Blogs” with over 1000 other personal cancer blogs at www.beingcancer.net, a cancer networking site featuring a cancer book club, guest blogs, cancer resources, reviews and more.
If you have not visited before or recently, please stop by. If you agree that the site is a worthwhile resource for those affected by cancer, please consider adding Being Cancer Network to your own blogroll.
Now that you are listed, you can expect to gain a wider audience for your thoughts and experiences. Being Cancer Network is a place to share and communicate.
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Thought of you today!
Suzanne, thank you so much for sharing this, and the article too! Since I have viewed breast cancer primarily through the experiences you have shared, I didn't realize where the research and attention were normally focused. But that makes sense, since the fundraising is always focused on "find a cure." I hope a lot more women can have access to research and treatments like you are recieving, so they can go forward with the best quality and length of life possible! -AO
xoxo,
thinking of you. You are amazingly stoic.
God Bless you,
Anna Lisa
P.S. Ladies that lunch in SB sometime soon??? Would love to catch up with you....
I didn't know there was a difference. That sounds ignorant doesn't it? I knew there are different kinds of cancer and that cancer does spread but I thought that since it started in the breast you would be included as well. I am elated that you are part of a study and are able to receive treatment. I continue to pray for you and those that I know of that have cancer (of any kind). Thinking of you all alot this month!
Yes indeed! You are right.
Truly heroic!
My prayers and support, Allaire
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