Anyone else dreading the month October?

lexislove

Hi ladies!

Been off the boards for about 5 weeks, doing the Europe thing still. I found a computer yesterday so I am finally able to log into the internet....lol.

Anyways, I was just thinking about my returning back to Canada first week of October and even though I have had an amazing time here in Europe, I am glad to be going "home".

I am NOT looking forward to what awaits me. October = Breast Cancer month. Pink and more pink. Advertisements ect. This month is so very hard for me. It use to be my favorite month, I love fall but I'm seriously dreading it.

Any anti anxity October tips funny or serious would be nice!

BTW, I celebrated my 2 year cancerversary 2 weeks ago....never thought I would type those words.

Be well sisters...

idaho

CONGRATULATIONS LEXISLOVE!   2 years- awesome! I am with you on the pink stinks thing... It just reminds us everytime we turn around and makes of think of breast cancer- that is how I feel anyway.  I used to love the color pink- now I hate it...wierd I know... !    Tami

ADK

I am right there with you - I HATE seeing every product with a pink ribbon on it - please explain to me how exactly a pot holder or towel is related to health?  So many companies use this month as a way to expand profits and there are so many people out there thinking they are doing some good by buying these products.  There is always a cap on the donations and the entire amount will be donated regardless.  I am so tired of being reminded everywhere I turn in October.  I hit my 3 year cancerversary last March and the only thing from that time that I have held onto is you guys.

stef58

I also hate the pink stuff. Eating yogart is no fun etc. You also need to look at it another way if can save one more person, pink power. i can not wait for next month as chemo is over!!!!

otter

lexis, rock started a thread last year to poke fun (and criticism) at the pink-for-BC merchandising.  Many of us described and/or posted pics of hilariously pink things we found on sale during October. I updated that thread a few minutes ago with some things I saw in a store today.

rock called her thread, "Pink:  Not just for Pepto Bismol anymore."  Look for it in this "Moving Beyond Cancer" forum.  Let's keep it active again this year.

We are trying to laugh at all the pinkness, even though most of us don't think it's funny at all.  I do find myself less disgusted than I was last year.  This year I'm kind of amused by all the fuss.  The idea of sky blue power tools (during what month?) is especially interesting.  Not funny... just interesting.

otter 

sksk9802

This such a hard month for me. I am tired of PINK! I lost my mom and best friend to tripple- breast cancer on 12/22/09. It all started in 8/09. October was a very special month for us as we did a lot of special things together. It was our favorite month. There is pink EVERYWHERE now.

There are signs everywhere about a breast cancer walk we have that my mom and I used to do together. I did it last year by myself with a t shirt that had my moms picture on it that said "Mom, I love and miss you." Everyone stayed away from me and I felt VERY out of place. I found out that it was only for survivers and just went off to the side and balled.

Please know I really believe in reasearch and support for Breast Cancer. I have been told by a cancer specialist that I have a very high chance of getting it being that my moms was extremely aggresive, and her mother had it as well, as well as an aunt.I am considering a double masectomy. But I can't wait till this month is over. Enough pink in such a short period of time.

iodine

I am so sorry for your great loss.  I am even more appalled that the walk was for survivors only.  Oh, bless your heart, I feel so for the way you were made to feel.  I hope and pray that other walks are not set up that way.  You are just to lovely to walk in memory of your mom and to have someone say that is beyond the pale.

My best friend chose to have a bilat.  after her mom and 3 of her sisters were diagnosed.  It's a big decision.  At least it can be made with some thought and not as much pressure as with a new diagnosis.  Blessings to you, and may you find peace.

EmaRosa

I don't only hate October, I hate pink! My mom used to make me wear it, while I was more interested in my blue jeans and my Guess Who t-shirt. I avoid shopping during this month, aside from my groceries and for other basic needs.I was diagnosed in October 2006, I remember looking for a special bra to wear after my second biopsy and telling the sellwomen what I need it for, I was at the height of my pain and loss so just saying it to an strange person made my voice tremble. Somehow, the big display of beutiful bras with the breast cancer ribbon was magic realism at its best, not Latinamerican writer could bit it. 

I'm titless by choice* and I don't need reminders of what happened to me while I do my shopping, much less seeing how my ordeal is just "a purchase to feel good" or a "make profit strategy" for others.  (*in Canada is part of our treatment to have our breast reconstructed for free, anytime we decide, a benefit most women in the world don't' have.) 

sksk9802

Iodine, Just wanted to say thank you for your kind post. It really meant a lot.