Renaming of the breasts

smithlme

I need a lot of help on this one. On another message board a woman was asking for suggestions to call her team for an upcoming breast cancer walk. After seeing some of the suggestions I wrote, "Just my two cents worth, but as a two-time survivor who has chosen to not have reconstruction, I find words like boobies, knockers, ta-tas, etc., insensitive. It's truly not about saving "ta-tas" but saving our very lives. I truly appreciate everyone who walks, but some of the names and get-ups are insensitive."

One of the replies that was written was, "Those of us that have team name such as mine "Save Our Boobies" mean no disrespect to you. We have names like that to catch peoples attention and then they stop and ask questions.

When people ask me why we chose "Save our Boobies" I always say" isn't that what we are walking for."

We are all walking so someday no one will have to go through what you did. Hopefully someday when the word Cancer is spoken we might be able to say "Remember when there wasn't a cure"

Like I wrote, I truly appreciate everyone who walks, but some of the names, t-shirts and hats are ridiculous. Am I the only one who doesn't like the words Ta-ta's, boobies, knockers, etc.? I've been involved in these walks for years and even before I had BC I didn't like those words. I lost my breasts. Period. I fought for my life and continue to each and every day.

Last year there was a group of middle school cheerleaders at one of the stops. Their cheer? "Save our Ta-Ta's." I wanted to go find their coach and educate her on what she has these teens yelling.

I realize that they are breast cancer walks and everyone has the right to do and say what they feel. But again, am I the only one who dislikes these nicknames??? Before I write the above woman a response, I'd love to hear what other survivors truly think. Thanks ladies...

friscosmom

I haven't been fighting this as long as you, at this point I haven't found myself gettting offended or found that stuff too insensitive. My feels my change the longer I fight this battle; as I can see where I could get to that point. 

A former co-worker and good friend of mine is doing a team walk and there team name or moto or what-ever it's called is "Stop the War on Myrack". They are having green/pink camo shirts made with this printed on it and are planning on giving me one. I will wear it with pride because I know they are trying to do a good thing and my friend cares about me. I thought their team name was funny but I've also always been a person that gets through tough times with humor and I probabaly have a bit of a warped sense of humor.

leaf

Its hard to have issues with sexual organs - so many people feel uncomfortable with their sexuality, so use euphenisms.

There is quite a bit of controversy about the suit against Myriad and the patent office.   The suit is not against people getting tested for BRCA (if they choose to do so), its about whether a company or person should own an exclusive patent on isolated genes.    In this Talk of the Nation podcast, two experts share their views.   People can have different opinions, of course, but one expert claimed that some scientists trying to do research on BRCA have been intimidated by Myriad lawyers.  I can personally attest that research scientists, at least at public institutions 30 years ago, were not getting rich doing research; I was only a tech, but I was getting minimum wage, and my boss was not getting much more than I.  They would not have the resources to handle legal issues. There are 2 sides to every issue. Some decisions have unintended consequences. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121343433&ft=1&f=5

Bren-2007

Smith .. I understand what you're saying ... it's not about saving the breasts, but about saving lives.  Breast cancer is seen as the Pink Girly Disease.  The "good" cancer to get.  Most don't know the stats of the death rate per/day from breast cancer.

   The focus on the walks (Komen, Avon, ACS Relay, etc.) is about awareness, and the funds go for awareness and early detection.  Over the years, I have decided my funds are better served for research for a cure or newer and better chemo's. 

   The first year of my dx, I got a team together for the Relay in my area.  I didn't participate, I was still in radiation and it was really hot here.  After that, I wasn't involved. 

   The slogans and team names don't bother me.  Friends and family, no matter how well meaning, just don't understand.  So, I cut them some slack, because they care ... but most do not understand the words THERE IS NO CURE.

Hugs,

Bren

iodine

As above, I almost for anything to get the cure.  They are just words, after all.  I find some of the team names very creative/funny and was actually tickled when I found a car magnet that said "save the ta tas".  Can't put it on my car cause someone would snatch it.

On the other hand: how many folks would sign up for a day out of their lives and donate money to watch a funeral dirge?  Talk of death and illness instead of lighthearted celebration for survivors just wouldn't be a huge draw, would it?

Pls. understand I have respect for your feelings in this matter, I'm just expressing mine.