Saw "Save the Tatas" & felt like crying

lrr4993

Lisa, Breast Cancer Action outlines the issues pretty clearly.  I don't agree with the implication here that the people who are interested in taking the discussion to a deeper level are whiners.  It's far too black and white a painting.  At minimum, this is interesting debate.  Essentially, the argument is that such superficial engagement with the disease actually erodes an activist stance on the disease.





I am not sure if this is directed at me. If so, couple of points:



I never said anyone was a whiner. I simply said I don't understand why anyone would waste time and energy over such an issue, particularly where the plain intent is positive.



I am interested in taking the discussion to a deeper level, I am just not in agreement with the position of some. If proper discussion requires agreement with one side I will step out. That is not the world I live in.

rosemary-b

I too am cofused as to what post Mind Over Matter had removed, but anyway I reported one nasty post and said I had done so and why. It was not on this thread. It is usually better for offensive posts to stay on the board for everyone to see. It helps people know more about the person with whom they are dealing.

Anonymous

I am paying no attention to the childish attention seeking of mindovermatter and even if I were the one who had reported, I certainly would not give in to her intimidation.  Period.

Now, for those who don't like pink, here's how we Canadians handle it :

It's not just a T-shirt, it's a movement

Fuck Cancer saves lives by teaching people how to look for cancer, instead of just find it.
We change the way cancer society perceives cancer by challenging the stigma and the victim mentality. We shift the balance of power from the cancer to the patient, and turn "patients" into "cancer Fuckers", fighters, and survivors.

We change the way cancer is treated by promoting early detection. While we may not see a "cure" for cancer in our lifetimes, early detection is the surest way to prevent a lot of suffering and save a lot of lives. We can only do this through education, which is why raising awareness is just as important as raising funds.

Why Fuck?

Because it's what everyone is thinking. It's a head-in-your-hands moment. It's not sexual or violent. It's defeated and defiant. It's OK to have a valid emotion around us, we don't need to be daffodils and daisies all the time. If there's ever a time to use the word Fuck, it's now. But if the thought of dropping the F Bomb makes you cringe, fear not- we have a censored version made with you in mind.

What makes FC different from other charities?

We don't fund research. Why? We're not researchers. So, what are we? Impatient. This is the era of instant gratification, and while research is incredibly important and something we encourage- what about now? We don't want to brag, but we're super different. We are the first and only charity to explicitly target Generation Y in the cancer space. What's Gen Y? Read on, friend!

http://www.letsfcancer.com/

LtotheK

Lisa, I felt like you were addressing me.  If that is not the case, I apologize.

I am engaging here without disparagement of others' opinions.  It would be nice to get the same in return.  Disagreement is one thing, being judged, which is definitely happening on this thread, another.

The general tone "I've got better things to do than worry about this issue" is demeaning.  The original poster came here in good faith, as did I.  There is plenty to talk about here.  And, I generally agree--most days, I'd just like to get back to my life!  Breast cancer makes that awfully difficult, especially now with my Tamoxifen induced chronic back pain.

poptart

Ha Ha .... next time I visit one of my doctors, I will tell them I am not a cancer patient, I am a cancer f---er.  Of course, I don't think I could do it with a straight face.

lrr4993

I was not addressing you and I have not said I have better things to do. You may be imposing the theme of other comments in this thread on mine. My comments have been that I don't think the marketing slogans are demeaning or trivializing and even if there are, I would never put added stress and sadness in my already stressed BC life over something like that.



If you and others think pink ribbons are important in the scheme of things, by all means, petition or do whatever you feel is necessary to correct the situation. Personally, this issue pales in comparison to me with the fear and sadness that this nasty tumor could come back and kill me. And no matter how they go about doing it, I am glad there are people trying to raise awareness and funding for a cure.

beacon800

My first take on the "save the Tatas" thing was that is was a campaign to encourage lumpectomy rather than mastectomy.  I wondered why mainstream people would advocate a particular treatment line.

Now I suppose I understand they are trying to save breasts in general from cancer?  It still doesn't make much sense.  At least they are not doing a similar campaign for colorectal cancer!

NJvictoria

My feeling on "save the Tatas" is the heck with the "tatas"!! Save my life!

lrr4993

NJ - I agree!

LtotheK

Check out breast cancer action.  They are all about mobilizing groups to put the focus on research and a cure.  It's interesting, and I'm not sure where my head is on this topic:  some threads here have been criticizing the Komen campaigns.  Seems the focus is more on screening than research. Pink ribbons, sadly, amount to more $$ for companies,not more hard core research.

A big issue, to be sure. I feel very sure we all agree on one thing:  we need a cure.

To be clear, my opinions are not an added stress.  I think there is simply some real differences in perception around this issue. Rather like politics!

Suze35

My issue with "Save the Ta-Tas" and other slick slogans is that they are raising awareness for the wrong thing.  Is it good that money is being raised to promote awareness?  Yes, I guess so, but lets face it, awareness for BC is at an all time high.  How much of that money being raised is also going to research?

Anyway, it truly isn't about saving the breasts.  It is about saving lives.  But given my experience with my family and friends after being diagnosed, they had no conception of just how deadly this disease is.  They do now, but in the beginning, I can't count how many people said "you caught it early, with treatment you'll be fine."  They didn't mean any harm - they just hadn't been educated on the disease.  And I didn't catch it early, obviously.  So in this respect, focusing the message on saving breasts trivializes what is the true threat.

I wish we could come up with something catchy that WOULD address the reality.  I like Fuck Cancer, it is how I truly feel.  But that doesn't fly with many people.

I can understand why people are fine with the framing of the awareness campaign, but I personally am not. 

Ehrenreich is a great read on many topics. 

Lynn18

I don't know about the '"breast cancer action" group.  It seems to me that, like some other similar groups, they seem to focus on environmental causes of breast cancer, which seem to be yet unproven.  They say "prevention is the key" and that we can prevent breast cancer by, for instance,  removing XYZ additives from certain foods.  They also always mention that hereditary factors are just a small cause of breast cancer; I disagree, I think there are many genes out there that may cause cancer that we don't know about.  I don't see where they are promoting more research for a real "cure" , a treatment, like Herceptin, for instance, that allows women to live disease free.

Also, this group applauded the withdrawal of Avastin to treat breast cancer.  Avastin is one of the only available treatments for some of us, like those who are Triple Negative.  

These groups seem to have the same agenda--Breast Cancer is preventable, it's mostly caused by the environment.  How is this going to help find a cure for those of us who already have it? 

mspradley

I do see the varying sides of this issue, but have to admit, that when I found the "Save the Ta-ta's" website and ordered bracelets and magnets, I didn't think about building awareness or funding research.  I was only thinking about how cool it was that my husband (and later sons, nephews, and friends) wanted to support me in my upcoming mastecomy, chemo, and rads.  Even though I have become much more informed at how businesses can slap a pink ribbon on their product and put most of their profits in their pockets since this time, I don't think I would do anything differently at this point.  While the slogan may "infantilize" BC in some people's minds, it was a slogan that my circle of loved ones could identify with.  I don't think it would have been the same had the slogan been "fight like a girl" or even SBK Foundation.

I have since lost my other breast, so therefore have no Ta-Tas to personally have "saved" (well, I'm pretty pleased with my DIEP reconstruction), and my husband to this day still wears the bracelet.  I guess I never saw it as demeaning, trivializing, or offensive - but simply a means of communicating support to others.  I get the diverse opinions that have been expressed here, but my opinion remains unchanged. 

Lowrider54

No posts reporting here...although threatened that mine would be...strong opinion and hit a nerve. 

Its Friday and finally semi sunny in Minnesota and so hoping that we don't get anymore snow or hard frosts...please let it be spring!

http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2011/04/komen_grant_of_450000_awrded_t.html

On an up note...Komen makes a direct grant specifically to support new research in the containment of metastatic breast cancer. 

Anonymous

I always feel very touched by the people, friends or strangers (nurses, technicians), telling me proudly that they had participated in a walk against breast cancer (did not matter which colour the flag), in addition to two little nieces who were so eager to tell me that they had walked and raised money on behalf of their auntie. 

I have not personally participated in any walk or tried to sell any material (way too tired for that), but the people who do are sincere in their efforts to bring us the much needed support.

duckyb1

Luan.........I have a daughter, and grandaugher who have walked in the 3day for many years....I was always at the finish line waiting for them............I saw a lot of love in that crowd both walking, and waiting for someone.........I don't particularly care for "Pink" in general, but the sea of pink made me a little more humble as I watched these women work their way to the finish line............

This weekend many in my family, children, grandchildren, and would belive even my new twin great-grandaughters 2 months old will be pushed by their Mother in the Race for the Cure...........So somewhere down the road whatever donations are gotten through sales, walks, races helps somehow, even the smallest amount.

And they are saying "Race for a Cure", not race for awareness...............

The only thing i have ever said since my diagnosis is " whatever you do, don't miss your mammogram"...........hugs

LtotheK

Breast Cancer Action takes a lot of stances on many different issues, from screening, to women of color, and the environment.  As for Avastin, I sincerely didn't understand that--I wholly opposed the pull of that drug from treatment options.

Here's one:

Whose Interests Are Being Served?

The cancer industry consists of corporations, organizations, and agencies that diminish or mask the extent of the cancer problem, fail to protect our health, or divert attention away from the importance of finding and working to prevent the disease. BCA speaks freely and truthfully about the politics of breast cancer and the cancer industry as a whole, because we adhere to a strict corporate contributions policy that prohibits us from taking funds from any organization that profits from or contributes to cancer.

Anonymous

Hugs back Ducky, I should also add that I can't count how many women friends, family or strangers I come in contact with who tell me after talking "well, I'm gonna make an appointment for that mammogram", and I have to smile, because really my BC was not the topic of the conversation at all, but just by being in contact with me, they realize that they need to take care of themselves

Mantra

A year before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had purchased a ballcap at the Bay in Toronto. It had the pink ribbon on it and at the time I honestly knew very little, if anything, about breast cancer. I assumed wearing a pink ribbon was a way of contributing money for research and that's why I bought it.  

I live in the states in the winter. That winter I was walking down the street and a woman came up to me and said "I want you to know I ran for you last week" and then she gave me a big hug.  I was rendered speechless and it took me a second to realize that she was referring to BC and that she assumed I had BC because of the hat I was wearing. I thought perhaps it meant different things in different countries and that by wearing it in the US, it meant I had breast cancer. I thought that by wearing the pink ribbon I was insulting women who have BC because I didn't have the right to wear it.

One year later I was diagnosed. I still find the campaign confusing. When I see a car with a pink ribbon sticker on it, I assume the driver is a BC survivor or is supporting someone she knows who has it. It's my first reaction when I see anyone wearing anything with a pink ribbon.

I know it's really for anyone to wear just like the red ribbon, yellow ribbon etc support/awareness, fund raising campaigns, but I'm just not able to do the pink ribbon thing. In my mind, wearing it means you either have breast cancer or you directly know someone who has it and you are wearing it in support of that person. And now that I have breast cancer, I only see the ribbon as a way of advertising that I have BC.

elmcity69

good points all around.

I have done the Komen race twice: the first time, years ago, with my cousin, whose mother also died of BC.

my biggest problem with  Komen is their silence on women living with stage 4 disease. they definitely pinkwash the whole damn thing. on the other hand, the race is uplifting, and the survivor photo shoot gave me chills. as i stood on the steps (central park) and saw my childrens' beaming faces, i couldn't help but feel happy to participate. (although i did refuse to wear a pink shirt - i look horrible in crew necks, anyway! lol)

early on, i coined the phrase "pink ribbon mafia" to refer to the pink ribbon phenomenon. my 13yo daughter, who has a great sense of humor, will now go around and point at pink ribbons, joking, "uhoh mom, PINK RIBBON MAFIA!!"

i'm considering having a hoodie made up with the phrase.

as many more have posted, i also felt tremendous support and spirit for our "cause". it is sweet - reminds me that humanity is inherently and usually good.

xo

Lowrider54

http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2011/04/komen_grant_of_450000_awrded_t.html

On an up note...Komen makes a direct grant specifically to support new research FOR THE CURE of metastatic breast cancer. 

Reposted for elmcity69 - we are finally getting attention...thanks for your kindness. 

Shrek4

Me, I'm just amazed that someone with a 4 cm IDC tumor, AND 1 out of 17 nodes positive, AND grade 3, only had a lumpectomy and then said quits to all treatments. That takes guts and shows a lot of carelessness for one's life, but hey, it's their life. On the other hand, it could also show that the respective someone doesn't have any kind of experience on what this type of diagnosis would entice, so in creating a new persona they tried to go still with what they knew so they wouldn't get spotted easily. As if.

Your choice.

barbe1958

I am always amazed that people wonder why I don't "DO" the walks. Doi! I did the REAL thing!! I read the book, saw the movie and got the lousy t-shirt! I've done it all. Let those that feel they are doing something do the walk. 2 of my kids did the 3-day before I was diagnosed. I was proud of them but certainly didn't feel compelled to do it too. For one thing I can't walk far....

As for spending energy on this topic - Doi again!! It's only a second or two of thought process involved. If you're burning energy thinking about this topic, then you have a problem with it, not us. Why do some posters feel compelled to off-shift a thread based on their turn-about thinking? If I read a post I don't agree with, I move on. No one's in my head except me!

elmcity69

ok, i keep posting, but couldn't resist after barbe's last comment. i feel the same way! (as in, did the REAL thing and got the t-shirt etcetc).

2 of the ER nurses are doing the Avon 3day walk. now, props to them, but the other LCSW who works in the ER with me asked, " aren't you going to give them $$? it's a great effort, and it's for people like you." Um, trust me, sweetie: I've given PLENTY of $$ to the cause (hello, co-pays, supplements, post-surgical bras, need i go on?!). And blood. and tears. and hair. and peace of mind. Jesus.

i'm going to do the Komen run in September, but i don't fundraise for them. and i've decided i'm going to write "pink ribbon mafia" somewhere on my body. taking all suggestions.

hugs

j

LtotheK

The weird thing is, the original post was asking for our opinions, and it didn't have to get rough!  An interesting discussion was missed in the process, IMO.  It's so awful to me that any BC survivor would post to another anything along the lines of "get over it" or "it's your problem".  After all, we all have a roller coaster ride with the disease, hasn't each of us had a moment when it seemed like the smallest thing made us weep buckets? 

I agree with the last two posts!  I also do gift giving to the local community, directly to other survivors.  I sent care kits, and things people couldn't afford. 

NatsFan

Barbe & Elm - my standard reply when asked to give to support some b/c run, walk, or other cause:  "No, I already gave.  In fact, I gave till it hurt!"  I say it with a laugh, but it gets the point across. 

CrazyKitties

Calling them "ta-tas" is a little insulting, so I agree with you. I don't think we have to accept every positive "spin" that others try to shove on us for their comfort. I saw a benefit called, "Mugs for Jugs" and I wanted to puke. Here is the issue---if you don't like these metaphors, that is your business and your right. And don't let some of the bitches you meet tell you to get over it and be positive even in the face of these stupid breast metaphors, because those women have their own agendas. BE YOURSELF. You don't need to candy-coat your feelings.

oxxoxoxoxo 

CrazyKitties

Who are you refering to, Day?

3jaysmom

Lowrider.. i think your idea of trading the harley for one of those new trikes IS an great way to MOVE ALONG!!!in your life, and i applaud you, sistah... your avatar is rockin! i won't address the "other" as they're obviously not interested in anyone else... 3jays

sueppy62

I just have to say why are all you people bickering? You sound like 5 year olds ,only saying"my cancer is bigger then your cancer." Doesn't this lousy intrusion into you life make you want to be a more understanding person and reach out to your fellow breast cancer sisters?