My response to all the "Save the Boobies" opinions today on FB:

LKSHER

Maybe this is a better way to make my point:

I have known many people with breast cancer and I thought I supported them. I had no idea.

I had a pink T-shirt that read "Save the Boobies". My kids wore the bracelets.

I had a mammogram and ultra-sound about twice a year for 5 years. I did plenty of self-exams and so did my doctors.

I have no family history. I am not BRCA positive. I breast-fed my babies, didn't ovulate early, had babies in my 20's, led a pretty healthy lifestyle, etc....

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer just a few months after a clear mammogram and ultra-sound.

I have had a necessary double mastectomy for bi-lateral breast cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes, the harshest chemo you can get, 30 days of radiation, an oophorectomy, I get my port out tomorrow, and I get implants in March that I will never feel and my body may not accept.

I was ignorant about breast cancer even with all the pink and all the "awareness".

So, yes, I want a cure. I want the money to go to the right places. I want to continue to see my children grow up.

If the cancer ever comes back, I want it obliterated.

I can't save my boobies, but I did try and I tried harder than most. I hope my implants at least look like me, but they will never be the same.

Now, I am focused on saving my life and protecting my family and I am not alone in how I feel. Not even close. Even my doctors and nurses admit that I am more informed than them in certain areas.

So, no, I am not the ignorant one on this subject.

I don't care if the kids wear the bracelets and I hold no ill will toward anyone. I am merely trying to do my part to help no one have to feel the startling terror that creeps over me multiple times a day EVER again.