Starting to feel overwhelmed by Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Sjacobs146
Sjacobs146 Member Posts: 770
edited September 2015 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

I was diagnosed in August of last year, had my lumpectomy Sept. 23, started Chemo in October in the heart of Breast Cancer Awareness month. It was hard to get through it last year, but it's even worse this year, partially because I feel like I have some responsibility as a survivor (and friend to someone who died from BC this past summer) to do something about this disease. I'm usually pretty stable emotionally, no anti anxiety meds needed, but I found myself almost hyperventilating this morning after receiving an invitation to a fundraising gala related to Breast Cancer from friends who lost their 10 yo son to leukemia. I am also participating in my town's Walk Against Breast Cancer (in memory of another neighbor who died several years ago), and I have an opportunity to participate in an Breast Cancer Awareness event at an NFL game. Oh and my first post-treatment mammogram is tomorrow morning.

How do I get through this month where Breast Cancer is in my face almost 24/7? Is throwing myself into it the answer? Does it get better over time?

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  • BarredOwl
    BarredOwl Member Posts: 2,433
    edited September 2015

    Hi Sjacobs:

    I have a two-year anniversary in a few days. You are really getting the full treatment, with a mammogram (scanxiety) and significant anniversary, plus all these events. I don't have any answers for you. I get stressed out by my neighbors' pink trash bins!

    BarredOwl

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited September 2015

    sjacobs, wow, you have a lot going on! Only you can know if throwing yourself into it, is the answer. I'm sure it works for some people. My advice is, do what you want to do to help, but don't let others pressure you, if you are not ready. Sometimes it's just too hard to help others when you are still feeling vulnerable. Participating in those events might help you heal, but maybe balance is key. It sounds like you might be getting over-whelmed. Maybe try one, before committing to others....? Yes, I think it does get easier over time; at least it has for me.


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  • Sjacobs146
    Sjacobs146 Member Posts: 770
    edited September 2015

    Barred Owl, do you happen to live in Wayland? When I drive through Wayland on my way to work I see many of those pink trash cans. Who in the world thought that was a good idea???

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  • BarredOwl
    BarredOwl Member Posts: 2,433
    edited September 2015

    Hi Sjacobs:

    They're everywhere! I go on my nice little walk and start to enjoy myself. Then, on the way home: Bam! Can't really forget about it with those huge, pink bins in my face! One homeowner keeps theirs out by the road, all day, every day.

    This is the local service and an answer to who thought it up:

    http://www.orificewasterecycling.com/rolling_breas...

    http://www.thepinkcart.com/faq-page#n29

    "Each time a cart is purchased, Cascade Cart Solutions will give $5 of the cost of each purchase in the U.S. to the local American Cancer Society's breast cancer awareness programs. In Canada, $5 will be given to the Canadian Cancer Society's breast cancer research initiatives."

    Pretty weak. I've been trying to view it from the neighbors' perspective,but that is going to be a lot harder now that I know a whole five dollars was donated.

    BarredOwl

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  • mrenee68
    mrenee68 Member Posts: 383
    edited September 2015

    I still feel a little overwhelmed at this time of year. I try so hard not to think about it, its bad enough that I get reminded every morning when I get dress. Now it's everywhere, ads, stores, high school football games, pink this pink that. October is going to be a long month.

    Do what you can and don't let anyone pressure you into feeling like you have to support the cause. Take care

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited September 2015

    I get annoyed by the pink stuff as so often there is no money going back to a cancer support org, but how can you regulate who uses the color pink? dang but in my gym the other day they pulled out a pink bosom ball for me to use, I politely let them know I would prefer the reg ones.

    I am almost 8 years out and usually used to it but at times I do want to vomit on the junk?

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