Why Me? October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Be Aware, Show You Care!

Devils Night, October 30th, 1997 - a memory that will live with me forever, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. Friday 13th, 2000, is when I had my double mastectomy; almost 3 years after finding a lump in my left breast and surviving. I counted down the days, weeks, months and years to reach that magical 5 years. I found a lump in my right breast 2 years short of my goal. Not so scared this time, able to deal with this diagnosis in a more matter of fact way, been here before, I can do this!

October 11th 2007, I have almost reached the 10 year mark for my left, now missing in action, breast. It is 7 years since my right breast also went missing in action, they actually went off together so at least I know they are not alone. Over the years my biopsies when new lumps are found, by me, have left many scars, I think of them as my badges of survival. I wear my badges with pride and thanks. I am proud that not only did I get through this so did my family and my friends. I am thankful for the wonderful research being done, the health care professionals and the fantastic awareness campaigns out there that helps us practice prevention, early detection and lead a healthy lifestyle knowing we are helping ourselves.

I wear pink all year round, I want to raise awareness every day of the year, please be aware and show you care. Men and Women all over the world run, walk, knit, sew, paint, do lots of things to raise money for breast cancer research. Thank You from the bottom of my heart for helping us almost reach our goal of a world with no breast cancer!