October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and that has me (and many others) thinking about breast cancer and its affects on our lives. At first thought, it seems as though my life hasn’t been touched by breast cancer very much. I had a neighbor as a child that had breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. At the time, I really did not understand what happened to her or the extent of what her illness was. I knew she was “sick” and that she “got better” but that was about it.
Other than that, I have not had any family affected by breast cancer. I have had friends that were affected by breast cancer in their families, but not me.
Call me blessed.
As an adult, I changed my career and entered the nursing profession. At that time, all I knew about illness and disease changed. No longer could I live in my self-induced fantasy world where people didn’t get disease, and when they did, they only recovered. No longer was I allowed to think that illness didn’t take people from their friends and family. During nursing school, I worked with one male patient who had breast cancer. Sadly, when you are in school, you only work with a patient a day or two before moving on to another. I don’t know what happened to that man but he has crossed my mind from time to time.
After some time in the nursing profession, I entered long-term care nursing. What this basically means is that I worked in a skilled care and transitional living facilities. As you can imagine by the name, long-term care means that I was able to get to know my patients on a more personal level. I was no longer the nurse that came and went. I saw them several days a week. I bandaged their wounds. I wiped their tears. I was a part of their lives and they mine.
During this time, I learned more about disease and illness than any nursing school could ever teach me. I was forced to see the devastation that illness can bring upon a person and their family and friends. This time is when breast cancer became commonplace for me; a fact that saddens me to this day. I loved my patients and it was heartbreaking to see them hurting. Breast cancer took more of the women I cared for than I would like to admit. Sadly, diagnosis was late for many. Others chose to not undergo treatment. Still others just couldn’t fight the disease that was unjustly inflicted upon them.
Breast cancer hurts. It hurts those that have it. It hurts their family members and friends. It also hurts those that care for them. Breast cancer is not a disease that only affects the patient. It affects everyone. I still get sad when I think about those I have cared for and lost to breast cancer. But, there are things we can do to help fight breast cancer with the help of Procter and Gamble and that gives me hope for the future. P&G Beauty and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., have partnered to share the gift of early detection through simple actions and everyday purchases. Elisabeth Hasselbeck and her family have also gotten involved to share their personal experiences with breast cancer and to help raise awareness for this important cause.
- Save while you give. On Sunday, October 2, and Sunday, October 16, a GIVE Hope brandSAVER will be distributed in newspapers across the country, with discounts for P&G products, including Olay, Pantene, Crest and many more. For each GIVE Hope brandSAVER coupon redeemed, P&G will donate two cents to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) – allowing people to give back, while saving money.
- Share with friends. “Like” P&G Beauty on Facebook. For every “like” at http://www.facebook.com/PGUnitedWeBeautify, P&G will donate 10 cents to NBCF to further support their mission of saving lives through early detection. The P&G Beauty Facebook page will also feature stories from female employees who have been impacted by this disease.
- Buy, give and get. During the month of October, consumers will receive a $10 rebate ( http://www.pgpinkrebate.com/pink_rebate.pdf ) and will also trigger a $10 donation to NBCF with the purchase of $50 worth of P&G Beauty products, including Venus, Olay, Secret, CoverGirl, Nice ‘n Easy, Pantene, Safeguard and Ivory.
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{ 177 comments… read them below or add one }
My aunt died from breast cancer when I was in the 8th grade. I try to support research whenever I can.
I am so sorry to hear that Bridget. We live in a great area to support research too. There are tons of events in St. Louis!
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My mother had a friend who passed away from breast cancer when I was about 7. We used to drive her to her chemo appointments. She was the first person I ever knew who died.
I am so sorry. The fact that you remember that means it affected you greatly. It is such a shame that your first experience with death was with something that affects women so much.
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My best friend Marjorie is a Breast Cancer survivor. We stepped in and took care of her 3 children while she was recovering from surgery and chemo. She meet some incredible neighbors and friends that supported her and family. She never takes things for granted anymore.. she always reminds everyone how much we mean to her.
That is a great story Karen… and even greater lesson. Thank you for sharing.
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I know several that have had to have a biopsy done, my Mom included. We also have a male friend that has breast cancer and on my husband’s side of the family we have lost loved ones to this disease.
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Rose, it seems so rare for men to have this disease but it certainly is more common than people think. I am sorry for the losses you and your family have had to deal with.
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My grandmother had breast cancer a few years ago and was fortunate to have caught it early. As a result, she has been cancer free:) My best advice, is to check your breasts on a monthly basis! The more you become familiar with your breast- the easier it is to pinpoint when something feels a little lumpy:)
You are so right Jolynn! I am so glad to hear your grandmother was able to recover and is doing well.
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remember to eat healthy
Good point Lori! I think people often forget the necessity of eating healthy for all aspects of your life.
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My wonderful Mother in Law passed away two years ago from breast cancer. We still miss her dearly.
Thanks so much.
I am sorry for your loss Margaret.
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Make sure you do home exams so you can ask your doctor about any suspicious lumps.
Jessica, great points. Women (and men) need to do the exams and have the courage to talk to their physician. Even thought it can be an uncomfortable talk, it is necessary for early intervention.
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My grandmother died of breast cancer and my aunt now has it. I go for regular checkups because of the family history. So far I’ve been ok, but I’m always worried.
brittneydejajason at gmail dot com
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Brittney. I can’t blame you for being worried. I would be too.
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My grandmother and Aunt have both had breast cancer. This is just a mean disease, and all I can say is do your self exam and check-ups each year.
I am sorry Kelly Ann. I can’t imagine having one person I love affected, let alone two. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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do self-examinations
Yes!!
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I have an aunt that passed away from breast cancer. Monthly exams are important.
You are 100% right Melinda. I am sorry for your loss.
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I lost an aunt to breast cancer, her children were changed forever. IF only it were now with all the early detections
vmkids3 at msn dot com
So much has changed with medicine. It gives me hope for the future of breast cancer research. I am so hopeful that one day women won’t have to worry about this horrible disease any longer.
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You don’t have to go through it alone. Seek support groups.
Great point Roy. Those afflicted with any illness or disease need to seek support. Knowing you are not alone is necessary for your mental health I believe.
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A friend I had at my gym battled breast cancer for years. She was always positive and upbeat; a real inspiration. Unfortunately she lost her battle last year.
I am so sorry Tari. That is awful. I pray that her positive and upbeat nature lives on even though she is no longer here with us.
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My sister-in- law had breast cancer at the age of 35 ,and was fortunate to have caught it early. As a result, she has been cancer free for more than 15 years.
That is wonderful Brenda!!! It is so nice to hear a “success” story when it comes to breast cancer. Many blessings to her.
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Make sure to do your self examines every month, and get you Mammogram yearly.
jessycafoster@hotmail.com
Yes Jessyca! These are for sure the necessary things to do!
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please be aware of your body and get ALL your annual exams
this is my advise for both female and MALE
Melissa, you are right. All annual exams are necessary. I sometimes think that women get caught up in one potential problem and ignore others. I know this is breast cancer awareness month, but women and men need to take care of all of their body!
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I have friends who have lost loved ones, but fortunately haven’t lost anyone close to me. Make sure to do monthly exams and have mamograms!
I have not either Jennifer. I am glad to not have been personally affected, but I feel for my friends that have lost loved ones.
MY SISTER HAD BREAST CANCER BUT IT WAS CAUGHT AT THE EARLIEST STAGE POSSIBLE….AND THE WORD CANCER STRIKES FEAR IN ALL OF US
Emma, I hope your sister is doing well now. I am sure that your entire family is now worried about cancer.
My best friend’s mother lost her battle with breast cancer in 2005. It was always something I thought about, but never so much as when she was diagnosed.
That is so sad Sheila. I am sorry for the loss you and your friend have endured.
My grandmother, stepmother, and step-grandmother all had breast cancer.
Oh Karen, that is horrible. I am sure the rest of your family is really being proactive now. Many blessings to you.
Get regular check once a year.
Yes Jessie! You are right!
my advice is to do regular self-examinations and then anything that doesn’t feel normal – get checked out
Great advice Sarah!
I’m very lucky. So far (knock wood) breast cancer hasn’t affected me nor anyone close to me.
That is wonderful news Mary. If you are anything like me, that almost gives you a guilty feeling. I hope you and your friends remain untainted by cancer.
Breast cancer is very much an issue for me as my Mom is currently battling stage 3 breast cancer and I am headed in for a recheck of a suspicious spot on my last Mammogram.
I am so sorry Katharine. I will say a prayer for you and your mom. I truly wish the best for you.
My mother lost her best friend. It has made me realize the importance of taking every opportunity to love your friends and family.
Meredith, it is sad how it works, but it is often that way. I am sorry for the loss of your mother’s friend.
Many many years ago, before I was born, my grandmother died of breast cancer at age 51. In those days, (1940′s), there wasn’t much to be done for cancer.
dwellenstein at cox dot net
That is so sad too, isn’t it Deborah? I am so thankful for the medical advances available now. I am hopeful things continue to advance and someday we won’t have to worry about this nasty disease.
thank God I never had to go through Breast cancer, I had Mammograms to prevent it.
GloriaDeal@aol.com
I am glad to hear that Gloria.
I dont know anyone that has had breast cancer, but to prevent it have mammograms
I am glad you have been unaffected Allison. Mammograms are a good starting point in prevention for sure!
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My Aunt is a breast cancer survivor so I learned alot about it from her. The most important thing she taught me is to keep a positive attitude and know you are going to beat it…and she did.
That is wonderful Heather! That brings a smile to my face.
My mom had breast cancer but is a survivor (more than 20 years!) Your story touched me. This is one of the causes I support, kudos to P&G for also supporting (and the many other wonderful corporate sponsors!)
That is wonderful Suzanne!! I am so happy to hear that your mother has been cancer free for so long. Many blessings to her!
My grandmother had breast cancer at the age of 70, and we watched her have to endure it and it was very hard.
Oh Shannon, how horrible. I am so sorry for that.
in my 20′s Ihad a freind that had breast cancer….she was so young. She fought for a few years and lost her battle . It was so scary to me because it made it no longer something to worry about when you got older.
Clarissa, that is so sad. I hate that there are so many affected by this disease… both young and old.
woman young and old ,know your bodies plus yearly exams
Great points Theresa!
My God-Mother Marianne was diagnosed and fought breast cancer for years..she lost her battle 8 years ago and everyday when Breast Cancer Awareness comes about, I think of her and how important it is to receive yearly mammograms and to self exam daily…
I am sorry for your loss Amy.
it hasn’t really affectted me , thank goodness, but of course i know of some who are not so fortunate
Me too Sherri. Thank you for sharing.
My friend Debbie had breast cancer. It was really hard watching her and her family go through everything that they had to go through to get her well.It’s been 7 years and she is cancer free.
Kathy, I bet it was very hard. I am glad to hear that her battle was successful and she is cancer free.
my only advice is to get your mamogram done as soon as your eligible so you can get your baseline..and it doesn’t hurt
nannypanpan at gmail.com
Nan, great point! It is important for women to remember that there are resources available for all women… even those uninsured!
I would say all woman should do a monthly breast exam at home!!
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
Great point Monique!
My best friend’s mother has fought and beat breast cancer several times. It’s scary to think my bestie might have to deal with it one day, but she’s strong and I know she would beat it, and I’d be there every step of the way.
That is great to hear Pat… for the sake of your friend. Her mother sounds like a fighter so I have no doubt your friend would do the same.
Fighting breast cancer – #1 get regular mammograms!
And do monthly self exams.
I hope every one knows that.
Thank you.
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com
I think there has been so much press about the necessity of mammograms and self exams that most women know all about it now. At least, I hope they do.
My grandmother died of breast cancer at age 75. It affected our whole family. It’s extremely important to do self exams and see your doctor.
I am sorry for your loss Jennifer. Thank you for sharing your tips!
My grandmother had breast cancer, My aunt just had a double mastectomy from breast cancer at 60 and my cousin got breast cancer at 22 and died from it
Oh Jamie, I am so sorry. Your family has been affected way more than should be allowed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Obviously the best tip is to check yourself regularly, but you should also have your doctor check you yearly at the least.
Yes Amber! You are absolutely right. A doctor’s visit yearly is necessary!
Breast Cancer has affected a few generations in my family. I can say that it has hit way too close to home. This is why I do monthly self exams and 2 x year mammograms. I would rather be ahead of it, then behind it. Tell everyone you know. If it is detected early your prognosis could be much better.
Great points Kelly! I am glad to know you are proactive with your health.
My aunt is fighting for her life right now because of Breast cancer.
I am sorry SaraLee. My thoughts and prayers are with your aunt and your family.
3 immediate family members of mine have had and survived breast cancer. one twice.
Blogtacular contest! Thanks so much! Janna Johnson Jannajanna@hotmail.com
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While I am sorry to hear your family has been affected so much, I am glad to hear they all beat cancer.
My sister in law is a 2yr survivor,,,she is sooooooooooooo brave and it has brought our whole extended family together,
That is often how it is, isn’t it? Illness and tragedy bring people together. I am glad your sister-in-law is doing well.
I am blessed in that this disease has not affected me or my family yet. I am all about early detection, and think self-exams are critical!
Many continued blessings Brandy. Thanks for sharing!
My Great Aunt who at the time was battling breast cancer for the 3rd time, asked me if I would donate my hair to make a wig for her. Of course I agreed, but before I was able to grow it out, she passed away. Within the next month or so, I plan on donating my hair to lockes of Love in honor of my brave aunt Sue.
I am so sorry for your loss Heather. That is a wonderful thing you are doing.
Fight breast cancer with early detection, such as mammograms and self assessments.
Great points Melissa. Thank you for sharing.
Twitter: ptowngirl
October 2, 2011 at 11:29 am
Fortunately, I have not been personally affected by breast cancer. One way I know to fight it is to give yourself monthly breast exams.
smchester at gmail dot com
Thanks for sharing Susan!
Do your monthly exams
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Yes! This is a must!
it is important that we all talk about – the more popular the topic is the better are the chances that researchers will finally discover a cure
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
Not only that, but the more we talk about it, the easier it is to talk about. Shame and fear are two things I think that keep women and men from talking about breast cancer. Great points!
Breast cancer has not effected my family personally, but I did take care of elderly women who had had breast cancer and survived.
That is wonderful Lorri. If you read my post, you know that taking care of others is my experience with breast cancer as well. It makes it difficult to not get too personal I think… but we all know a good caretaker tends to get personal.
Twitter: RachelsReviews
October 4, 2011 at 1:24 pm
I am fortunate that no one in my immediate family has been affected, but I have a coworker who has survived it, and my husband’s grandma is a survivor as well (after a double mastectomy).
Thanks for sharing Rachel. I am glad you know survivors!
Breast cancer hasn’t affected me or any friends/family, but my tip/advice is to be regular and current up to date on mammograms!
Great advice Nicole!
My grandmother died in her early 40′s from breast cancer. As I inch closer to 40, I am more and more active in self breast exams and yearly check ups, and encouraging my sisters to do the same. If grandma had caught it early she could still have been here with us.
It is so sad to me how many people were lost to a disease that could have been stopped if found earlier. I am glad you are doing what is necessary to protect yourself!
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one of my best friends got breast cancer at 24. She is better now but had a young son and it was very scary and hard for everyone. Good thing she is a fighter!
That is so young. I am glad she is doing well now!
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My Aunt has had breast cancer twice and she has been cancer free for 14 now, so don’t give up there is hope!
Amazing! Thank you for sharing your inspirational story!
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October 6, 2011 at 9:27 am
I have known people who have both won and lost against bc. One winner had a radical mastectomy and had fake (pull out) boobs- and her grandson’s friend who was about 4 at the time BIT IT.
If you ever need to get a false breast, KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
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Wow, not something I would want to have to tell the doc.
Thanks for sharing!
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Breast cancer hasn’t affected me too closely, but most other forms of cancer has. The best thing is to be there for everyone close to you.
Agreed! A good support system is important!
My dear friend, sister-in-law and mother-in-law are all currently fighting Breast cancer. They are true examples to me of valiant women who will not be beaten by this cancer!
I am so sorry you are affected so much. My thoughts and prayers are with each of them!
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October 6, 2011 at 2:18 pm
My aunt recently went thru a full mastectomy due to breast cancer and it’s been really hard on her. they always say laughter is the best medicine, and it truly is. Nothing worked better for her than to keep upbeat and just makes jokes about the situation and what kind of new jugs she was gonna get!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
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That is hilarious Cori. Good for her for being so strong!
My relative got breast cancer.
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I am sorry to hear that Lana.
We have two friends who have it, one who just had a double mastectomy.
My advice: A lot of my friends don’t go every single year for their mammogram. When you hit 40, go every year, without fail. Early detection is key, and this is so the case where safe is better than sorry.
You are absolutely right Rosey. This is especially true since there are a number of resources available to all women despite insurance availability.
My aunt, who had breast cancer passed away last fall. I miss her very much.
I am so sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you.
My grandmother was lucky enough to beat breast cancer. Although she had to have a single mastectomy, she has been so brave and has never felt sorry for herself. Her ordeal reminds me constantly how important it is to do a monthly self check.
textbookmommy at gmail dot com
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That is fantastic news! Thanks for sharing Heidi!
My Mom fought breast cancer and I can tell you that it really frightened this extremely strong woman. So do your breast exams and get your mammograms. Mom’s been cancer free for more than 15 years!
That is wonderful Deborah. I am so glad that your mother is cancer free now!
It affected me since my mother had breast cancer and that puts me in a high risk category. The best thing you can do is to get your mammogram yearly – this will catch it long before a self examination.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am glad you are taking care of yourself!
My lovely mom is a 5 year breast cancer survivor
thanks
Great news!
My cousin survived breast cancer after a mastectomy & a few other close family members have had to have biopsies, I am very cautious with breast checking. Can’t escape the fear it will happen to me! Breast cancer research & awareness efforts are very important to me!
I bet Jen. I am glad you are so proactive though. I hope you remain cancer free.
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October 7, 2011 at 11:47 am
Breast cancer hasn’t affected our family thank God.
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That is definitely something to be thankful for.
My family has been lucky in that no one has had breast cancer, but in my nursing career and with some family friends, there have been many patients and family members who have had to deal with it. I still remember one from my early work years, way before so many of the medications and advanced treatments that give hope now, who was in the last stages of the disease. I had never before nor since almost prayed that anyone would find peace in death–no one who has never seen it can have any real idea of the agony–we could not give her enough medication to give her relief for more than a very short period of time. Titrated pain management was not yet developed. It is a very good thing to have lived long enough to have seen real advances in health care, and believe me, I am so happy that my daughters and grandchildren have a real chance of living into an era where the disease can be cured, not just treated!
I agree with you completely. I wrote about a nursing perception of the disease as well. I think it is a completely different take than many people would know.
Breast cancer has not affected me directly, thank goodness, but it has affected my sister. Her best friend passed away from a long battle with cancer almost a year ago. She was only 21! They tried everything, mastectomy, chemo, and multiple surgeries all to no avail. My sister just got a tattoo in memory of Dallie and how much she meant to her.
boylaneely at hotmail dot com
How sad Michelle. It is such a horrible disease any time but that young is just so sad.
My grandmother passed away from it. Mammograms are very important!
I am sorry for your loss Melanie. Thank you for sharing your experience.
My grandmother had had breast cancer and had a radical mastectomy. My mother had a biopsy once. Her doctor didn’t have much of a bedside manner – he told her that when she woke up from the anaesthesia, if she’d had cancer, her breast would be gone! Hopefully doctors are a little more sensitive these days. My mother had been in an accident in her late teens, so it was scar tissue that they’d seen.
Thanks for the giveaway!
That is absolutely horrible Joanne. Oh my. I am just speechless. I am glad your mother was okay but that doctor did not need to be working with anyone, but especially women!
Twitter: dearandrea
October 7, 2011 at 5:28 pm
My grandmother has had it twice, not a recurrence, but another, separate episode. Both were caught early, and she’s cancer free. I remember when her hair grew back after chemo. She said “feel my feel my hair. It’s as soft as rabbit fur!” It was!
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Yes Andrea! The hair can grow back different. I hope your grandmother continues to be cancer free!
My boyfriend’s mother had breast cancer a couple of years ago and after chemo she is cancer free! Thank you for the giveaway!
That is great news Amanda!
My mother passed away with breast cancer when I was young. Both of my sisters are breast cancer survivors. We have way more experience with this than anyone would want.
dlsloveblogs(at)gmail(dot)com
It certainly sounds that way. I am so sorry your family has been affected so much.
Give yourself self breast exams often in between dr. checkups or mammogram screenings
Great advice!
As women we tend to put our heath and wellness secondary to taking care of everyone else. We have to change the mentality that I we take care of us that extends to our families as well.
I agree with that 100% Colleen.
My best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer the week before her wedding. The week before her mastectomy, her husband lost his job and their insurance (luckily she was able to get on her company’s insurance). It made me remember that you need to be thankful for every good day you have and that my life wasn’t as bad as it seemed some days.
ezmerelda at mail dot com
A little reality check, huh? I hope your friend is okay now.
I have a friend who had breast cancer that was caught early so I make sure I have a regular mammagram.
That is good to hear Susan!
I met a young woman that encouraged me, unlike her, to always follow up on medical issues, even if it’s only a feeling you may have that something is wrong. Shortly after I met her, she lost her fight with breast cancer. She waited too long…
That is awful Michelle. I hope she knows that she changed at least one life with her testimony.
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October 7, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Last year my mom lost two of her best friends to breast cancer.
So sad.
I recently met a woman who was taking her husband to the same treatment center as my dad for prostate cancer. As we visited I learned that she, at that same time, was going through her second round of treatments for breast cancer and it was believed to have spread to her bones. This woman never complained she just did what she knew she had to for each of them, no matter how she felt from her own treatments. She was a true fighter and a wonderful inspiration for all.
Karen, you are 100% right. She is an inspiration. I pray that she and her husband are able to fight and recover.
My aunt who is my dads sister is 92 years old and she had breast cancer in her early 30′s and had to have both breast remove, I am glad to say that she is a 60 year survior.