Damned Pink Ribbons
Woman in the Middle | February 2, 2013You see them everywhere, those pink breast cancer ribbons. I always wonder how women who have had breast cancer feel about them. Does it make them warm and fuzzy that everyone is thinking about them? Or does it just remind them of something they would rather forget?
When it comes to the big and nasty things in life, I really don’t need to be reminded. Those subjects tend to muscle thier way into my brain with absolutely no help from anyone or anything, ribbons included. I agree that breast cancer needs to be studied and the number of deaths needs to be reduced. I suppose if it requires pink ribbons everywhere to accomplish that I can live with them. But I don’t have to like them.
I am especially aware of pink ribbons right now because of my recent brush with the Pink Ribbon Club. Back in December I had my regular (ok, not so regular recently) mameo and they saw “something.” So I got to enjoy the holidays with the specter of more tests hanging over my head. Joy. I had the tests done the first week in January and that little spot still looked suspicious. So next was the breast biopsy. I don’t like any medical procedures so the thought of having something done involving needles had my knickers in a twist. I also hated, absolutely HATED telling my girls that mom might have breast cancer. I hated that Hubby was having to worry about me. I hated that some insidious little rogue cells might get in the way of my plans, and I have plans, folks.
I am happy to report that I finally got the results of my biopsy and all is well. Nothing was found. I love that word “benign.” It is my favorite word right now. Benign. Benign. Benign. It just dances on the tongue!
I also want to tell all of you ladies to not fear the breast biopsy. Given the look of the machine they used to do it I was expecting a lot of unpleasantness. I am happy to report that there was only a minor amount of discomfort during the procedure, mainly related to the numbing shots, and there was no pain during or after the event.
Excuse me while I get on with those plans I mentioned!
The SITS Girls
I’m really glad to hear you are ok. Scary, hunh?
Especially since it came on the heals of ANOTHER cancer scare last October. Two in six months are more than enough!
So glad to hear that! You have been in my thoughts. I remember my first biopsy. The thought of needles in ‘the girls’ had me panicked. I have learned a lesson, don’t do mamos during the holidays! Now get on with life!
I have already made a vow to have my mameo in January next time!
Kim, so glad to hear of the “benign” outcome. That really is a great word! Your story reminds me that no matter how things look on the surface, many of us are carrying around some serious stuff to deal with (I had no idea that you were going through this). I try to remember this when I come across anyone who may not be acting the way I think they should (and no, I am not referring to you, just folks in general). I’d like to get better at giving people the benefit of the doubt. We never know what folks are carrying around with them. About those pink ribbons.. Given what you just experienced, I can understand your feeling about them but I need to share with you that I had a close friend go through this battle and those ribbons meant hope to her. They also meant that she was not the only one going through the fight and it helped her to know there were others who knew what she was feeling. As much as they are a reminder of something we don’t want to experience, they represent the strength and courage of those who are fighting and spread the awareness of how important to find a cure. I’m glad you wrote about this in your blog. You may have just saved someones life! Here’s to our new favorite word, benign!
Thank you for your comment, Laura! Do you every watch Say YEs to the Dress? There has been more than one bride who wanted a pink wedding dress in honor of thier mother, who had survived breast cancer. That always makes me a little teary eyed! I love all the comments I am getting from people who feel both ways about those pink ribbons!
As for plans…the main one is the big vacation Mark and I have planned for this summer. I really didn’t want to miss out on that! We are going with friends and I hated the idea that they would have to go without us or postpone it. So, until the next cancer scare, I am good!
Good to hear all is clear with your mamogram I have also wondered what those who have suffered from breast cancer think about the pink ribbons I do not know how I would feel and to be honest I never want to find out how I would feel since finding out would mean having to go through what you have gone through
Good to know you got the all clear. That is a lovely word – benign. Happy Happy Happy!
And… you did a good service letting everyone know about the biopsy. The more we talk about the actual ‘stuff’ of breast health (including all the scary equipment, etc.) the better for all of us. My last mammo was so much easier than the previous umpteenth because it was digital. It hurt A LOT less because they didn’t have to sqwish so hard and still got a better picture. Anyway, wanted to throw that in.
And… yeah. The pink ribbons kind of don’t sit right with me. I get it, but… I’m not sure why it still bugs me a little. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Yes, I also love the word benign. Back in July, I had a suspicious bump on my arm and had to get it removed to be tested for skin cancer. Happily, it turned out to be benign.
So glad to hear that you are OK!