Pinktober Pictorial Perspective - Unfurling the Pink Ribbon

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Test your Pinktober I.Q. - Which picture raises your AWARENESS of the disease that has been killing women (and yes, men too) at a rate of 40,000 per year since our grandmothers were being diagnosed? 

 

(Caution: Contains graphic content. Only scroll down if you really want to know what breast cancer looks like unwrapped from the pink trappings.) 

 

 

Barbie does Breast Cancer, for 6+ years of age.

Indoctrinating a younger audience that breast cancer is Pretty & Pink.

Soon every 6 year old will want to be a member of our

ever-expanding "club"!

Prepping for the Sentinel Node Biopsy.

First step is  to be injected with nuclear matter. Yes it does hurt.

Hard Rock's 2012 edition is a double-necked

blinged out guitar. Last year was single-necked.

Maybe this is for the double-mastectomy crowd?

To the left is one of the potential side-effects of radiation treatment.

Yes, the skin can get that damaged.

To the right is a potential side-effect of the Sentinel Node Biopsy - lymphedema.

Lymphedema can be debilitating, and a life-long issue.  Granted, "life-long" for a breast cancer journeyer carries a different meaning than for the non-journeying population.

 

 

 

There is actually a contest for the

most inspirational quote. You too can

have your words pressed against the

scarred bosom of a breast cancer journeyer.

The surgical search for those pesky lymph nodes that

can indiscriminately carry cancer cells throughout a person's body.

 

While I appreciate the efforts of the NFL. And, admittedly, a buff athlete in

tight stretch pants, flexing his "guns", may give me pause to rethink my abhorrence of pink. On the other-hand, I think the NFL should stick to trying to ameliorate the traumatic brain injuries their own players are incurring. BTW, the full add said a whole 10 cents on the dollar went to breast cancer research. Guess the NFL learned nothing after the recent referee strike.

 

 

 

Pinkwashing Retail Awareness. Enough said.

Yes, this is what a mastectomy scar looks like 2-3 weeks after the surgery. The drainage tubes have been removed. Thank goodness, otherwise this reality would really be scary looking!

 

Yes, ladies and gentlemen - THIS IS BREAST CANCER!

Not pretty, but maybe a little pinkish.



 

 

 

 

Awareness for breast cancer?  or an ad to save

the local strip joint, "Tatas," from closing down?

 

 

 

Smith & Wesson...and your thought was what?

If breast cancer and its progeny doesn't kill you,
try this????

 

Chemo. It sucks.
No matter what your opinion as to this poison-filled, conventional treatment.

 

 

 

Damn...I like penguins.

Not sure I want one squishing my "boobs", however. Oh, forgot I don't have real "boobs" anymore. How about we just squish the Boob who thought this was clever??

 

 

Double mastectomy, approximately

two months after surgery. I don't think Pinkwashing

Retail Awareness is going to help.

 

 



Chicken should not be pretty or pink. Even fake chicken.

Petrol containers for Breast Cancer!

How apropos. After all, we slather ourselves in petrol each and every day. Its in our soaps, shampoos, cosmetics...and we pay top dollar for these carcinogens. Read your labels: paraffin; sodium lauryl sulphate, ammonium lauryl sulphate, dibutyl, phthalate, butyl benzl phthalate, parabens (butyl, ethyl, propyl isobutyl), benzoates, tolune, methlybenzene, dimethicone, propylene glycol .... to name a few.

Chicken should not be pretty or pink, or canned, or sodium filled...

 

 

 

 

 



Cardiac Pre-Tamponade in Metastatic Breast. In other words, the breast cancer has spread to the cardiac structure.

 

 

I reiterate, in the event the point is still not apparent. Breast Cancer is NOT pretty and pink!

 

 

 

Actually, this IS a t-shirt I might wear to Trader Joe's

during the weekly shopping trip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related PINKTOBER Posts:

 

Awareness -  http://boo-bee-trap.blogspot.com/2009/10/awarenes.html

Kindly...STOP Waving the Pink Ribbon in My Face - http://boo-bee-trap.blogspot.com/2010/09/dichotomy-of-breast-cancer.html

 

Awareness Revisited - http://boo-bee-trap.blogspot.com/2011/10/october-is-breast-cancer-awareness.html



Jumping on the Pink Bandwagon

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Maybe I have been too judgmental. "Awareness" remains a critical need during Pinktober, and throughout the year. Case in point:

I walk into our neighborhood Safeway store last evening with my 10 year old son. As I am in the check out line, the 10 year old spies a large handwritten sign that announces: REGISTER NOW TO WIN AN iPAD2!

Mom, can I go check it out?

He goes over to the table with the display. Yes, it is to benefit breast cancer, but it does not say which pinkindustry is sponsoring the drawing, the cost of tickets, or which non-profit is going to reap the proceeds. And, there are no entry forms

The manager eyes my son investigating the table, and then me. He walks over to me and informs, enthusiastically, that: yes my son may enter to win, would I like one ticket for $10 or 5 tickets for $50 (retail price break).

I ask who is sponsoring: Safeway (obvious)

I ask to whom is it benefiting: Breast Cancer (okay, obvious again...he must think I am a moron at this point)

I am still gnawing on the price break.

I rephrase. To which organization will Safeway be ~ donating (?) the funds: the funds will stay locally (what does that mean)

Deep breath...he is management after all.

I probe further. Which local organization will Safeway be giving the money raised from the ticket sales for the iPad2. Safeway  (WT....???)

Oh, Safeway has its own breast cancer organization: No, um, some money will go to Tucson (okay, I am in for a pound now)

Which organization in Tucson: Oh, there a lot of them in Tucson that do good work for breast cancer

And those would be: The large medical ones (price break goes to priceless)

I tell him that I think I am going to pass on purchasing the tickets. He still tries one last shot at inducing me to buy: Oh, and some of the money is going to Susan G. Komen, they do a lot in researching breast cancer awareness! That is a great cause.

Oh yes, yes it is!

Awareness Revisited

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Pink Ribbons are unfurling once again. A year ago today, I wrote and posted the following  blog. I reread it again...and found that regrettably not much has changed, save for my own personal circumstance. That is, my cancer has advanced. My awareness IQ has been broadened to understand that the proliferation rate of breast cancer is increasing. And, profoundly, despite Susan G. Komen - known as the "largest" funder of breast cancer research, spent a whopping[?] 23.5% of total revenue raised on research for the "cure" in 2007; and an impressive [?] 26.7% in 2008; and a staggering[?] 20.2% in 2009; despite Susan G. Komen's total revenues for 2010 reportedly at $311,855,544.00; and despite spending over $22M in salaries. . . 

The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates for breast cancer in the United States are for 2011:

• About 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women
• About 57,650 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be found (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
• About 39,520 deaths from breast cancer (women)

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is a little less than 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 35. Breast cancer death rates have been going down. [REALLY? not if you look at 2007 figures from the CDC...see below] Right now there are more than 2½ million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

As compared to 2009, when 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed among women, as well as an estimated 62,280 additional cases of in situ breast cancer...
. . .

As compared to 2007

• 202,964 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer.*†
• 40,598 women in the United States died from breast cancer.*†

*Incidence counts cover approximately 99% of the U.S. population. Death counts cover 100% of the U.S. population. Use caution in comparing incidence and death counts.

†Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2007 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2010. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs.

Last Revised: 06/20/2011

So again, I continue to ask the question...what does AWARENESS...really mean? I have added a few updates for 2011.

Before I was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, I was aware of the prevalence of breast cancer. I knew it was a disease that struck mostly post-menopausal women. I was aware that women who have family histories; who smoked; who took oral contraceptives for prolonged periods of time were more likely to be stricken with breast cancer. I was aware of mammograms and lumps and lumpectomies and mastectomies. I was aware of the existence of radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

I was aware of our local news station and its "Buddy Check 12" campaign. I was aware of the Pink Ribbon campaigns. I was aware that every October there was a hub-bub about the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure. I was so aware that for the 15 years prior to my initial diagnosis in 2009 I ran the Race for the Cure; ironically shaving off up to 8 minutes in my pace time each year. (As it turns out, I guess I wasn't running fast enough!!!!)

But it wasn't until I was blind-sided with a diagnosis of breast cancer in the summer of 2009 that I became aware of the breadth of my ignorance. There was, and still is, so much that I did not know about the disease and its treatment. And, none of the information I received prior to my own personal diagnosis...acquired through my "pink" involvement ever even hinted at the depths of my naiveté.

For example . . .

I did not know there were myriad of causes of breast cancer - the majority being environmental

I did not know that women without genetic predispositions could get breast cancer

I did not know that the risk for women under 50 years of age in developing cancer was and is increasing each year

I did not know that breast cancer specialists have not figured out how to "write a new textbook" for the under 50 crowd

I did not know that women who did not live a high-risk lifestyle could develop breast cancer

I did not know that there were subsets to breast cancer (ductal, lobular, inflammatory and Paget's Disease)

I did not know that as a pre-menopausal woman in good health could develop breast cancer

Metastases in lymph

I did not know about sentinel node biopsies

I did not know about drainage tubes ("d-bombs")

I did not know about tram flaps

I did not know about the severity of long term effects of chemotherapy and radiation

I did not know about Adriamycin (aka "Red Devil")

I did not know about Tamoxifen (or that outside of the U.S. it is listed as a cancer-causing carcinogen)

Metastases in brain

I did not know about Herceptin and Aromatase

I did not know that the medical community treated pre-menopausal women differently than post-menopausal women

I did not know about Oncotype DX and Mamma Print tests for chemo efficacy

I did not know about how a cancer is "staged"

I did not know that mammograms are not a reliable or effective way to early-detect Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

I did not know that a Vitamin D deficiency can be a contributing cause in the development of breast cancer

I did not know how key Vitamin C is in preventing the occurrence and recurrence of breast cancer

I did not know that a buildup estrogen in the body is toxic

I did not know that there is tangible link between iodine deficiency and breast cancer

I did not know about E-cadherin and protein tests and saliva tests and hormonal balancing

Metastases in liver

I did not know that breast cancer research is focused on early stage breast cancer and not advanced stage & metastatic breast cancer

I did not know that women don't die of breast cancer, per se, if only the cancer stayed in the breast

I did not know that women die of breast cancer because because of the multitude of sites where it can metastasize

I did not know that a full radical mastectomy is not a guarantee against breast cancer metastasizing

I did not know about mouth thrushes, or lymphedema, or neuropathy

Metastases in bones

I did not know that an acidic imbalance in our body chemistry gives a fertile ground for cancer cells to proliferate

I did not know that when the CDC and other entities cite statistics on death by breast cancer it does not include those women who died from the complications and side effects of treatment (heart disease, heart failure, pulmonary disease, stroke, uterine cancer, stomach cancer, cervical cancer, etc.

and so it continues to go on, . . . and

I do know now what an insidious and pervasive industry breast cancer has generated in the U.S.

I do know now the difference between a "CURE" and a "PROTOCOL".

I do know now that the med pros are vociferous in the application of their established protocol; that the protocol has not changed much in 50 years; and that despite the protocol women are still dying - at times as a result of the protocol.

I do know now that even though 100s of millions are raised for research, awareness, marketing and merchandising that we are still no closer to a cure.

I do know now that some of the pharmaceutical companies that produce & distribute cancer treatment drugs consciously include cancer-causing carcinogens in the household products and foods they heavily market and consume as a society...check out all the variants of benzene products....they are in every commercial sunscreen and most store-brand and high-end cosmetics.

I do know now that even Susan G. Komen is heavily invested in contributing to the proliferation of breast cancer...check out their requisitioned perfume, PROMISE ME, that contains a well-known hormone disrupter and neurotoxicant.

I do know now that I have to continue to be my own "lay expert" in order to direct the discussion regarding my own health and treatment.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And, I am a little more aware now than I was in October of 2009 -- and worlds beyond my breast cancer IQ when I too was a Pink Ribbon accomplice. I am also excruciatingly aware that my continued search to be enlightened, educated ... aware ... has nothing to do with the flying of little Pink Ribbons and all its accouterments.

Random Thoughts ~ Sunday October 1, 2011

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Why is it so hard to talk about the morbidly large Pink Elephant in the room?

Why is it so hard to take ownership that it's there? That it exists whether we acknowledge it or not?

Is it because we think that if we ignore it it will eventually ebb away, like a bad hangover?

Every moment changes.

Time is not static.

We feed this mindset with platitudes of reassurance that "this too will pass"; "time heals all"; "keep looking forward"; "hakuna matata".

But such prosaic statements work no magic on a Pink Elephant.

So we keep quiet.

And there it sits, large.

Grotesque.

Is it hard to speak out loud, not because we are afraid of what the Pink Elephant might say; but rather, because we are afraid that once it starts speaking we will never get it to shut up?

Such it would seem is the nature of metastatic breast cancer.

Tie a ribbon...around my ...??? or "Awareness": Are you color blind yet?

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Talk is Cheap - Ribbons, Rallies & Campaigns...now that is profitable!

Pink Ribbon :
Meaning: Most commonly associated with breast cancer awareness, this ribbon is also a symbol for birth parents, and childhood cancer awareness (alternative color: light blue)

Yellow Ribbon :
Meaning: We've all seen this symbol used to support our troops, but it is also a symbol for MIA/POW, suicide prevention, adoptive parents, amber alerts, bladder cancer, spina bifida, endometriosis, and a general symbol for hope. A yellow ribbon with a heart is used to represent the survivors left behind after a suicide.

Pale Yellow Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of spina bifida

Red Ribbon :
Meaning: Most commonly associated with the fight against AIDS and HIV, this ribbon also is a symbol for heart disease, stroke, substance abuse, MADD, DARE, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Burgundy Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of brain aneurysm, Cesarean section (worn upside down), headaches, hemangioma, vascular malformation, hospice care, multiple myeloma, William's syndrome, Thrombophilia, Antiphospholid Antibody Syndrome, and adults with disabilities

Purple Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, domestic violence, ADD, alzheimer's, religious tolerance, animal abuse, the victims of 9/11 including the police and firefighters, Crohn's disease and colitis, cystic fibrosis, lupus, leimyosarcoma, and fibromyalgia

Lavender Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol for general cancer awareness. It can also be a symbol for epilepsy, and rett syndrome

Periwinkle Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of eating disorders and pulmonary hypertension

Blue Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of drunk driving, child abuse, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), the victims of hurricane Katrina, dystonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alopecia, Education, Epstein-Barr Virus, Save the Music, colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), and anti-tobacco - particularly anti-second hand smoke (in Canada; alternative ribbon color: brown), I Love Clean Air/ILCA Campaign (Japan)

Dark Blue Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of arthritis, child abuse prevention, victim's rights, free speech, water quality, and water safety

Light Blue Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of childhood cancer (alternative color: pink), prostate cancer, Trisomy 18, and scleroderma

Teal Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol for ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers as well as sexual assault, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and tsunami victims

Green Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of childhood depression, missing children, open records for adoptees, environmental concerns, kidney cancer, tissue/organ donation, homeopathy, and worker and driving safety

Orange Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of leukemia, hunger, cultural diversity, humane treatment of animals, and self-injury awareness

White Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of innocence, victims of terrorism, violence against women, peace, right to life, bone cancer, adoptees, and retinal blastoma

Pearl Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol for emphysema, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and multiple sclerosis

Black Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of mourning, melanoma, and gang prevention

Brown Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is an anti-tobacco symbol as well as a symbol of colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue)

Grey Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of diabetes, asthma, and brain cancer

Silver Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol for children with disabilities, Parkinson's disease, and mental illnesses such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders.

Gold Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol for childhood cancer

Jigsaw Puzzle Ribbon:
Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for autism

Lace Ribbon:
Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for osteoporosis

Pink and Blue Ribbon:
Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death due to SIDS or other causes

We are being "clockwork oranged" with "awareness." Too many "causes" to be "aware" of with little substance forthcoming or sustained. Too many "baubles" on the retail shelf designed to manipulate our "concern" into retail therapy. Far far far too many awareness weeks, months, days...lifetimes. Eyes glaze over, brain shuts down, and all we are aware of is how fatigued we are about the myriad of ways we can die.

Personally, I am tired of the platitudes and pandering. Pom poms, feel-good rallies, and "Promises." It is time that the cancer industry put its dollars -- all of the raised dollars, into achieving tangible results. And less into the next profit-breaking marketing campaign. 

Artemis' Silent Assault

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The arrow pierced through my chest wall unnoticed. A minor twinge that only slightly drew my attention away from the tasks at-hand. What literally dropped me to my knees was the unceremonious way in which the arrow, on its own volition, began to withdraw.

The head of the arrow must have been either larger than it initially appeared, jagged in its property, or dipped in some form of venom. Whatever the case, the pulsating burning throbs that gripped me just over my left pectoral muscle lit the entire area on fire. I tried to breathe deeply and send soothing energy to the area. To no avail. Each time I caught one deep cleansing breath the arrow tried to dislodge itself again – sending a barrage of concentrated fiery spasms.

I focused on the determination of the arrow, trying to discern its pace and pattern. I was trying to intellectualize the battle raging in my chest. As the spasms finally became less frequent and subside in intensity, I was able to unbutton the top of my blouse – curious to see if I could find the exit wound left by this unexpected assault and retreat. A prominent, raised vein was twitching across the upper pectoral, across the roundness of the breast, and was at least five inches in length.

I considered it for awhile. Reset the tempo of my breathing. Noted that the garage need a sweeping out from the prior days’ storms. Remembered, and then rescued dinner.

I did wonder, however, what I had done to piss-off Artemis?