I think that one of the things that is hard about October being breast cancer awareness month is that sometimes we forget about those who have late stage breast cancer—those who will not be cured and are facing death from breast cancer.
Don’t get me wrong, I think raising awareness is great. It’s very important for women to get recommended screenings and to do self exams. I had to go for a mammogram last year after my PCP wanted to have something checked out. It was fine, but it definitely had my mind racing in a million different directions!
My desire to highlight women with late stage breast cancer comes from the fact that I have a friend who is currently battling Stage IV breast cancer that has metastasized to her bones and liver (she is 33 and a mother of young twin boys). She once shared a link to a post from another women with Stage IV breast cancer.
The link was to a blog post about sometimes feeling that those battling late stage breast cancer are lost in the shuffle. We see a lot of stories in the media about celebrities and high-profile public figures being diagnosed with breast cancer and being successfully treated. What we don’t often hear are the stories of those whose cancer can’t be kept at bay.
Women with late stage breast cancer face unique challenges such as tolerating experimental cancer drugs, planning for their families’ future when they are gone, trying to enjoy life knowing that it may end in the near future, and many more. Please try to remember women like my friend Jen this month…
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, Carpet One generated a series of welcome mats of differing design (but all with a pink ribbon). They are available year-round and 25% of the proceeds from sales of the mats is donated to breast cancer research and awareness.
I love these mats (I have 2) because they are water and stain resistant, so they can be used inside or outside AND they are machine washable! Take a look at the prints and follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below.
I would like to use this post to remind you to think about women who aren’t going to survive breast cancer.
a Rafflecopter giveawayCarpet One provided 30 Something Mother Runner with a welcome mat for review.
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[…] I guess I have just been down a bit and not sure which came first, a down mood or “BREAST CANCER” talk and media in my face for the past 25+ days (either way it’s been cyclical). Day after day. . . I already can’t get away from it and now I can not get away from the words and reminders. I am human. I need a break. I need to live life. I need not be in “fight” or “survival” mode all the time. I need to feel normal. I need not be reminded several times a day that short of a miracle I will die long before the average life span. That there is no cure. That while others are detecting things early and “beating it” that myself and 30% of those diagnosed with breast cancer will end up having metastatic, stage iv disease. That it kills. That even though any one of us could die from tragedy at any moment, I have to be perpetually trying to extend my life by stabilizing the cancer growing in my vital organs, who cares about breasts at this point (you can live without those), so that they don’t fail me. Statistics are not in my favor. Luckily I am not a number so I plan on living for decades not months or years more. And frankly. . . I AM doing pretty well!!!!! But don’t get me wrong I have read or heard about some good stuff going on and things that make me especially proud or glad. In fact, was humbled and honored today when I realized a friend of mine had used ‘my story’ to help educated her readers about MBC on her blog. Please read her post. […]
hum…..I am torn between the anchor seeing that I live in RI and the ornaments…..I guess anchor!
I would chose the anchor. How wonderful a giveaway! Thanks!
singing in the rain
I love winter wonders!
I would love to have the Ornaments one for the holidays!
I would love Anchors Away. Thank you for this post and for shedding some light on the women who are past the point of being able to stop it. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend Jen. It breaks my heart to read. Best wishes and huge prayers to her and you.
Anchors Away or Very cherry are AWESOME! Love!
These are great! I love the Anchors Away mat the best!
I like the anchor
First of all Jess I’m so sorry to hear about your friend! My prayers are with her and her family!!
I’m torn between the costal coral and anchors away! These prints are so cute!!
Thanks for bringing this to light. My family has been deeply affected by breast cancer, and I always appreciate informative reminders like this.
As for the mats, Coastal Coral matches our house…yay!
I’m so sorry to hear of your friend’s battle, I hope she has a miracle in her life. I wish I was stronger, but I can’t even read about the battles people are facing anymore, cancer sucks that is all there is to say.
As for the mat, I love the anchor…living in Rhody, I love the nautical theme!!!
I just read her most recent post – what a strong woman! and you are absolutely right – we never hear about the reality of late stage, its as if people glaze over it.
I really like the anchors away and the holiday ornaments mats, they are so cute!!
I’m sorry to hear about your friend 🙁 I would choose the anchor mat, go Rhode Island!
I would go for the anchor.
Anchor anchor anchor! Love this!
“Summer Fun” mat is beautiful with the red!
I really like the Winter Wonders mat.
I like the holiday ornaments.
Your friend will be in my prayers. Thanks for this post it is a wonderful reminder. I love the anchor!
Preppy Paws is adorable!
Preppy Paws
I like the Very Cherry.
I like the Preppy Paws. Too adorable.
the Winter Wonders mat
I like the Anchors Away! So sorry to hear about Jen. 🙁
Thank you so much for posting about this! During October not many people remember the Stage IV women who live with this disease everyday. January will be my two year mark of living with mets.
Preppy Paws for me.
Crisp Autumn
Crisp Autumn is my favorite!
Sorry to hear of your friend. I am about to lose an Aunt who has battled a number of cancers in her life and decided she just didn’t want to anymore (and I don’t blame her).
I’d love to put the Holiday Ornaments mat out this Christmas.
Thank you for this reminder. You are a wonderful friend to share her struggle and remind us all that there are victories and tragedies in this battle with breast cancer.
I would choose the costal Coral. Thanks for this post – I think it is very important to remember the strength of those battling final stage cancer of any kind. Your friend is added to my prayer list
Summer fun is nice and would look great! Thanks!
crisp autumn
Singing in the Rain 🙂
I love the singing in the rain
I like building hope
thanks
costal coral
Jess, I’m honored that you wrote this post. Thank you for reminding people that it’s not all about detecting early, and overcoming breast cancer because it’s so “treatable”. (As you might remember I was diagnosed with cancer only 9 days before finding out that I had metastatic/stage IV disease). It’s also realizing that millions in our country alone have no other choice but to live with it and/or fight. (For me, depending on my frame of mind). Again honored. to those who commented: Thanks for your prayers and support.
Awww, thanks Jen! I am in awe of the strength, courage, and optimism that you have as you face your struggle. You are always in my prayers and we think of you often! 🙂
i like coastal coral