My Grandma -survivor of 5 go-rounds with cancer- discovered that she had breast cancer at the age of 86. The doctor delicately told her that her previous treatment history indicated she should have a radical double mastectomy, making it clear he was sorry to have to deliver the news. She drew herself up, and without hesitation looked at the doctor and said, “Take them off! I’m done with them!” The radical double mastectomy and early detection saved her life and gave us the gift of more time with her.
Breasts. I’m going to say it again. Breasts. Breasts. Breasts. Breasts. We all have them and I want you all -every single one of you- to do a self-exam this month and every month afterward. Please keep your breasts on your brain (not literally) and take care of yourselves. I want you here for as long as I am here writing. So what do we all do about it?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
I’m sure you’ve seen all sorts of merchandise and things festooned with pink ribbons. That’s nice, and all, but what we really need to do is get ourselves into a habit of monthly self checks. That early detection of knowing a change from one month to the next will actively save lives. And if you want to make a difference in the realm of research, make a donation to the cause. We don’t know when that cure or miracle treatment could come down the pike, and we won’t know unless research is vast, constant, and well-funded. This month at JCPenney, you can round up your purchases to the nearest dollar amount. Contributions will go to JCPenney Cares (#JCPCares) to directly fund programs supporting breast cancer awareness. In other words, your change can equal REAL CHANGE in the fight against breast cancer.
A Giveaway
Giveaway: JCPenney is generously offering a $100 JCPenney gift card to one (1) Foodie with Family reader. You can use that however you like at your favourite JCPenney. If you want, you can even buy items to donate to your local breast health clinic or someone you love who is undergoing treatment. Maybe some comfy throw blankets? Or some soft, cozy pajamas? How to Enter for a Chance to Win: Answer one of the following questions:
- Have you or someone you love been personally effected by breast cancer?
- Ladies: Do you do faithful monthly self-checks?
- What do you do to help with breast cancer awareness?
Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 10/15/2014 – 11/12/2014.
Be sure to visit the JCPenney’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Reader's Thoughts...
Neena says
I do not do regular monthly breast checks. Each month I resolve to do them, and each month I don’t. This is the month where I will really try to keep my resolution, especially after reading such poignant posts and really reflecting on how precious life is.
Rebecca says
THANK YOU, Nenna!!! Please take care of you!!
Kelly D says
Yes, I do faithful monthly self-checks, and I go to my yearly physical as well.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/522491316685791232
Mami2jcn says
Our family dentist passed away last year from breast cancer. She was like a part of our family. I still can’t believe she’s gone. She left behind two small children.
Nicole says
Shared on my twitter: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/522470081763508224
Nicole says
My aunt recently passed away from Breast Cancer a few months ago. I Really need to start being more active in checking monthly with self checks, but I do encourage others like my family and friends to do so.
Lisette says
My mama was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was a junior in college. Thanks to a doctor that did a very thorough breast exam, we learned that breast tissue includes areas like your underarm and goes all the way up to your collarbone, where he found my Mom’s lump. Thank the LORD she has been in remission for over 15 years with no more scares.
So yes, I do self exams (not as diligently as I should), and at 38, I am already getting “the girls” checked with mammograms every 1-2 years, since I was 32 and we thought we found a lump that needed to be checked. Can’t be too careful when it hits close to home.
Such a touching post. I did not realize Val’s sickness started with breast cancer. Hugs to you. 🙂
Amy S. says
I have friends who are breast cancer survivors. Monthly self exams are so important as well as mammograms. I encourage my friends to not skip their annual mammos!
Jennifer says
Both my mother in law and sister in law have had breast cancer. My husband, kids, and I run in the Race for the Cure each year with them and in their honor along with donations to cancer societies and research organizations.
Rachel Tilly says
My best friends mom had breast cancer. Thankfully she is in remission.
Just Jane says
I always am up to date on having my mammograms. Your post made me realize that I need to do more than that. I need to be proactive and do a self exam regularly and care about myself enough to remember to do it. Thank you for the wake up call.
Maegan @thebakermama says
What a touching and special post, Rebecca! Both of my grandmothers passed away way too early from breast cancer, so it definitely hits home and puts a bit of fear in the women of my family. We are all very strict with our self-exams and my mom is monitored very closely given her age. Heartbreaking disease, but hopeful for a cure and encouraged by so many who have beat such a horrible disease. Thanks for sharing!
Emilie says
My husband and I participate in a BBQ cook off every year. It raises money for the Boone County cancer society.
Susan Tuma says
Have you or someone you love been personally effected by breast cancer? Yes, not me but someone I know.
Ladies: Do you do faithful monthly self-checks? Yes very important!
What do you do to help with breast cancer awareness? Make sure to remind friends and family to do self checks and get their mammograms!
Nancy says
I got the call after my yearly mammogram (no discernable lumps) while I was at college orientation for my only child. My description over the next few months was: “The bad news is that I have breads cancer. Everything else is as good as possible.” I was stage 1, no lymph node involvement, and my tumor was slow-growing. It was tough dealing with treatment while sending my only child to college, but now I’m 14 months cancer free, my son’s doing great in school, and my husband and I are rocking the empty nest. I tell all my female friends not to skip their mammograms, and to do monthly checks. Thanks for this.
Rebecca says
I’m so glad you caught it early, Nancy! I’m going to bang the drum for self checks and mammograms until I’m not on this earth any longer!
Julie Wood says
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/522365798531080192
Julie Wood says
My loving mom died from breast cancer, and I do monthly checks every month and I do yearly mammograms to make sure that I do not get breast cancer!
Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon says
What a touching post, Rebecca! I’m so sorry for how much cancer has invaded your life-it’s an evil that needs to be conquered. What amazing women you have surrounding you and such support you give to your family. It’s definitely way more than a pink ribbon.
Lisa Brown says
my tweet https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/522345021895630848
Lisa Brown says
I have an aunt that passed away from breast cancer; yes, I do check myself.