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thanks to Chris Landsberger at NewsOK.com for this photo
Okay, finally finally FINALLY yesterday was race day in OKC. Like a kid waiting for Christmas, i’ve been anticipating and excited, annoying my co-workers talking about it, and looking forward to this all summer long.
Needless to say it was a total blast. It always is! There was a HUGE turnout too, something like 5,000 people more than the previous year. The only downside of that is it was so crowded I could hardly MOVE! I met a bunch of wonderful people and there were more survivors this year than i’ve ever seen before, including some really young women & one man. I walked most of the race with a lovely woman named Jackie who had lost her 33 year-old daughter-in-law to breast cancer. 33!
I would like to give a big THANK YOU to all the friends and co-workers at Agio Technology who sponsored me for this event; to my friend Lynn for badgering everyone in our office to donate; and to our company CEO Bart McDonough for generously agreeing to match employee donations. Because of his match, I’ll exceed my fundraising goal.
There is a nice video and some pictures on the NewsOK.com website if you want to see more about the race. And, you can donate through my Komen race page at until the end of October.
GO BIG PINK!!
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This week I want to talk about a group affected by breast cancer that we tend to overlook: MEN. Although statistically it’s much less common, men do get breast cancer. When they do, i’m willing to bet that they suffer higher recurrence and mortality rates because screening and detection are so delayed.
As if reminding me to blog about this, I met a nice lady at chemo this week whose son has breast cancer. He put off going to the doctor to have it checked for a long time because he thought it was nothing and “men don’t get breast cancer”. His wife encouraged him to have it checked out, and by that time it had spread. He is now taking chemo and having a very rough time.
Although it’s not always easy to slip this into conversation, the males in your family need to do a monthly check for lumps and other changes in their breast and armpit region as well as their testicles. Wives and girlfriends, you can help out and do these monthly tests on your partner each month when you do your breast exam. Otherwise, please remind the males in your house that it is important.
Thanks for listening. I appreciate your comments and look forward to hearing from you.
Janette
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The lovely 'Allie' cap
The generosity and kindness shown by so many people throughout my mother’s breast cancer journey continues to amaze us. It has been a huge help and comfort at some of the most unexpected times. My mom found another example of this recently while receiving chemo: ConnieCaps.org. The description on the website says it best:
ConnieCaps was born out of my love for my late mother, and a desire to bring beauty and warmth to the lives of people who are fighting the difficult battle against cancer. Here at ConnieCaps, we provide cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy with beautiful, stylish, and hand-crafted hats free of charge. All of our hats are made from quality materials hand-knit by volunteer knitters. Please get in touch with us if you are currently in treatment for cancer, and would like a hat. We would love to make your day a little better with a hat that is as special as you are.
We are a 501(c)(3) corporation, which means your donations are tax deductible. If you’d like to donate, please go look at our donation page. We have multiple ways to donate, and only a small amount helps keep us running. If you would like to volunteer to knit, or have further questions about hats or donations, feel free to contact me!
Please feel free to visit the site, or refer a patient or treatment center you think might be interested. In addition to hats, there are links on the website to
cancer support resources and
survivor stories. You can also help out by
donating or
knitting hats for survivors!
Excitedly waiting for the Pam hat with extra strings!
I know my mom is excited about receiving her stylish new ‘Pam’ hat. It is also very thoughtful that they offer some masculine styles, and non-wool caps. I didn’t know until I began knitting chemo caps for my other that many people are actually allergic to wool, and it can be irritating to those undergoing chemotherapy.
Our profound thanks again to ConnieCap.org, and to Linda, the kind founder for allowing us to feature their organization!
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Who doesn't need some relaxation?
Let’s be honest. Sometimes doing the right thing or helping save the world gets to be a pain in the ass. Even the most compassionate bleeding hearts among us suffer from do-good fatigue once in awhile. So, I love it when you get a chance to do something good while doing something good for yourself at the same time.
Which is why I was excited to hear Massage Envy is pairing up with Susan G. Komen again this year for Massage for the Cure. This is a one-day fundraiser on September 14th only. You can book a 50-minute massage at any Massage Envy for $49. $15 of that fee will be donated to Komen. Here is a link for more info:
http://www.massageenvy.com/massage-for-the-cure.aspx
Help save the ta-tas by getting a massage on Sept. 14th!
I would suggest booking in advance though, the day is likely to fill up. My mom and I have made our appointments! You can also buy & email gift certificates on the Massage Envy website, so it would be a great way to show appreciation for a friend, survivor, or caregiver who inspires you!
Our profound thanks to Massage Envy for offering this fundraiser again this year!
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Tag(s): breast cancer, massage envy, race for the cure, susan g. komen
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It's almost Race time!
Howdy y’all!
Layla, Janette’s daughter here. I’ll be posting to the blog from time to time when I find something interesting to share. Today i’m happy and SUPER excited to announce that I am now registered for the Race for the Cure this fall! I’ll be doing the 5k on Saturday, October 9th in Oklahoma City. Anyone is welcome to join. You can also pledge and donate online at:
http://www.komencentralok.org/goto/Layla
My mom Janet, two brothers, and Aunt Mary did the Race in Seattle a couple years ago
I can hardly WAIT for the race. It’s become a bit of a tradition with my family over the last several years. My mom has done it a couple times in Seattle, & I’ve done it the last 3 years in a row in Oklahoma City. Each year i’m amazed by what a fun and uplifting event it is. Plus, I love being surrounded by that much PINK!
At the 2009 RFTC. I could have used a hair stylist, some makeup, & about 12 cups of coffee--but wow was I happy that day!
Until race day though, feel free to browse over to the Komen site. Check out some of the amazing resources they have, go shopping, or look for the Race in your town.
Thanks for your support! And GO big pink!!
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Hello to anyone that has found this site!
I am a Breast Cancer Survivor and have been fighting this battle since 1991. As most of you know, some days are better than others. But, I am grateful when I wake up in the morning and can walk by myself to the bathroom. I like to quote Oprah when she says “Tommorrow is promised to No one.”
Anyway, I have had both breasts removed and I hate wearing my prosthesis and very seldom do. I am no longer in the working world or trying to impress or fool anyone into thinking those DD cups are all mine….so I just don’t wear them.
Recently I went to dinner with the in-laws and decided to wear “my girls” and my wig. After 30 minutes of searching for my boobs, I gave up. I had no idea where they were. When I couldn’t find my boobs I decided to scrap the wig also. Too much trouble. I don’t bother wearing my boobs very often, and it seems to bother other people more than it bothers me. Why is that?? I have done nothing wrong, I had Cancer and both of my breasts were removed. I am not ashamed of the way I look. My philosophy is if people don’t like it then, look at your own boobs!
Next year I will go to my 40 year High Reunion and I think I will dust off the old girls and try to look like a Hot Teenager again 
Now how do I lose 100 pounds before the reunion and get rid of all these wrinkles?
Anyways, I have lots more to tell you about myself and my battles. I hope you will use this site to express your feelings, even if you have not had Cancer. Cancer affects everyone in one way or another, and everyone is welcome here.
I want to also share this with you…About a month ago I went to Walmart shopping and again I was not wearing my boobs. I had a couple of people give me the sideways glance to try and hide the fact that they were looking at me. When I got home I was upset and went to my computer to try and get some work done. As I sat here typing and letting my mind drift off, I thought to myself….”What have I done to deserve that? I am the victim here, not you.” The more I thought about this there were words that kept running through my head; and, that is how I became “Breastless in Seattle”.
Thanks for listening. I look forward to hearing from you.
Janette
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