As we embark upon “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”, I am grateful to see TIME magazine share the story of this courageous young women with metastatic breast cancer. Many of us living with mets (stage IV disease) often feel overlooked during celebratory events (or months!) which focus greatly on being “cured” and “beating” this disease. (And it's not lost on me that the title of this blog is "Let's Beat This Thing", but cut me some slack since I started this before I knew any better). ;) Those of us with metastatic breast cancer often don’t qualify for certain treatments due to our disease progression...suffer continuous and progressive side effects from the never ending treatment..and yet, can often feel like we are the forgotten ones...as if society at large thinks we have found a cure for this disease or that early detection will most definitely save your life, which it might not. If you have a few minutes to read this impactful article, I strongly encourage you to do so. This is the story of not only this young woman, but it's my story and so many of my friends...many of whom I have already lost at the hands of this disease. https://time.com/5689570/metastatic-breast-cancer-research-treatment/ I am so grateful every single day for how well I am able to manage with this disease. Partly because I know that it is not fully in my control and partly because I know all too well that it can always be worse; that one day these rogue cells will once again outsmart my treatment. And with every new treatment, new and worsening side effects will infiltrate my daily life. I make every effort not to live in fear, but I would be lying if I said that the potential consequences of this disease does not scare me. At times it is easy to fall into desperation and anger - especially when you see other women you have come to know and love, succumb to this disease. But that is not the message I want to spread....I don't want to be fueled by these negative, albeit understandable emotions. Rather, I emplore you to think twice before supporting and donating to various organizations this "Pinktober". I ask you to please investigate what you are truly supporting with your mighty dollar when you purchase pink items, wear certain clothing/ribbons, or promote various charities. I don't judge or shame those who buy a pink kitchen gadget in the hopes of it supporting breast cancer research - that was once me! I proudly registered for my pink Kitchen-aide mixer with the assumption that it was going to make a positive impact in some way...and maybe it did! But, this October, please take a minute to consider who you are supporting and why. If you would like to know that 100% of your donation is going towards researching Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, then METAvivor is the only organization you can truly support. #dontignorestageIV #stageIVneedsmore #morethanpinkribbons #metavivor In other news, my recent scans were great! Overall, everything is looking stable and we will take it! Woohoo! This is the face of gratitude, relief and joy! xoxo, Meghan
1 Comment
Mary Catherine
10/5/2019 05:47:49 am
In true warrior fashion you continue to fight this disease all the while educating us. You're such a strong advocate for the Stage IV community and they're blessed to have your voice fighting for awareness of this side of the breast cancer spectrum. As always, this post humbles me and continues to make me so proud of you, your fighting spirit and your honesty. I'm happy and relieved to read about the great news on your recent scans. Keep fighting the good fight my sweet cousin and keep educating and speaking for those that fight along side of you. Sending my love! mc
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