"'previvor'day"?

September represents cancer awareness. This month is set aside to recognize all the people who fought through blood, tears and sweat to rid their cancer. Some won the battle and some fought until they could no longer fight. Those who moved onto a better place with forever remain in our hearts and memories. We are so proud of those who beat the grueling beast. We are also fortunate for those beautiful people because without them we would have never discovered such things as genetic mutations.

We are fortunate, though, because, unlike them, we will never have to experience the disease that attempts to devour the human body in its relentless manner. We're fortunate because we've been given the gift of knowing. Without that gift, some of us would be thrown into the fight. Some would lose and some would win. But, we're lucky because we do know this information and because of that we get to help ourselves out to prevent having to go through what our loved ones had to. There's no other way to say it. We who know we're BRCA Positive were given a gift; a gift I am grateful for each and everyday. 

Although I am grateful for this gift, I find myself wanting to distance from this group of people who refer to themselves as 'previvors'.

Repair Pal

Ever just feel like you're stuck? Trust me, most everybody has had that feeling. Cars aren't always the most loyal objects a human possesses. They may leave you stranded when you have no money or just really need to get somewhere important. Trust me, most people have been in this situation. And then they must decide what it is they are going to do.

Not to worry, though. That decision can now be easy for you. Whether your brakes went and you need a brake job or you're just having problems with that Chevy Silverado there is a place that can help you. Dallas auto repair is easy with Repair Pal. This company is designed to help you out. When you're in a situation like this one your biggest concern is probably the cost. Repair Pal is so convenient, though, that they have a tool on their website that will give you an estimate for your car brand, it's make, and the problem you're having.

Don't stress now. You can find the closest Repair Pal to you. They are located all over the country, but if you are in Dallas you are especially lucky because Dallas auto repair is especially popular. Repair pal has your back. So when your stuck because your car is turning its back don't worry because Repair pal has yours.

Osiris: The brand that adds color to a black and white world

Osiris has become an extremely popular brand among the younger generation. The brand, itself, produces retro looking products with a combination of the present. Many skaters are known to be flashing this brand around. Recently, though, younger people, who don't skate, have taken a liking to the brand. Their sneakers have become extremely popular among those in high school. With neon colored skinny jeans making their fad Osiris adds an even bigger splash of color to the young feet that wear their sneakers. Osiris shoes have definitely made a statement.

Their shoes aren't the only thing adding a splash of color to the younger generation, though. Osiris hoodies are making a flashy statement as well. Their hoodies are not only made for extra warmth, but for style too. Each hoodie has an added splash of color to make it more eye catching.

My personal favorite by Osiris, though, is their line of shoes. They are so flashy and fun, but stylish. They are very appealing to many people and will be noticed. So if you're looking to put some bold color in your life check out shoes by Osiris. They're definitely shoes you should have a pair of.

Visitor by Surprise

Since I came home from school, finding a job has become a struggle. Recently, though, I had some luck. I am meeting with a woman tomorrow and might end up taking care of her 2 little girls while she is at work during the summer. Through this struggle, though, the feeling of being stressed has overlapped my life.

An Aching Heart that Reaches.

For two and a half weeks now, I have been home and done with my first year of college. Like every other college student I have been hunting down a job for the summer. I have been looking for a summer childcare job because I would love to be able to do fun things this summer with kids. I have been applying to jobs through a website called sittercity.com. This website allows families to post jobs and people with childcare experience are able to apply for these jobs through the site. With my search, though, I found my heart breaking.

After searching and applying for weeks I came across a job post that was heartbreaking. A man had posted a job asking for help because he said his wife was battling advanced breast cancer, he worked all day and they had an 8 year old daughter. He went on to describe how he needed help getting his daughter off the bus, dinner cooked, some grocery shopping done, homework help for his daughter and a few other household tasks. My heart broke when I read this post and as I went to apply I discovered that the man and his family lived pretty far from me; a little over an hour one way. I felt awful that it was so far, but he remained in my thoughts.

Now I find myself sitting here, after crying, from explaining the man's story to my boyfriend, and telling this reality to you. I went onto the website yesterday to search for any job openings. I discovered there was, but my heart wishes this one could have been saved. The same man posted again because his wife

The Candy Store on Main Street

This is the first business I have heard of that supports BRCA Carriers in a different way that is definitely original. I have never heard of a business that offers not only a discount to BRCA carriers, but also donates money to Revlon Run/Walk. This is great and also unique!

It is refreshing to hear about this one of a kind candy shop. Located at 41A on Main Street in Port Washington, Long Island The Candy Store on Main Street is not only original, but creative too. Kids grow up

Never Give Up

This past weekend my 3-Day for the Cure team hosted a yard sale. We are trying to reach our fundraising goal of $16,100. We decked the yard out in pink and made huge yard sale signs with fluorescent pink arrows to lead people to the house. One of our family members, Matt, was kind enough to call two local radio stations and the radio stations also announced it.

We ended up having so many things donated to us that we probably could have called ourselves a flea market. It was incredible how much support was shown. We started at about 7 in the morning and became really nervous when nobody was showing up. At 8, though, we became very excited about our 1st customer. As the day progressed we had a very busy yard sale going for us. It was great.

By the end of the day we were exhausted, but out yard sale was a success. We ended up making almost $1,000 to go into our 3-Day accounts.

I have found that the fundraising is the hardest part of participating in the 3-Day for the cure. I think this is to be symbolic of how hard the battle of breast cancer can be. Although it is hard, though, the people we love don't give up. The point is to not give up. The 60 mile walk is the easy part. I am proud of my Cindy's Angels. We have worked our asses off, but it is coming along and we will make it. Keep up the great work girls!

For My Mom

Mama

The physical features of the face and body attract judgment like a magnetic force. The more beautiful the person, the more attraction received. It is when you get to know someone that your judgments untie themselves loose. A gorgeous face and body can become a beautiful person or a more ugly one. It is not only through getting to know someone, though, that you pick up on different things about them. Through observation one can obtain more information than through social procedure. It is true when someone says that actions speak louder than words. Somebody can say one thing about him or herself, but do the total opposite. It is easy for someone to say things about themselves to make them seem or feel better. It is not only their physical features, but also more so their actions that actually define them as a person.

With the bad comes the good.

I hated high school. I never enjoyed it and was always counting down until I graduated. I was never good with girls either. I found that girls liked to talk and would whisper and stare when you walked by. I was called many different things in high school and had many challenges, but ultimately those challenges made me a stronger person.

I was looking for support type groups on facebook this evening. Recently, my Aunt and family friend have stumbled across a few that they felt were good ones to join. I stumbled across one, though, and was shocked.

I discovered one group having in depth conversations about me. They knew my full name, discussed where I was from and other such things. Sue from FORCE even discussed with them "handling the matter." I didn't realize that my therapeutic ways were a situation that needed handling. I didn't realize that a sisterhood consisted of talking about somebody until the whole group is blue in the face. Actually, I would be lying if I said that. As soon as I saw that, I was reminded of high school. Its like when one girl doesn't have the right clothes to fit in and everybody else stares and laughs. That's exactly what it is like.

Concerning My Post about the Term Previvor

I understand that quite a few people feel hurt by my post. The post wasn't meant to be taken personally. Many people take things personally, though, and that cannot be helped. If I feel a certain way about something, though, I am not going to beat around the bush.

Yesterday's post was not about what everybody's been through.

Previvor? Not in the Slightest.

I have heard the word "previvor" used to describe somebody who carries the BRCA genetic mutation. I strongly disagree with this term. Why should anybody who HASN'T survived cancer even be associated with part of the word survivor at all?

Writing is My Therapy

It is not always easy to express or talk about how you are feeling. In those situations, I find it easy for me to write. Although this is a public place for writing, not all writing has to be shared. I have things that I have written and have tucked away somewhere. When I look back on pieces I can see the many different emotions that I was expressing. Writing is a journey in itself. You never really know where it will take you, but it can be the life preserve that keeps you afloat. Everybody swims. The difference between people, though, is that some sink and some float and others even make it to the shore. Writing will help you to stay afloat and then from there you can write your way to the shore. Writing is my therapy, my passion and what keeps me going.

Love? Definitely.

When I tested positive for the BRCA 2 genetic mutation my biggest fear was the thoughts of my love interest at that time. Although he knew about this possibility, I was still nervous.

Your Cosmetics Contain Hundreds of Toxins that Can Cause Cancer. *IMPORTANT* Must read

This is a very important message. Your cosmetics contain hundreds of toxins that are responsible for causing cancer.

An Explanation of what all this means. Sorry if I didn't clarify the meaning of this.

I just want to explain what exactly I am talking about in this blog. I know it is confusing for people who have no idea what I'm talking about. Sorry for the confusion.


I carry a genetic mutation. One of my breast cancer genes doesn't work properly. Because of that I have up to an 87% chance of getting breast cancer in my lifetime. The normal populations risk for breast cancer is 12% so

Reflection

Sometimes it is hard to be completely happy with yourself. When you look in the mirror you find little things that bother you. These little things may not be so obvious to others, but they become huge to your confidence and self satisfaction. There is no question that there is truth in the saying "You must love yourself before you can love someone else."

The Power of Words

Talking is powerful. Words relay the stories of others and advice. Reading can become therapy to certain people. When you read a story about somebody in a similar situation as you, but was worse off, it is true that most people can find comfort in their situation that is not so bad.

Young and Naive

Although being naive isn't always looked at positively, it is easy to understand why being naive could be appealing in this situation. When you're young, you don't know as much and your mind isn't very corrupted. It is only until someone or something corrupts you that

Simply Inspired

Although I am of a younger generation, it can always be helpful to find a new source of inspiration. When I test positive, I started writing quotes on my bedroom and closet doors. Any quote that I liked or felt was true to my own life was written there. My door have collected many quotes over the past year. One quote that I recently discovered has become one of my favorites:

Puzzle Piece

My mom once passed on to me a saying I find to be very true. This isn't exact, but the saying was something close to: "Don't brood. Get on with living." When you brood on a situation you put way more energy into dwelling than moving on. I guess the question is then,

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day

This year will be my grandmother's 20th death anniversary. She put up a strong fight against breast cancer, but unfortunately wasn't able to win. In her memory, three of my family members and I have decided to participate as walkers in the 60 mile Breast Cancer 3-Day walk.

Bucket List

This is an exercise you might decide to take part in. Please feel free.

I find that many people say they want to do certain things in their lives before they die. People say this all the time, but most often it is found that they put these things off. It should seem obvious enough that these things must have some sort of meaning or importance to the person. It isn't like the list is a grocery list, but rather a list of things you would like to do in your life to most likely give you a feeling of being complete. These things don't have to be extravagant and unreachable, but can definitely be something very simple and obtainable.

Take out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil.

Color

The world may sometimes seem like it is simply black and white. Sometimes it seems like no color exists at all. This can seem true to some who feel like their lives represent no real value. Life is a gift, though. It is a delicate gift. The wings of life are fragile. The world would like to see you fly and there isn't someone out there who decided that you are the chosen one they have it out for. You are the pilot, though. You must move those wings of your life with your power and strength.

Blemished? Yes.

     Yes, blemishes can leave scars, but scars build character. It isn't hard to imagine that many people feel blemished or imperfect when they find out they are BRCA Positive +, but please answer this: Did you ever know anybody who really actually was perfect?

Sometimes it's Hard to Find Good in Something with a Negative Connotation

     Yes, I view my knowledge of my BRCA mutation as something positive, but not everybody sees it that way. That should not be so difficult to understand, though. When something is originally connotated with something bad an initial thought is normally, and most likely, going to be negative. As BRCA mutation carriers know, BRCA is associated with high risk for cancer; both breast and ovarian. Because of this, someone who has just found out about their mutation is most likely going to feel devastated. How can we question those who do feel this way when a negative connotation has always been associated with this mutation. Yes, some people go beyond the negative connotation and feel that knowledge is power. This is definitely true, but hard to believe when an 87% chance for breast cancer  and a 25-50% chance for ovarian cancer is staring you in the face.

Raising Awareness

     BRCA is a genetic mutation not many people know about. Mostly, it seems like, only the affected population are aware. The affected population and their genetic counselors and psychologists, that is. So how do we make the normal, and presently unaffected, populations aware?

Coping

     It is sometimes hard to deal with a life changing event. And sometimes it's even harder to know how to deal. When I first learned of my results, I was happy to know. As it all sunk in, though, I became a little worried. I didn't want my new discovery to frighten people away. Especially those people who I wanted to become romantically involved with. I was afraid that this truth would be viewed by people as a death sentence. In my eyes, BRCA is not a death sentence, but a rebirth and awakening.

My Promise

As I said before, testing positive for this genetic mutation was almost like a rebirth. I was suddenly seeing a new world through a brand new set of eyes. I realized that

BRCA Positive +

I have started this support site/ blog in my effort to help those men and women who have been faced with the reality of being BRCA positive. For some, BRCA is tragedy, but for others, its discovery and a blessing. Last year, at the young age of 18, I tested positive for the BRCA II genetic mutation.