Tuesdays with Naqvi--Herceptin # 22

I've been a supporter of breast cancer awareness for years now, but mainly for the pink.  My home is filled with practically the entire Kitchenaid Cook for the Cure line---not because I was passionate about a portion of my purchases being donated to breast cancer research, but because I liked pink and wanted pink in my kitchen.  This year, for the first time, Breast Cancer Awareness Month hits closer to home and digs a little deeper than a room's color scheme in my home.

I truly am grateful for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  My sister--a cynic genetically--always used to scoff a little at the commercialism of it all--pink pens, pink mixers, pink shovels, pink ribbons on beef jerky packages, pink ribbons on anything to tug at the heart strings of anyone with any connections to breast cancer {or anyone drawn to pink stuff} to make a few extra bucks during the month of October.  Then, I was diagnosed, and she suddenly became one of those people whose heart strings will now be pulled a little tighter, even if it means getting sucked into spending the extra dollar purchasing the package of toilet paper with the pink ribbons and thinking of me.  I'll admit it--it's clever marketing.  That pink ribbon has made a name for herself, and for that I'm thankful.  Without all that marketing and tugging at heart strings, the advances in medicine and surgical procedures that have benefitted me and made my healing a reality might not have been possible.  

So, this month, even if it means getting a little sucked into the hype, think pink.  Look for that pink ribbon, and support those companies that support research and funding for care.  {The more money going to research breast cancer will only help trigger the research and advancements for other cancers, too.  Win/Win!}  Save the ta-tas!  Hug some jugs!  Fight like a girl.  Save motor boating, don't let cancer steal second base, and be a real man--wear pink.  Check your bumps for lumps.  Walk your buns off for boobs.  Save a life--grope your wife!  Or just buy the stinkin' beef jerky with the pink ribbon, and pat yourelf on the back for helping the cause.  You all know me and probably many others who have had or are on similar journeys.  We can all benefit from getting closer to whatever helps to make the journey a little easier.  I'm grateful for the advances in medicine that have made my new breasts possible, but I miss my "real" ones.  And, if a couple of extra dollars helps to save even one pair of boobies, it was worth it.  

P.S.  I'm starting off the month with my NEW hair!  Say hello to BLONDIE: