Pink ~ Not a color for the faint of heart...

I'm honored to have a very special guest today. I admire her talent as a gifted author but I admire her courage even more. Please join me in welcoming the uber-fierce and ultra-fantastic Mackenzie Crowne. She's got a very important message to share. 
Pink ribbons, get your pink ribbons here!
On October 4th, I reached the five year mark as a breast cancer survivor. Woot woot, bells and whistles. High fives! That’s right, I’ve reached that exciting milestone just in time for breast cancer awareness month; a month in which you can’t go anywhere without seeing pink ribbons.
Five years ago, I didn’t notice such things, or if I did, only on a very abstract level. Then I found a lump in my breast. That type of thing changes everything, including one’s perspective and their vision. Suddenly everywhere I looked were tiny pink omens of doom. The walls of the doctor’s office where I went to have the diagnostic mammogram were papered with them. The happy meal I bought my granddaughter sported a twist of pink at the bottom of the bag. And the grocery store, holy crap! It’s amazing how many companies slap those little suckers on their products. I mean, come on. Salt? Pink ribbons on a box of salt?
Five years later, I still have that box, and every time I look at it, I’m reminded of the horror of those long days in October as I waited to learn my fate. I realize the pink ribbon campaign raises millions of dollars for cancer research and that benefits all of us, but what about the woman who is waiting for a diagnosis right now? As they did to me, do those little ribbons stab at her soul, taunting her with what ifs?
Okay, I’m done with my little rant. The ribbons are here to stay, and they support an important cause, but my heart goes out to those women who are where I was five years ago. The reality for many of them will be devastating, and society’s heartfelt desire to help will only add fuel to a raging fire of fear.
Is there an answer to this dilemma? Not really, just as there are no answers as to how to take away the fear. But you can lesson it. It’s very easy for someone who is facing a life threatening disease to become overwhelmed by the diagnosis. Human nature being what it is, the diagnosis too often takes over the person’s life until nothing else exists. So, look around. Do you know someone who is facing this senseless disease, or for that matter, some other life changing event? If you do, don’t let them go through it alone. Don’t push it. After all, everyone needs to work out their fear in their own way, but a meal, an outing, or a simple hug can be a reminder that life is still there to be lived.
Be a friend. They and you will be glad you did.
And might I suggest you pick up a copy of my guide to navigating the breast cancer abyss, Where Would You Like Your Nipple? Then share it with them. Shameless plug, I know, but I’ve been where they are and my purpose for writing Nipple, after all, was to help ease some of the fear they are facing, and to assist their loved ones in understanding the trials of the battle.
Have a good one,
Mac
Buy links:  Digital copy - Amazon Print copy - Createspace
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