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Web sites will Go Pink during the month of October to bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, get people talking about breast cancer, and raise money for research. But to be clear, raising money isn’t the primary purpose of this web event. The hope is that you turn your site pink (in whatever way works for your site), educate yourself about the multiple issues related to Breast Cancer, then take that knowledge and tell someone else what you’ve learned.

— 26 September 2008 —

How Do You Define A Breast Cancer Survivor?

When you hear the term “breast cancer survivor”, you probably think of someone who has had AND beat this dreadful disease. Have you stopped to consider the other survivors of this disease, the silent survivors?

First off, I am not taking anything away from the unfortunate people that have been diagnosed with breast cancer — I lost my mother, my maternal grandmother, and a cousin to breast cancer so I have the utmost respect and admiration for these survivors.

However, it is because I lost these loved ones that I feel I am a survivor.

I first realized that there was something different about my grandmother when I was a child. One day I went into her bedroom without knocking (a BIG NO-NO) as she was dressing. I quickly noticed that she was missing a breast and horrifically scarred.

I remember asking her where her “boobie” went. She sat me down on the bed and explained that when she was 33 years old, she had breast cancer and had her breast removed to ensure that she would be around for her grandchildren. I accepted the explanation without much thought and went about my happy way as any child would do.

Nineteen years ago, I was your average 17-year-old when my mother died after battling breast cancer for 16 months. I was thrown into shock and despair. Suddenly, my curiosity about breast cancer became an obsession!

I talked to doctors, specialists, and other breast cancer patients to learn as much as I could about this disease that took my best friend. At that time, my grandmother had been cancer free for almost 30 years, bless her soul. With her guidance, she finished the chore of raising a motherless child.

For eight years after my mother died, I adored, listened, and cherished the bond that I had formed with my grandmother — thankful that I was lucky enough to have another love like my mother. Unfortunately, time was not on our side. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her other breast and the odds were stacked against her. “NOT AGAIN” was my first thought.

I really didn’t think I could bear to lose another person and to the same disease. Being wiser the second time around, we made the best of our time and said our good-byes on my birthday. Three days later, she passed away — from breast cancer.

So you see, I have survived this disease. I survived the deaths of two great women. I have stayed educated and healthy thanks to my doctors.

I have tested positive for the BRCA gene – no surprise there – and I am classified as high-risk. Even though it’s a lifelong fear that I will get breast cancer, I remain positive that I won’t die from this disease. I’ll simply become a different survivor – a breast cancer survivor, not just a silent survivor.

All year long, especially in October, I honor their memories and support the efforts for all breast cancer initiatives. Please do the same.

by— Dana P. at Peapod Studio

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5 Responses to “How Do You Define A Breast Cancer Survivor?”


Thank you Dana for sharing your story.


Wow… Truly, thank you for putting this out there…


Dana, It’s so difficult to explain to people what it means to have cancer in your family, to find out it’s in your DNA, and all probability you too will experience it yourself if you don’t take drastic measures. The point I am trying to make is survivorship is for all, for family, friends, supporters. It’s a difficult road - but with everyone communicating their experiences, there’s nothing but support out there. Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading more of yours in the future!


I was completely touched by what you wrote. My mother had breast cancer when I was 9 years old. Thankfully - she survived and it has been over 30 years. I don’t know of anyone who hasn’t been touched by this awful disease. You’re rt. you are a survivor of breast cancer. Knowing you have the awful “gene” must weigh on you everyday. My thoughts and prayers are with you.


[...] Dana P. @ PeaPod Studio is sponsoring a Go Pink for October mug. Dana has also written a special Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness page on her site. Dana lost her mother, grandmother and cousin to the disease — read about her story here. [...]



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