Rise Up & No. 47

October 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. BreastCancer.org has dedicated a page to MBC and a push to raise awareness for this disease. The organization and others living with MBC want people to know what this disease means. That one day of awareness falls far too short.

Today is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness day.

Today is the release of a new horror/slasher movie, ‘Happy Death Day.’

Today is Friday the 13th.

Today is my 47th birthday.

If I were a more suspicious person, I might think the universe is trying to tell me something. I might wrap myself in bubble wrap and sit on the couch until early Saturday. Geez!

When I was at the bank’s drive-up window this morning, I was surprised when the teller said: ‘I hope you enjoy your birthday!’ How did she know? I wasn’t wearing my birthday suit. I didn’t have birthday balloons in my truck. Still, she knew.

Much like the bank teller, I know Oct. 13 is a special day for me and others.

It’s my birthday. Also, it’s the day when people living with incurable cancer stand in the spotlight, seeking understanding, funding for medical research and hope.

Since I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (Breast Cancer 1.0) in 2013, the word ‘metastatic’ has scared me witless.

When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 2.0 in 2016, I remarked to the nurse talking with me about my new cancer: ‘At least it isn’t metastatic.’

She quickly responded: ‘It is. It has spread.’

I was diagnosed with Stage 3C metastatic breast cancer. The care team labeled this new cancer ‘metastatic’ because it spread from the original location of the first cancer. It moved from the center of my chest to my right lymph nodes and beneath my collarbone. It spread even after a double mastectomy, a year’s worth of chemotherapy and daily hormone therapy.

When the surgeon performed an axillary lymph node dissection, he removed 14 nodes. Seven tested positive for cancer. My cancer has not moved, that we know, beyond the breast region. Still, it is called metastatic. And, it still scares me witless.

No one has said I am living with an incurable disease. They reassure me and tell me medicine and medical procedures will help. Still, the M word is, well, tough to stomach.

I try not to dwell on this word. I’m living my life as best as I can and hoping against hope the M word isn’t as bad as I think it is.

I tell myself my metastatic cancer can’t be as bad as the others, playing a semantics game of optimism.

I tell myself drink that glass of wine, enjoy the good things in life … Another day is not guaranteed.

I tell myself, get off the couch, go for a run … Another day is not guaranteed.

Still, I know the odds. They aren’t great. If I let myself get caught up in the definition, the numbers, the what ifs … I lose my breath. Tears start. My hands shake. Life blurs a bit.

An estimated 155,00 people in the U.S. live with metastatic breast cancer.

One in three women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will go on to be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. (Sound familiar?)

About six to 10 percent of new breast cancer cases are metastatic from the initial diagnosis.

Here’s the kicker: Metastatic breast cancer, also called MBC, accounts for about 40,000 deaths in the U.S. every year.

BreastCancer.org has dedicated a page to metastatic breast cancer and a push to raise awareness for this disease. The organization and others living with MBC want people to know what this disease means. That one day of awareness falls far too short.

‘We asked our community of women and men living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC, also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer) to share what they wish people knew about their disease,’ the webpage states.

Some comments from people living with MBC, include:

‘Here I am dealing with the biggest challenge of my life and very few understand it or see it.’

‘The worry, fear, confusion, pressure to research, figure out finances, try and prepare your family and still squeeze in some living with happiness can be extremely overwhelming.’ ‘The pink ribbon campaign, while valiant in its efforts, neglects to recognize those of us who won't be cured. In many ways, we are the invisible victims of breast cancer.’

The words are powerful.

A video included on the page showcasing the Rise Up Campaign is downright heartbreaking. Recorded by MBC survivor Laura Odom, the video tells the story of metastatic breast cancer and how it impacts people, families.

Set to the song ‘Rise Up’ by Andra Day, the video is poignant and a real tearjerker. It took me three tries to fully view it.

For more information about metastatic breast cancer and to watch the Rise Up Campaign video, visit http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/recur_metast/blog/one-day-metastatic.

•••

As you now know, today is my birthday.

I’ve been at the desk most of the day while the fall sunshine beats through a nearby window, urging me to get outside.

I plan to do that.

First, however, know my husband, The Weed, has already made my day.

I awoke to a thoughtful card and a coupon promising a new couch will be purchased to celebrate another year on Earth.

The Weed is a funny guy. I’m lucky to have him.

He better pony up that couch when I redeem my coupon!

Have a great weekend … Thank you for reading! Be well! ~Kelley

My birthday present: A new couch!