Breast Cancer Diagnosis
I got the call on a Monday. On August 1, 2016, it was a beautiful, sunny morning. I was in my office in a business meeting with my faithful Shiba Inu pup sleeping by my feet. The radiologist told me the results of my biopsy were positive and…. I couldn’t tell you what she said after that. Her voice drifted into the background of my head. Similar to the voices of adults in classic Charlie Brown television specials: “Wa wa wa….”
Breast Cancer Survivor
As we enter October and Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s impossible for me not to reflect on that day. It’s true what they say—that life literally changes in a second. It did for me. Given that one in eight women in this country will develop breast cancer at some point in her life, we all know someone who has had breast cancer. But you never expect to be one of the eight. I had unwillingly been initiated into an exclusive club of survivors. And to add insult to injury, at the time, I hated the color pink!
The good news is, I believe everything in life happens for us to learn from and also to grow stronger. After going through a bilateral mastectomy followed by the months-long process of reconstructive surgery, I’m clean and healthy. Through the entire ordeal, I learned a lot about myself, what my real priorities are, who my true friends are, and what it means to be loved. I’ve also learned that it’s ok to be imperfect. That’s a subject Erin recently tackled so beautifully in her powerful video here.
Breast Cancer Awareness Products
This post is dedicated to all of my fellow, imperfect and beautiful survivors. Each and every one of you has gone through your own personal battle. Whether that battle is long or short, my hope is that you came out on the other side feeling stronger and more empowered than before.
For those of you who want to do your part, I’m sharing 12 products to shop that support Breast Cancer Awareness month. If you’re searching for a way to make a contribution to help the strong women affected by breast cancer this October, scooping up a few of these charitable picks is a great place to start. Keep scrolling for the details on my favorites.
If you’re looking for a legit organization to make a charitable donation to, I recommend these: The Pink Fund, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Inheritance of Hope
If you feel comfortable sharing your survival story, I thank you in advance for commenting below. You never know who you might inspire! If you’re interested, I’ve also shared posts on ways to maintain healthy skin during and after breast cancer and tips on redefining your style and feeling beautiful after breast cancer.
Don’t forget you can sign up for the newsletter to take advantage of some amazing resources here including a PDF with 20+ beauty tips to look younger! Thanks for reading!
Thanks for supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.
Thank YOU, Patti! ~Amit
I had a double mastectomy in 2014 followed by reconstructive surgery. It was a tough year but I am alive and well today and ever do grateful for my surgeons and oncologist. Be blessed everyone!
Thank you for sharing, Deonne. You are beautiful and a warrior! Wishing you continued health! XO, Amit
Dear Amit,
Thank you for sharing your personal story. You are beautiful and strong!!
I am only 1.5 years post-treatment (if you don’t count the 5 years of oral chemo) and October reminded me of the exact day I heard from my doctor about the diagnosis. I am right there with you….it was surreal. I feel so blessed to say that I am so grateful for each and every day, the slant in the gorgeous Autumn sun, my beautiful son and husband, all the joys that I have. You are not alone, and I am sending healing energy your way.
Hi Donna—you brought happy tears to my eyes! You are a beautiful warrior as well! You are so right about being grateful for each and every day, and all the little things that we no longer take for granted. Sending BIG virtual hugs! XO, Amit
[…] the comments below. And read about 10 products to shop that support Breast Cancer Awareness month here. Plus, 5 tips for redefining your style and feeling beautiful after breast cancer […]
[…] also shared about 10 products to shop that support Breast Cancer Awareness month here. Sign up for the newsletter and take advantage of some exclusive style resources here. Thanks for […]
I appreciate the idea behind this post and need for support and education surrounding breast cancer, but I’m curious about how much of the money from these products actually goes to foundations and patients. In October the whole world seems to be covered in pink, but oftentimes the companies seem to take advantage of women’s empathy and desire to help. I encourage Busbee Style and all of the readers to really do your research and see where these dollars are going. A few pennies make it to foundations and even fewer make it to metastatic/Stage 4 cancer research. Patients with Stage 4 cancer are the ones who die, yet metastatic cancers only get about 3% of the funds raised. Most people buy these products with the best of intentions, but in reality all they’re doing in buying something pink. Please do your research and see where your dollars are going. METavivor is a good place to start to donate and learn more about metastatic breast cancer.
Hi Leigh, I appreciate you leaving a comment and sharing this information, as it’s an important reminder to do your own research in these situations. This post was meant as a lighthearted way for readers to get involved and support the cause, but we’ll definitely add some links for direct donations into this post. Thanks for sharing!