Army of Women, Kickin' Breast Cancer's Ass!

I thought of a lot of things before I finally had my breasts reduced. Obviously, they were very VERY big, and they got in my way. I have back problems and these heavy hanging G size melons weren't helping things. Exercising was difficult, and I'm against black eyes, so running was out of the question. Clothes didn't fit properly, and while I love attention, I was starting to think my eyes were on my chest, because that's where every conversation took place! ♪I drive these brothers crazy, I do it on the daily♪ (Black Eyed Peas)

But, having such major surgery is risky. It was going to hurt, and it would take a long time to heal. It wasn't cheap, even with insurance paying a portion of it. And, I would be forever marked with scars to remind me of my decision.

My decision, my decision... It would be my decision! With breasts that large, I was at a higher risk of breast cancer. My mother had already had 2 lumpectomies before she was 50, and I had already had one scare that included having a ductogram, (a small catheter is inserted into the milk ducts prior to a mammogram, yeah not any fun.) I had vary fibrous tissues, so, at 32, I began getting mammograms every 6 months. I had come to the conclusion that it was only a matter of time before I got that "you need to come to the office so we can talk" phone call. I needed to do something! I needed to reduce my risk! So, I had the surgery.

A year later, I am left with scars, but I couldn't be happier about them! I can run and jump, wear button up shirts, and the surgery was a jump start to my 40lb weight loss. I went from a G to a D, and while I know I am still at risk for breast cancer, I just don't worry about it ALL the time.

I made a decision that was right for me, but it's not right for everyone, and it shouldn't have to be.

I don't want my children to have to worry about breast cancer. So, I took the pledge to join the Army of Women Campaign.

The Army of Women campaign is an online initiative, where women can sign up at http://www.armyofwomen.org/.

*By signing up you're asking to be notified of upcoming research studies.
*Participants must be 18 and older–but we need ALL ethnicities–ALL ages. We need healthy women, women with cancer and women who are survivors. 
*Men are needed, too, because: Yes, boys you can get breast cancer, too!

*By signing up you are not committed to a research study.
*The Army of Women Research Studies are prevention based, not clinical trials.
*It's FREE! They are not looking for donations, you don't have to buy anything pink, you don't have to walk 60 miles, you just need to put your name on the list. That's it!

You can then ignore the rest of Breast Cancer Awareness month, because, let's face it:
We're all aware of it, we just want it to GO AWAY! So join the Army of Women, and help kick Breast Cancer's ass! ♪Women to the left of me, women to the right...and I'll win the fight♪ (AC/DC)


We are dedicating ONE day to reach ONE million women to sign up for the Army of Women. We are declaring October 1, 2010 the official Army of Women Day. Together, we can move breast cancer beyond a cure and eradicate it once and for all.

So, sign up, and spread the word about this great cause. ♪My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard♪ (Kelis)

*Update your Facebook status with the following: “I signed up to STOP breast cancer before it STARTS. Have you? Join today at http://www.armyofwomen.org, then copy and paste this status update as your own”.


*Tweet about the AOW and to use the hashtag #WritePink.

♪I bet you want the goodies, bet you thought about it

got you all hot and bothered, maybe 'cuz I talk about it♪

(Ciara)