Why I Wear Pink

Rocki in pink

 

My favorite color has always been blue.  But pink butted it's way into my life.

 

When I was a young girl I did not like the color pink.  I despised pink with a passion.  I blamed it on the fact that I wasn't a girly girl, nor am I today really.  Then several years ago, for some odd reason, I began to like pink.  Pink this, pink that... I even had pink bangs for a few years.  It's funny to me that my pink fascination happened well before breast cancer knocked on my door.

Or should I say chest.

 

Now I wear pink for an entirely different reason.  But before I go on, please know that I completely respect my fellow sisters that do not like the color pink or the breast cancer awareness ribbon.  I honestly understand that the color pink and the ribbon do not define breast cancer in all it's ugliness. I honestly get that and the world needs to see the ugliness of it too.

 

So why do I wear, live and practically breath pink?  Breast Cancer Awareness.  Okay, and to make me feel like a girl.  NOT because I feel insecure by any means as I'm a very confident gal, but because it makes me feel... oh gawd I'm going to say it... pretty.  Not in a conceited way, just feminine I guess.  Anyway...

 

Before I became my own spokesperson for happily living life as a flat chested woman due to breast cancer, whenever I would see the color pink or the awareness ribbon, I immediately thought of breast cancer.  It's like something clicked in my little brain.  That in turn made me think to check my breasts, which I did do monthly, but if I'm anything I'm honest so yes I did skip a few here and there.  Hey, I'm human. 

 

It made me think about the breast cancer walks, which Mark and I did prior to me becoming a survivor.  It made me think of the many lives, young and old, that have been and will be lost until we find a freakin cure.  It reminded me to donate (to reputable charities) in hopes of finding a cure.

 

Now it's my turn.  Like anyone else that goes through a life altering event you want to be a spokesperson to help others.  To warn others, in hopes to prevent them from going through what you've gone through, or far worse than what you experienced.

 

That's why I wear pink.  That's why I support the ribbon.

 

Not for attention.  Not because I want to broadcast that I had breast cancer - my chest speaks loudly for itself.  But for the sake of others.  To make them think to check their breasts NOW. Go to their yearly well-woman appointments.  Get their mammograms.  And so on. 

 

Maybe, just maybe by someone seeing my pink attire, or my awareness ribbons, or our warrior tattoo's, just maybe that will ignite something in their brain to say "Hey! There's that pink ribbon - that's for breast cancer awareness, I better check mine" - or something like that.  



 

Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Anklet Band
I have to wear it on my ankle because my wrists are way too small



Pink.  Whether I like it or not it is a part of me.  So until a cure is found I will continue on my path to inform others any way I can.  Until my very last breath.

Peace,
Rocki

Awareness Support Ribbon Jewelry

I have a new line of jewelry that I'm adding to my shop. Awareness Support Ribbons.

Grant it, the ribbons are not an original design, but I simply felt a deep heartfelt need to create these. Just a little way for me to deal with a friends loosing battle.

I will be creating these Awareness Support Ribbons, a slip on hoop style earring, in 14k Gold Filled, Sterling Silver and Copper, as well as in different sizes and finishes.

You can wear these symbolic earrings for awareness and support for all in need or for any cause close to heart.

Live your life like you mean it - each and every day.

Rocki

Very Sad Day

This will be short and sweet as I have to keep busy, which isn't a problem as I have several orders to fill, and to keep my mind active. Danny had yet another heart attack yesterday. We were at the hospital last night and I'm crushed - simply crushed.

For those of you who do not know who Danny is, he is our best friend/brother in heart and soul. We've been friends for years and now he is loosing his battle with lung cancer. I have several posts about him on my blog, but if you click on the pic it will take you to the one about our Sea World trip.

I'm so horribly sad, eyes swollen from crying so much that I can barely see straight. Danny is only 48. In his short, but well lived life, he has had about 4 + heart attacks, bi-pass surgeries and unexpectedly diagnosed last April with stage 4 lung cancer after a chest x-ray because he wasn't feeling well. That was a blow. Mark & I went to appointments with Danny & Margie and when the doc said stage 4, we all pretty much lost color, to say the least. I was Danny's chemo buddy. I took him to chemo, we would people watch, eat snacks (he loves chocolate!) watch DVD movies, talk, laugh and whatever else to pass the 8 hours of his chemo therapy. Chemo and all other treatment have now stopped. All we have is time.

There are no treatments or surgeries that can be done due to his failing health. A surgery would actually kill him. Danny is now on DNR, per his request. They are setting up hospice today so he can be at home and comfortable. The doc, obviously, could not give a time frame - said it could be days, weeks, etc. Danny is one tough cookie and has fought this battle so well that he's amazed the docs - and us. I know he will continue to fight. Funny, he's worried about me! Even told Mark last night to please take care of me and make sure I'm okay. Danny. I just love him.

Well, guess this wasn't so "short and sweet" after all. I do need to get to work though. I have to work, just can't think anymore.

Live every moment as if it counts - because it does.

Love,
Rocki

Weekend of Happiness

This weekend was so full of happiness that I have a permanent smile on my face. When looking for a picture to post, I found the above which we should all truly take to heart.

So what was so special? I'll just list the main ones, otherwise this blog will turn into my first full length novel (and my friends know how I can ramble on):

1. Went to Danny's Pet Scan results doc appt. - miracles do happen! His lung cancer shrunk 90%!!! Even the doc was amazed. Danny is going to continue with chemo, but the doc changed the dosage due to the severe reactions it caused. Our 7 hour days will now be 3 hours due to the change. Yes, we were told that we still have to fight, he's not cured & there is no cure, and that his life span is short, but we're not going by that - we're just going to continue on with each day as it comes. Nobody can predict the future. We had a very nice celebration dinner right after we left the docs office. I'm still full!

2. Jeremy, my oldest son, called to confirm his plans for his trip in 2 weeks! I can hardly wait as it feels like it's been forever since I've seen him and it was *only* last year. Way too long for me! He arrives on the 14th and is here until the end of the month :) Yes, there will be a blog about his visit :)

3. Mark bought me a laptop - my first ever! I didn't think I would really need one as I have my own PC in our office, but wow... this is cool (I'm typing on it right now while sitting on the couch having my morning coffee!) I'll be taking it to Danny's chemo appointments (he has his own :), trips, outings, etc. This rocks!

4. We celebrated my Dad's 67th birthday at Laura's house (67 on paper, 30 something in life). He knew about the party of course as he was doing a lot of the cooking as well. He LOVES to cook, BBQ, grill, bake, make his own BBQ sauce - you name it, he does it. He's an Arizonian Emerill - BAM! A surprise was in store for Dad. My Uncle Bob from California came down to surprise him. Dad was in the kitchen when Bob called his cell and talked to Dad like usual - then Bob walked in the house while still on the phone talking. Dad finally looked up (while still on the phone) to see Bob standing in front of him! BAM!

5. My supply shop is taking off faster than I expected and I am more than thrilled! With each sell I make, I feel so very blessed and am grateful for each and every one! My biggest seller, so far, are my Signature Elfin Earwires. In fact, I woke up this morning to a return customer's sell & convo that she is submitting an earring design to a magazine - using my earwires!

Blessings have been pouring over me these last few days - must be my good karma ripening.

I wish you all peace, love and much happiness.

☼ Rocki

Bald is BEAUtiful!

Saturday we had our boat trip as planned with my brother Chris, nephew Christopher and Danny & Margi. Danny had his first Chemo treatment the first of this month and was pretty sick for the first week or so, but he's feeling pretty good right now. So we were very happy he was able to make this day trip. He has another treatment this coming Thursday and I'll be with him then, so our next adventure will be in the next couple weeks or when he's up to it.

Mark had decided that he was going to shave his head and facial hair once Danny started losing his, but didn't want Danny to know. Well, it started happening over the past week. So, Friday night we shaved everything off to surprise Danny. It was pretty scary at first because I was afraid of cutting his scalp, but no emergency trip was necessary - not even a band-aid! I have to admit that it was rather weird and creepy at first because his head reminded me of a newborn baby bird - it wasn't pretty, but it's sort of growing on me. He may let it grow out a little bit, but no longer than a number 1 - which is basically stubble.

Anyway, Saturday morning Danny & Margi were quite surprised to see Mark's baby butt smooth head (well, felt more like 300 grit sand paper). Danny had a feeling Mark would do this and he really likes Mark's new doo - or lack of one rather. Danny has a wonderful spirit, great sense of humor and is an inspiration to us all.

Danny was diagnosed last month with Stage 4 Lung Cancer that has already spread to his lymph nodes, is wheelchair bound and has no use of his legs, but managed quite well transfering from the wheelchair to the boat, from the boat to the tube and into the water. He even drove the boat for a while and that totally made his day! He rocks.

I really enjoyed the day. It was nice and peaceful, great family times and very relaxing. Even though we hit 115 degrees on Saturday, we made sure to wear plenty of sunblock and hats. So being dumped into the water via the tube was welcomed with open arms.

Yep, that's me in the tube. Had a total blast. We can hardly wait to do it again!

If you're interested in seeing some of the pics from our boat trip, they are in my MySpace pics section under Lake Pleasant Boat Trip.

Peace & love,

☼ Rocki