[Becky]

In the first year (diagnosed in August, surgery Sept and BC awareness month in Oct of which I also started chemo), you can imagine all the "things" I got. Everyone must have shopped for me for Christmas (and my birthday is in Dec too) in October. Pink scarves, baskets with the ribbon on them, Komen candles - and quite frankly - I am kind of a "matter of fact" type gal. So the pink thing is just not me. I also want to choose who I tell about being a survivor. I don't introduce myself to new people or clients saying, "hi, Becky here. I am a 3+ yr bc survivor. What do you want to know about our products and services?" At this point, I really can't recall getting more pink stuff but I really did in the first 18 months or so.

I was kind of harsh on one of my daughters that first Christmas (or maybe birthday). She went to a Coach store and bought me 2 scarves for my bald head. I do not wear scarves as apparel so after I wasn't bald anymore, I would have no use for these very expensive scarves. I told her to return them and get me something else. I also told my mother to return a pink sweater and get me something else too (and my mom is a bc survivor too). Sometimes, you have to just say something. It was easier when in treatment because it doesn't come off as "ungrateful" as it does later but... oh well!