[Joan M]

I received a lot of pink ribbons, t-shirts, etc. when I was first diagnosed with early stage bc.

I appreciated them because they were given with love and concern.

Now, I get them occasionally. For example, just before I was diagnosed with stage IV bc last year, one of my sisters-in-law gave me and several other relatives and family friends a "breast cancer," limited edition, Better Homes and Gardens cookbook as a Christmas present, which I thought was really nice, and I was looking for new recipes anyway.

I belong to a bc support group where I receive treatment. The group meets once a month except in the summer. We have guest speakers from the pharmaceutical companies and they bring lots of pink stuff. But, unfortunately, most of it sports their logos.

The group is like the board here. We exchange a lot of information and offer each other support. I've also become good friends with a few of the members.

As for wearing pink, I do it occasionally except in October when I make a point to wear my bc ribbons and braclets. I look good in pink. And the color pink doesn't mean anything psychological to me. I shoot from the hip regardless, and feel just as comfortable in pink sweater as in my black leather motorcycle jacket.