Crazy sexy cancer on "TLC" channel..

Chelee · 08-24-2007, 07:41 PM

I was watching the "TLC" channel on cable & caught a commercial about a program coming up on Wednesday August 29th called, "Crazy sexy cancer". I believe its going to be following five women's journey's through breast cancer. Sorry but I did not catch what time it was on? Maybe someone else on this board knows? Just thought I would give those of you interested in it a heads up in case you want to watch it.

Chelee

Jen · 08-24-2007, 08:01 PM

Premiere of Crazy Sexy Cancer (TLC); 9:00-11:00pm (ET/PT)

Melinda · 08-24-2007, 08:04 PM

Here is the link to get an idea of what it is about.... sounds very interesting! Wish I had TiVo!

http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/specials...xy-cancer.html
Melinda

Sherryg683 · 08-24-2007, 08:29 PM

"Sexy"???...bad word to use in my opinion..nothing sexy about it to me..lol..sherry

Chelee · 08-24-2007, 11:47 PM

Sherry, I have to admit, the name of the show turned me off instantly. I had the same feelings you did about throwing the word *sexy* in there. If I ever felt sexy before bc...I certainly don't now. After you have your breast removed and an ooph or hysterectomy, sexy is the furthest thing from my mind unfortunately. It might grab someones attention to the program...but I would of came up with something other then that. lol I read the explanation of why she choose that for the title of her show in the link Melinda provided...but it still doesn't work for me. Ha!

Chelee

tousled1 · 08-25-2007, 01:44 AM

I have my DVR all ready to record the movie.

fauxgypsy · 08-25-2007, 09:15 AM

While I am looking forward to seeing the film, I must say I don't care much for the title. There is a forum at the link posted previously. There is a debate going on about the name. And of course I had an opinion. Only one of the five women featured in the film is a breast cancer survivor. While I know that all cancer survivors share a lot of the same problems, breast cancer deals a blow to the very heart of our cultural ideals of femininity and each one of us has to deal with this in their own way. I don't feel less atractive to my husband but I must say that I feel much less physically attractive to the world at large. I know that I am the same woman, that inside nothing has changed. But the outside certainly has. Right now I have a crew cut a marine sargeant would be proud of. My husband loves all of me (mind and body) but much of the world trades on appearances. I have not recovered enough yet to get fitted for a prosthesis and am making do for now. When I do wear something to go out in I am constantly checking to make sure it is place, As many of you know, it tends to ride up on the mastectomy side, giving a really perky breast on one side. If I left it alone I would look like I had a teenage boob, nearly under my chin, with gravity having affected only one side. I wish I had the self confidence to just go without but I don't and even then I don't feel that it would be appropriate in a business situation, where I need to project confidence and ability in order to sell my work, not draw attention to my illness.

Leslie

Leslie

SoCalGal · 08-25-2007, 09:17 AM

I am stunned that they made a show that involves crazy, sexy and cancer and SOMEHOW I am not the star of this show. Can't wait to see my twin. LOL.

SoCalGal · 08-25-2007, 09:25 AM

I have to just say, after reading Chelee's reply that I've learned that "sexy" is a state of mind and only that. I am living proof. I have the most cut and scared body - nothing looks "normal" unless fully clothed. AND I found myself SINGLE after a long marriage and for sure said to myself "I will NEVER be brave enough to let anyone see me naked and I will just NEVER have sex again". AND then I met a hot guy, 2 years ago (he'd love that description). I have felt sexy from the moment we met and became an expert at flirty lingerie. He made me feel like a woman again, and it wasn't simple but it was easy. And that's pretty good for an old chick. So, I am living proof that sexy is all in the head and how you feel about yourself. Despite my stage four-ness, I feel sexy! Hope this gives you something to ponder. Love yourself first and others will follow. xo Flori

Andrea Barnett Budin · 08-25-2007, 10:48 AM

Flori, Flori, Morning Glory. You never stop making me laugh! But your post is also quite pithy. I absolutely agree that my body is not a pretty sight (in all its nakedness). Scars from hip to hip, from my tram flap reconstruction job, and a thing that looks almost like another belly button but isn't. The real navel is a bit off center, and *bothers my eye*. (I'd insisted on having the two surgeries on the same table at the same time.)

I'm numb from the pubic bone up to the place my brilliant surgeon handmade my new breast from spare body parts. Nurses tell me it's a great job, though I think of it as a reasonable facsimile. They tell you -- you should see some of the women who come in here. That's a great job. They couldn't save the skin from my mastectomy and warned me that the belly skin would be lighter in color. I looked at my stomach and decided no big deal. Well, after surgery, meeting the doc in my hospital room the next day, with my head in my lap as I could not raise it and my doc was insistent on getting me up -- I asked my beloved doc, When do you take the bandage off. I'd sneaked a peak, with my head down there anyway. What bandage, he asked? Of my God, I realized -- that is my new breast. I look like a patchwork quilt! And, as they went wide around the margins, the circle of scar that surrounds my new breast comes way above the bra line. So v necks are virtually out. Cami's are in -- so I don't draw attention to the odd mix of normal skin and what the hell is that.

I'm numb in the malformed armpit of the affected area and inside my upper arm. My real breast is pretty perky for a 62 yr old boob, whereas my manmade breast is way higher. A good bra evens thinks out, mostly. My hair came back but not my hairline. My brows never returned and was given some stray lashes that I plump up with mascara base + mascara, creating an illusion. I wore a wig when bald, emulating my once thick wavy locks. I learned to shake it out vigorously and then run my fingers through it when I put it on as if it was MINE, making it look more real. Some makeup and earrings (a must for me) made me look normal. Others always told me, You can't be sick, you look great. I felt SEXY. I feel SEXY. I even look SEXY CRAZY NORMAL. No one knows the truth, but my Paul. And he tells me I am perfect, just the way I am. He says it w/such genuine and loving verve, he makes me want to cry (w/joy).

Sexy is a frame of mind. Like Flori, my wonderful ladies, my stage *fourness* is just a number. Like *incurable* is just a perspective. When I was told that glum factor, along with *inoperable*, I thought I would die right there in the doctor's office. It was all over. The end of the line. Hopeless. Staring at chemo for the rest of life, and knowing I couldn't live like that. Then, came the miracle. My Spirit guided me on this incredible Spiritual path and Herceptin came into my life!! Both saved me and leave me feeling joyful and harmonious, most days.

I was always a bit crazy. I like to think of me as special, unique, my own person, with passionate beliefs all over the place. As my daughter says, I'm usually right (and yes, that is soooo annoying, keeping it to myself when I am bursting to *share* my wisdom w/others, because I truly care). My daughters both tell me I have no tact. Diplomacy and the need to be honest are always fighting in my head. And truth invariably wins out. But, despite the (mostly temporary) baldness and loss of my breast, my hairline, my widows peak, my brows and lashes forever -- you can most definitely look, and most importantly, FEEL sexy as hell. Even being overweight which is the final insult, as I eat RIGHT and don't *deserve* to be cherubic, I think of myself of curvy (which is accurate). Voluptuous. It's the idea in your head of who you are and how you accept and love yourself that you project. And that energy is read by others and responded to in kind. People tell me, You're a beautiful woman. They have no idea of the Godzilla side of me that greets me in the mirror in the morning. Then, I create the me I want to be. I feel better, cheerier, more energized and ready to meet the world. I'm pretty hot for an old chick I dare say. I do the best I can. I give it my all. I look confident and serene, and that's precisely how I feel, despite all the unwanted realities of my life.

I don't look at cancer as the grim reaper. I refuse to buy in to the whispered and profoundly felt fear that comes with the mere mention of the word. I honestly think less people would die from the dastardly disease if they managed not to get caught up in the waves of frightful energy that the idea of cancer evokes. IF ONE PERSON HAS SURVIVED YOUR TYPE OF CANCER -- YOU CAN SURVIVE. Take that thought and run with it.

Sending happy, healing, loving vibes to my fellow sexy, brave, determined, amazing, bright and wonderful Warriors all... Andi

Patb · 08-25-2007, 04:43 PM

I just received the book crazy sexy cancer tips by kris carr.
Who knew?
patb

lilyecuadorian · 08-25-2007, 06:42 PM

I'm felling sexy sometimes ..and please we are not the worst ..we are beatifull and with nice bodies no complete ...but nice ..I know or I see peoples way way BAD 300 pounds o more ..(no offence )...so Im felling ok ...if I was'nt sick ...it will be perfect ....LOL ..is too many things that we have ...and others no .....so the only thing that really need is a miracle-cure for all her2 group .........only good health ...enough for me

Sherryg683 · 08-25-2007, 08:10 PM

I'm not saying you that you can't have cancer and be sexy. It's just the title "crazy sexy cancer"...makes it sound like cancer is sexy . I think we all will agree it's not. Just think the title is tacky. It's like "sex" sells and they are trying to capitalize on it ...sherryg

Joy · 08-26-2007, 08:50 AM

You gals rock. I laughed so hard and felt so encouraged by your posts I ended up with happy tears. One thing that I think is sexy about cancer is the strength that we have that many don't possess. Being strong, to me, is sexy, whether you are female or male. And let me tell you ladies, we got strength!!!

thank you, thank you for your posts and sharing, they will be read and reread!

Karen Weixel · 08-26-2007, 10:35 AM

My husband and I were talking about this last night. He mentioned that he thought the title meant that Kris, even with the horrible cancer and prognosis she has, is still; crazy, sexy and has cancer all at the same time.

I think, like anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, she is just trying to make sense of what is happening to her body and life.

Just my two cents.

Karen

Andrea Barnett Budin · 08-26-2007, 12:16 PM

Karen, I agree w/your hubby. I was remembering Fran Dresher's book CANCER SCHMANTZER. It's time, I think, to bring cancer out of the closet. To stop being afraid to mention the word let alone discuss the issues, as we all do so freely. Thank God for the millionth time for this fabulous venue and you fantastic WINNERS!

Our society can't seem to address death either. People don't know what to say to those stricken in any case. Many hide. Some sign their names to a card, send flowers or books, at a loss for words.

I found great comfort from the cards, flowers and books, from the calls from people I didn't think remembered me or ever even noticed me! I deeply appreciated when some said, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. That was a good one. And it was great when I kept hearing, You're a strong woman, if anyone can beat this you can! Or your amazing, you're so brave! I wasn't brave, I thought, I was just doing what had to be done. Then I read that THE BRAVEST ARE SURELY THOSE WHO HAVE THE CLEAREST VISION OF WHAT IS BEFORE THEM.. AND YET... GO OUT TO MEET IT. I stretched for grace. I reached up for dignity. I put my best face on, my wig and obligatory earrings (like underpants) -- wore a smile on my face, and forged on. I was NOT going to curl up into a fetal position and mourn my impending doom. I was NOT ready to make funeral plans. I was envisioning myself far into the future. I was living AS IF my desired destiny was a done deal, and I worked all day, each day, thinking thoughts of healing and victory, joy and serenity, harmony, appreciation, gratitude and a whole lot of awe!

The CANCER taboo we have self-imposed on our culture has to be rectified. The word does not equate to death. The experience is full of struggle but we have the power to heal our bodies and get on systems on track and functioning, with some help and with our personal empowerment. Cancer schmantzer means lifting the funereal pale that obfuscates the mysterious and fearful disease. Crazy sexy cancer is irreverent obviously, but it also says, it time to mature as a society. We menstruate. We no longer *get our friend*. Or, at least, I used to, once upon a time. We have vaginas and penises, depending... I now pee, no longer making a sissy. Let's just all grow up and deal. That's the point, I think. Or what I perceive from it all.

I look forward to our world being freer to discuss our illnesses, mourning and dead people. Too many shy away from such topics, like it's contagious or something. I have met Survivors who don't want to talk about their experience. Whereas I believe sharing what we learned is valuable information that must not go unsaid! It's fine to use the name of someone who have passed on (to the Spiritual Realm, in my opinion). Death is not the end of the story. Our Souls survive and move on to a different way of *being*, taking all the Lessons learned with them, becoming wiser and more learned. Those who have lost loved ones feel a flutter in their hearts when you mention the loved ones name. I don't think it makes them sad. It's makes me feel more connected to that dear person. I have been thinking a lot lately about my dear friend Sue. Her birthday was a few weeks ago. And Vicki's Bday is Sept 10 (mine the 3rd). We used to go away for Labor Day Weekend together to celebrate and exchange little Tiffany gifts. I miss these friends and felt the need to mention their names here. I wish you could have known them! Sue was the wisest, most loving, clear-sighted, giving, caring and downright funny person I have ever been blessed to know. When she died I sobbed uncontrollably for a long while. I just didn't like the idea that she wasn't in this world with me anymore. I know I will see her again, but I want her voice, her words now. I have saved every letter and card she ever sent me, and they are fabulous. When I am ready, I will go and fish them out of my night table drawer full of goodies and reread them. Her every word was precious to me. We need to talk about our loved ones, those here and those just over our shoulder, say their names and express our feelings openly. Not just on this site, but out there in the real world.

I think that if we can find the courage to take the FEAR out of cancer, we could go a long way toward improving statistics, rather than being cowered by them, caught up in a kind of mob mentality, virtually scaring ourselves to death. That's my take, anyway. Wishing all of you decades of NED sooner rather than later! Let's personally contribute to bettering the odds, showing the world how to beat this greedy monster.

Andi

AndiBB@aol.com

Esther · 08-26-2007, 04:42 PM

I hadn't heard about this show, but went and tivo'd it to check it out. I enjoyed the lifetime movie " why I wore lipstick to my mastectomy", so who knows about this one?

saleboat · 08-27-2007, 04:18 AM

I just saw the 7 minute trailer for the film. I have to say, I'm interested in seeing it, even through the title is a HUGE turn-off. Sorry, nothing sexy about this disease. But it is by a young woman with an extremely rare and incurable cancer, so I have to give her her props. There has to be something more behind the title.

I am also anxious to see a new narrative for cancer patients. It seems that the public discussion subscribes to a just a couple of stories 1) The valiant HERO who, through sheer will-power alone, triumphs over incredible odds (Lance Armstrong) and 2) The hero who battled until the end, left no stone unturned, but lost a heroic battle with the disease (Dana Reeves).

There are so many living with this disease every day, and it might be refreshing to see that fact publicly recognized.

chrisy · 08-27-2007, 08:54 AM

I missed the TV show, but I looked yesterday at her website www.crazysexycancer.com and let me tell you, girls, it is not about cancer being sexy! It is about, well, kicking cancer butt. Reminded me of a lot of you gals here - being survivors and refusing to let cancer steal your spirit. In fact I'm going to steal something from her blog and start spelling it canSer "just to piss it off".

She also has a book by the same name and I can't wait to buy it.

tousled1 · 08-27-2007, 09:15 AM

Chrisy,

You didn't miss the show as it's on this Wednesday night on the learning channel. At least on the east coast.