Pinktober 2013 Is Ending... Now What?

As the end of this month's breast cancer awareness (now called "Pinktober" by many) campaign approaches, I have much to say about it's events and then it's time for me to carve my pumpkin.

First, I have to say thank you to every single person who made a difference, bought something pink, walked, watched extra football, researched, endured treatment or just thought about what this month means to so many.

I certainly hope that millions of dollars have been raised, more people have been made aware of the need for early screenings and new advances have been made in metastatic breast cancer research. We also need much more funding and much more awareness in regards to breast cancer reconstruction. Time to Build-A-Boob. Thanks to those associated with BRA Day, that may soon happen. As far as having a single day for metastatic cancer, my personal opinion is to not do so. All breast cancer is pink (both the kind detected early and metastatic). Breast cancer awareness month is so much more than trying to spread awareness at this point. That should be obvious. We shouldn't be wasting time and energy debating it. Let's just cure the bitch.

It's been a busy, bittersweet and memorable October for me. Seven years ago, I received my first diagnosis of breast cancer in October. This October, I received the diagnosis that the little bugger has returned and I now join millions of women living with metastatic breast cancer.

This does not however, take away from my desire to fight for awareness, reconstruction, Pinkwashing and enjoy the attention I get from all of the pink stuff presented to me in abundance.

I loved watching the White House turn Pink, I loved seeing the NFL continue to support me with their pink shoes, I loved drinking Pink Mojitos, I loved looking at pictures on Facebook showing thousand of walkers and supporters and adds to buy products that donate to the cause.

I've cried a little, but much to my surprise, I have not cried like I did before. I suppose I always knew that at some point, it would return (initial diagnosis was Stage IIIa). I'm optimistic that we found it in time to treat the existing cancer and prevent it from spreading so as to give me several more years. I do have a crazy autistic son, two very amazing daughters, two parents who make me a little crazy, an ex-husband, step-kids, step-grand-kids and a gazillion friends I would like to spend more time with.

I have to accept that I probably will not become an old lady. If by chance I do, then whoo hoo.

My first experience with cancer changed my life. I wrote a book, I ran three half marathons, I spent 4.5 years building my breasts, I got a divorce (still debating that decision), I went to Paris (twice) and to London, I have been given a platform by this incredible website (The Huffington Post) and made many new friends along the way. I now tweet! I watched my girls graduate from college (not just high school). I also lost two friends to cancer, reminding me that this fight is far from over.

I may have yet another chance at life. Who gets that? What good will I accomplish? Who can I help? I have a lot of stuff to do now.

I'm off to bunches of testing this week to determine my next course of treatment. I stand tall, breath deep and tell myself that I will kick ass again. I'm strong, determined and a bit obstinate.

I don't know if viewing one's mortality is a good thing or a bad thing. I guess it's how I choose to look at it and what I choose to do with the time given to me.

I do know that the end of Pinktober 2013 does not signal the end of my blogs, tweets, FB posts or asking for money for research.

I may change a few topics because I am somewhat opinionated and there are a few things I'd like to address, i.e. healthcare.gov, autism, dating with cancer, sex after cancer, Internet dating and sex after cancer...

I hope you stay with me.

Thanks again for a great Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

For more information about Lisa Masters visit: www.Build-A-Boob.com

FB Page Buildaboob after the cure!