What is a Cancer Survivor?

What determines whether a person has survived cancer? 

That was a serious question. Member and sponsors have often asked us how we define the term "cancer survivor." We define a survivor as anyone who has lived one second past the moment of diagnosis.

After you are diagnosed with cancer, every moment of your life can center around survival. That is why - every moment of life you experience post-diagnosis is a moment of life as a breast cancer survivor.

Each week, we like to feature of the story of a profound breast cancer survivor that we've either met or read about. This week, we read a touching story about a woman who has overcome -- survived beyond her diagnosis. She is the aunt of the popular St. Louis blogger, Danyelle Little (Code Name: The Cubicle Chick).

Here's an excerpt from Danyelle's blog where she shares more about her aunt's journey:

"Cancer is an illness that conquers many people, my Aunt included. Last year, on her birthday, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This sentence is usually enough to debilitate and turn one’s life upside down, but for my Aunt, she decided she wasn’t going to let cancer invade her without a fight..."

One of the key characteristics of a breast cancer survivor is the ability to smile in the face of adversity. Danyelle's aunt has certainly exhibited the resiliency of her spirit to fight back against the condition that claims the lives of so many each day.

You can be just like her. You can make a commitment to live each day as a survivor and not allow your breast cancer diagnosis to break your spirits. In the words of gospel duo, Mary Mary, you cried your "last tear, YESTERDAY!"

Yesterday by Mary Mary

My Pink Purse Survivor Essentials is the 1st Monthly Subscription Service that provides gift boxes for cancer survivors and the people who cherish them. From pampering to awareness you will find something for everyone - no matter what stage in the journey. You will. find information and products you did not know and discover truths that empower you to feel strong and alive.

Be Careful with Your Cosmetics!

Not all cosmetic products are created equal. This is especially true for cancer survivors or women currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. As a matter of fact, this is especially true for any woman who wants to PREVENT cancer (that's all of us, right?).

Carmen with Munaluchi Bridal recently discussed one specific chemical that can be cause for concern - Paraben, a cosmetic preservative. She mentioned all the variations of this product included in various cosmetic products - methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, etc. (I'm sure you get the gist - they all end with the word "paraben"). When you see that suffix on any cosmetic product, you may want to reconsider your purchase as this is a cancer-causing substance.

So...what products are safe to use? That's an excellent question. Ideally - you should focus on using all-natural products whenever possible. Focus on products that are less harsh on your skin and, if possible, commit to wearing as little makeup as possible. Remember - makeup was created to enhance your natural beauty, not change who you are.

My Pink Purse is the 1st Monthly Subscription Service specifically designed for Cancer Survivors and the people who cherish them. From pampering to awareness you will find something for everyone - no matter what stage in the journey. You will find information and products you did not know and discover truths that empower you to feel strong and alive!

National Cancer Prevention Month

Can you believe it's February already?!

February 1 marked the beginning of National Cancer Prevention Month. That's a bit of anomaly - since it seems that most forms of cancer are not only not easily detected in their early stages but also nearly impossible to prevent.

However, there are certain things you can do that could reduce the risk of cancer diagnosis - including changing your diet. Avoiding things like red meats, processed meats, etc. can reduce your risk for developing various forms of cancer. Replacing those meats with fresh vegetables will allow you to not only be healthy but also feel full.

What are you doing to get into the "healthy swing" this month?

My Pink Purse is a nonprofit organization charged with making strides against breast cancer.

Changing in 2013

WOW

Its a NEW YEAR!

I am so excited about the possibilities ahead of all of us here at My Pink Purse Survivor Essentials and our Pink Purse Community members.  We have some events planned as well as continuing to be out in the community representing all things positive and informative for our
"Survivors".

I recently got an email from one of the wonderful groups that makes donations to our cause - they wanted to know the number of actual patients going through therapy and those out of therapy or caregivers in our group.  I let her know we call all of the members of our #MyPinkPurse Community "SURVIVORS".  Not only did we make it through 2012 we survive daily, hourly, by the moment in whatever capacity life is throwing at us. 

So we welcome 2013 and plan on being "Survivors" again this year!

I am Me, and I am OK

I am Me. 

In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me. 

 Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine, because I alone chose it -- I own everything about me: my body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions, whether they be to others or myself. 

I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears. I own my triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes. Because I own all of me, I can become intimately acquainted with me. 

By so doing, I can love me and be friendly with all my parts. I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know -- but as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles and ways to find out more about me. However I look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever I think and feel at a given moment in time is authentically me. 

If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought, and felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that which I discarded. I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do. I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me. I own me, and therefore, I can engineer me. 

I am me, and I am 

 Okay.

 

 Virginia Satir quotes (American Phychologist and Educator, 1916-1988)

Happy Holidays and Thank You

Thank You!   

My Pink Purse wants to celebrate the Christmas season thanking our members, benefactors, family and friends for their generous donations of time, products and well wishes!

Your Gifts have made this a fabulous year!!

Hair Down There- Erase it

SHARE from Pretty City on taking Care of the hair Down There!

A Brazilian wax, which involves the nearly complete baring of private parts (front and back), and the application of hot liquid to said parts,can be scary the first time.  Not to worry, here's what you must know including points even veteran waxers may not know about going bare. 

The Prep 

Whether you are a waxing virgin or veteran, pre-wax prepping is a must. First, take a warm shower and exfoliate skin well with a body scrub. Don't shave just before a wax, but do trim hair to about 1/4 inch in length. This will likely be 2 to 3 weeks of hair growth if you normally shave; if you typically wax, allow about 4 weeks between waxing appointments. As you head to your appointment, pop an Advil for discomfort and apply a numbing cream, such as BareEase.

The Appointment 

For waxing virgins, that first appointment can be awkward. If it's your first-ever wax, let your esthetician know. Once you've checked in at the spa or salon, expect to be given a disposable paper G-string, a towel and, oftentimes, a wipe. Remove your underpants, use the wipe to freshen up down below, put on the disposable G-string and lie down on the treatment bed using the towel to cover you. Your esthetician will likely ask you to get into a frog position as she removes errant hairs around the inner thighs and labia. And, if she asks if you want your 'back' done, she's not offering a massage. Say 'yes' if you want all the hair on your bottom regions gone, too.