Did I get your attention with the word boobies? Good. We all need a reminder once and awhile. One thing that happens to all of us when we are busy is we forget to do things like… go to your daughter’s open house (yep I missed this one), pay the AMEX bill (yep this too), tell your husband the IRS agents visit was rescheduled (guilty) and other things that can be life changing like feeling your boobies.
I had planned to write about Breast Cancer for so many reasons. September always reminds me of pink ribbons, lost friends and the strong support of the sisterhood. And as I sat down to write this story I realized something. I could not remember the last time I felt my boobies! How did that happen? How could I have forgotten this little act of self love and I mean that in the most non-sexual way people although there is nothing wrong with having your partner help feel you boobies. In fact I think the more hands the better, I digress. We’re talking about early detection that may save your life and don’t try to convince yourself that it can not happen to you. All sorts of people are diagnosed with breast cancer. It has no bias and shows no leniency for the young, healthy and fit.
For example the founder of feelyourboobies.com Leigh Hurst was a runner and a triathlete with no history of breast cancer in her family yet she was diagnosed with stage 1. Through her own personal battle again breast cancer she launched a campaign reminding young women the importance of “feeling your boobies”.
“As a young survivor myself, ‘feeling my boobies’ is the whole reason I was diagnosed at age 33. In addition, we are a non-profit with 100% of our profits go back into our campaign to help us continue sending the “feel your boobies” reminder to young women.” – Leigh
Another women I knew was also at the top of her game and incredibly healthy was Ronne.
cue: grabbing a box of Kleenex because this part…. well it’s super hard for me to write about.
You remember last month when I wrote that post about finding out I was pregnant with my now 4 yr old and all the wonderful support I had through the sisterhood on the Ovusoft forums? Within that group was a very special woman and her name was Ronne Landi Shomo. Deep breath. Ronne passed away when she was only 39 years old. Her daughter wasn’t even 2 yet. Towards the end of Ronne’s pregnancy she noticed that one breast was considerably larger than the other. Ultrasounds revealed a small tumor but the doctors assured her that this was common as her breasts were preparing to lactate. They aspirated the tumor and told her there were no cancer cells present. She gave birth to her daughter in December of 2003 and the tumor had grown considerably since her last biopsy. A few tests later would reveal that is was actually malignant. I can remember the day she told our little close knit group. Of course we were all stunned, shocked, saddened and speechless. Of all people to get breast cancer this was surreal. Ronne was the healthiest woman I knew. She ate virtually no refined food, hardly any carbs or sugar and had guns the size of a professional body builder.
And she was so smart, so funny and always told you exactly the way things were, no candy coating. I would call her up frequently just to get her take on my life, she knew about my painful yearning to have another baby and the struggle to be a full time working mom. She would never allow me to wallow in self pity, showing weakness was not her thing.
I miss her all the time.
Every butterfly and hummingbird that crosses my path makes me wonder if she’s still here.
Ronne was the first person I knew who had a blog it was called the butterfly: metamorph the journey back. Inspired by her desire to share and connect with people Ronne wrote about being in the company of woman, lessons in cancer and my favorite topic she called time suckers (know any?). In fact it was Ronne who encouraged me to start my first blog the preggo modchik. I don’t think she was able to read it as often as she could because as my pregnancy progressed so did her cancer. By this time it had spread to her lungs, spine and eventually her brain. A few days before Ronne left us I was given a precious gift. I was granted time to spend with her alone in her hospice room. If you have ever spent time with a person who is approaching that moment where death is only days or hours away then you know what I mean by using the word to describe this time as a gift. The words are hard to find to describe what its like to hold someones hand who looks at you and says I am not ready. In the reflections of her eyes I could see my own mortality that there was a beginning a middle and now definitely an end. What I did in the middle was my choice. I could spend it with time suckers or surround myself with people that mattered people like Ronne. The only thing that gave her comfort that day was placing her hands on my slightly swollen belly. I was two weeks away from having my amniocentesis but she told me she didn’t care she knew I was having a girl. Two weeks later I found out she was right but now it was too late to tell her.
Linz & Ronne
Ever since her diagnosis I vowed to do something each year to honor Ronne. It started with joining Susan G Komen’s Race For The Cure. I walk the race each year for her and for the family she was forced to leave behind. It is amazing to be surrounded by so many women, families and survivors! Its always a heart wrenching experience but it lifts me up just knowing that we are doing something to help prevent another women from losing their battle to breast cancer.
If you want to join in walk in your area or join me this Sunday you have one last chance to register if you do it by 4pm today click here. If you don’t want to get up early may I suggest Sleeping in for The Cure? Yep you can do that or heck I’ll walk for you just make a donation on my Race page here.
I want everyone to do me a favor and share this story with one person. Come back and tell me about it to be entered to win a Feel Your Boobies t-shirt! Winner can choose their size.*
EDITED TO ANNOUNCE WINNER! – Congrats Adrian! see my comment below yours for your options!
Whatever you do just please promise me that you will do ONE thing.
Feel
Your
Boobies!
(and beware of time suckers)
*self hosted giveaway
Feel Your Boobies quote/image used with permission. All rights reserved.
Thank you for the boobie reminder and thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry for your loss. And you may be reminded of Ronne in butterflies and hummingbirds, but she also lives on in you, just as much as her husband & daughter. Thank you for telling her story and keeping her in all of lives. 🙂
thanks Linz you’re right she lives on through me too 🙂
I am sharing this on FB and on my blog! Umm, if I can figure out how to re-blog from here!
Thanks Ann!! see the buttons on the very bottom? if you mouseover they will pop up – click on the facebook one and it will prompt a link up.
I’m so sharing this…I’ll be back with a link to my post when it’s ready…GREAT POST!!
I shared on FB! Breast Cancer hits each and every one of us. My paternal grandmother (Granny, you know the one born in a covered wagon on the Oregon Trail in 1900), survived breast cancer twice in the early 60’s. She was one of the very lucky ones back in the day. Your friend is blessed to have had you in her final days and you are blessed that you recognize her spirit in your life and continue to move forward in spreading the word.
My son’s are participating in the Race for the Cure on October 2nd (I’ll be out of town) and the Beckman High School Baseball team holds an annual Pink Ribbon Game to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. We want to save “Second Base.” The boys wear pink, we announce breast cancer facts during the game and raise money by selling items to fans. I would love for you to come next year! The opposing teams so far have all been very happy to participate and throughout the rest of the year, I see those boys around the other fields proudly wearing their pink ribbons.
Oh, and BTW, I get checked regularly and squeezed once a year!
Thanks for sharing … I am walking in the CO Race for the Cure in a couple weeks. It will be my 11th race since moving to CO 12 years ago and the 2nd time my Mom is flying out to walk with me!! She is third generation breast cancer, and a 10-year survivor — it’s a common topic in our family, and such a good reminder for all. Monthly feels and yearly squeezes are necessary for every woman. 🙂 Hugs to you for such a personal loss.
Kathy that is so great I have walked with my mom and my GFs our usual tradition was to walk and then bond over brunch! – truly an empowering day! I’m happy to hear your mom is a 10 yr survivor that is huge. Your dedication to the race is amazing, 11 years?? <– inspiring!
What an absolutely beautiful post…a great reminder and special tribute in honor of your dear friend. Thanks for having the courage to share and for reminding us all just how precious these middle years are!! I know I go into today more inspired because of your post. Xoxo
thank you Jen – the walk was amazing… thank God for really dark sunglasses! 🙂
Great post! Love the shirt!
It reminds me of my hub’s bumper sticker…”Save the Tatas!” Both a light hearted reminder of a heart heavy ordeal for many women. Again, great post and I’d love the honor to wear this shirt!
thanks Jennifer – I wish I had that shirt to wear yesterday I was shocked I didn’t see anyone with that one. I’m gonna start the trend 🙂
Hi Lindsay,
This is your Phoenix Bloggy Boot Camp friend checking in on you. I don’t really wear T-shirts, but I wanted to say Hi and say I’m thinking about you. How’s your declutter mission going? Well, I hope! Mine is going OK – has it’s ups and downs.
I am actually making progress thanks for asking Adrian.. so much to do so little time to blog about it. I’m hoping to get a few other blogs back up and running soon (clutter and photography) – you know how it is. 🙂 great to hear from you – are you going to any BBCs soon?
Adrian by the way you were the winner you t-shirt wearin girl! LOL If you’d like I could make a donation in the amt of the tshirt ($25) to their foundation in your name 🙂
Modchik,
Thanks so much for your story about Ronne. I worked with her at an internet company about ten years ago. I observed much of the same things you did, she was a kind, intelligent person, but had a mental toughness about her and would definitely tell it like it is.
In 2002, I moved to OC to find work and dropped out of touch with Ronne and other SD area friends/colleagues. I moved back to the SD area in 2006 and with the increased popularity of MySpace and Facebook, I looked for SD people that I had not stayed in touch with. Never could find Ronne.
All this time, I did not know what had happened with her until I found her blog a year ago. None of the people I worked with at the internet company mentioned it, because they thought I already knew. I was totally shocked and deeply saddened at what I read. It was hard to concentrate on work for the next few days.
It is always tragic when someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, but when it happens to Ronne, that takes tragedy to an entirely different level.
Since I was not there for Ronne back in 2005, I felt that the least I could do is walk in her honor. I did it last year and will do it again this year.
Chris thank you for letting me know you came by and sharing your memories of Ronne. I couldn’t help but notice the date what a nice way to honor her memory. I know what you mean when you say her diagnosis took it to a whole ‘nother level. I’m so glad you found my post and were able to be a part of the story. She would be to thrilled to see my blogging she was so into them when I first met her, never thought I would have my own one day talking about her memory.
Oh, wow Lindsey. We just met today and I thought I would check out your blog. I am so very touched by your post and I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute and telling reminder for us all. Thank you. 🙂
Jennifer thank you! It was such a pleasure to meet you and the other women as well – such a lovely group you all have – would love to do that again!
Really beautiful, Lindsey.
I had no idea you were personally affected by this crummy disease – yet, another reason why we should carve some time out and have a chit chat about life in general.
Anyway, I admire your passion to honor Ronne’s memory with the Komen walk. I’m even feeling a little inspired to get out there again myself. I should do it, I don’t know why I’m dragging my feet this year. Great read.