Raw October: raising breast cancer awareness — one fact, figure, feeling, and photograph at a time.
Danny was 18 months old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer; now, he’s 9 years old. I recently asked him some questions regarding his awareness about the disease. Here’s what he said:
Me: How old were you when I got breast cancer?
Danny: 3 or 4
Me: How old was I when I got breast cancer?
Danny: 30 something
Me: How did you feel when I got breast cancer?
Danny: I don’t remember anything that happened.
Me: What do you know about my breast cancer from what others have told you?
Danny: That it was a lump, that you had to cut all of your hair off because it was coming out in clumps, that Joey cut off your hair when it happened.
Me: When I say the words breast cancer, what do you immediately think?
Danny: That it happened to you.
Me: What is breast cancer?
Danny: Cancer that’s on your breast.
Me: Do you know anyone else who has had it?
Danny: Nope. I mean, I’ve heard you tell me, but I don’t know them specifically.
Me: What do you think people should know about breast cancer?
Danny: That you should go to the doctor every couple of weeks to see if you have it.
Me: Do you know what happens when I go see doctors?
Danny: You go into an MRI tube.
Me: What would you say to other kids whose moms have breast cancer?
Danny: I feel bad for you.
Me: Does breast cancer scare you?
Danny: Not really.
Me: Any final words you want to say about breast cancer?
Danny: I didn’t really know anything about it when it happened. You just told me.
Come back tomorrow for Joey’s answers to the same questions.
Tami Boehmer on 10/2/2012 at 9:09 am said:
Gotta love how a kid’s mind works! Thanks for sharing, Jackie! Love your Raw October idea! I was at first thinking it was about food choices; this is more interesting to me.
Jacki on 10/2/2012 at 10:07 am said:
Thanks, Tami
Check out tomorrow’s interview with the 11-year-old. It’s funny!
Pam on 10/2/2012 at 11:45 pm said:
Love your blog. AdC book review magazine is also doing a promotion. I’m going to add your blog site to a comment. But come on over and say hello oh and like me on facebook. I’m dyeing my hair pink when I hit 100 likes.
Kristyn on 10/3/2012 at 4:49 pm said:
I came across your blog the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my left breast, last Monday 9/24. I have a 21 month old son. I’m happy to see he won’t remember much of this, if anything at all.
Your blog has made me laugh and cry. Thank you so much for sharing!