Most people know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month but many may not be familiar with Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which falls on the 13th.

(As it happened, I was still fighting my way out of the midterm zoo and dealing with an unpleasant flare situation on that day – so we are a few days behind.)

Still, it is especially near my heart in memory of our dear friend Lindsey who fought Stage Four for well over five years with all she had – and, as she was a proud Tennessee graduate and would have loved nothing more than to be here giving everyone all the business this weekend with UT’s big win, she is missed so so much now – and always. ❤

Another dear friend I have known my entire life from my home church, Chani, is also fighting Stage Four and she is just amazing.

Thankfully new medications are being developed quickly and there is always something else around the corner from a treatment perspective – but the truth remains that, of all the funds raised each year for breast cancer research, only 2-5% of it goes to studying treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

As the above infographic states, MBC occurs when breast cancer cells begin to grow elsewhere in the body, usually spreading to the lymph nodes, and then often to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

Lindsey dealt with so much as she fought MBC – and, good Lord, was she tough. She organized a fundraising team to run in her local breast cancer awareness run – and ran as a part of the group herself as long as she was able.

Something I will always remember is that she realized she was likely dealing with cancer advancement into her hip when she told me she was going to need to go for scans – because her hip had started to really give her fits over the previous weekend when she and her bestie had been hiking up a mountain. Yep. She never quit and just kept living and doing whatever she could for as long as she could.

As recently as a few weeks before she passed away, we were discussing all things school and anthropology related – and she was fussing over Henry Herring just four days before she went to be with Jesus. I am so grateful for such happy memories. ❤

Since her memorial service, her wish was to travel with her friends on their adventures – so she travels with me on all roads trips, great and small.

In her memory, I will always seek to bring awareness to issues related to breast cancer.

First, I want to share this article I saw that may be helpful if you have a loved one walking through MBC:

14 Things Women With MBC Want You To Know article.

Also, please be aware of the possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Here is a different visual that may be helpful for watching for any breast changes.

Also, with these in mind, remember to mark your calendar or set your phone each month to do your breast self exam.

Finally, always discuss with your doctor any concerns you have, particularly if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. 

Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and be proactive.

Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Grace and Blessings.