Cancer Apparel and other thoughts…

So what’s your take on cancer apparel?

I’ve got mixed opinions on the topic.

This blog is, after all, called Battling Cancer, so obviously I concur with the philosophy that often dealing with any kind of cancer is a battle. Besides the mental and medical armor there are the breastplate and helmet of the physical.

I’m happy to wear that armor for those I love and support. One year a group of friends all had red shirts made up for the MS walk as one of our writing pals has been diagnosed with MS. We had witty clever, writerly things put on the shirts. It was great fun while dealing with a very serious topic.

There are more cool, chic, trendy cancer apparel items available than I can possibly share with you today. But I will share some of my favorites.

Cancer apparel has multiple purposes:

• support for a cause that has touched you
• raising funds for research and other related issues
• awareness

But if I (me personally) were actually battling cancer, would I display my battle on my chest, on my hat, or would I be private in my battle? As private as one can be dealing with the treatment and side effects issues.

I don’t know the answer to that. Obviously this is a personal choice.

This topic was discussed in one of my early posts called The Defining Moment.

Here is an excerpt:

I have observed a unique phenomenon over the years–patients diagnosed with cancer who make a very personal decision to hide the diagnosis from anyone outside a very select circle of perhaps only one or two people. They generally only reveal the information if it becomes necessary.

I was on the support team of a mail carrier who came to our facility for in-patient treatment. He took large chunks of accumulated vacation time for each cycle of his chemo and recovery. This continued for several rounds of chemo, and in the course of my interaction with him he shared that no one at his place of employment knew of his cancer diagnosis. He had not only accepted his diagnosis but he was determined his diagnosis would not define him.

I’ve thought about this often.

Does diagnosis define you? Are you your diagnosis?

Does the world treat you different once they know you have cancer? Do those you once interacted with change as they become unable to cope with your reality? Is it fear of loss or confrontation with their own mortality? Perhaps it is both.

Once the point of acceptance is reached it is your choice how you will deal with the diagnosis. As a caregiver, friend, loved one or family member, I believe it is merely our responsibility to respect that decision.

A final thought. Do you treat you differently? Have your priorities shifted outside of the diagnosis? Once you reached that moment of acceptance how did you begin to see the world around you? Defining moments tend to be the sifters and sorters of life. People and events trickle through the sieve and everything is re-evaluated.

If you have a chance, let me know what you think. In the meantime, here’s a selection of items to show your support, or to select as your trendy battle gear.

IT’S YOUR CHOICE!

Cancer wristbands are available for only $2.00 each at Choose Hope Inc. They have over 25 different varieties.

These Cancer Awareness Wristbands are a popular way to show support for anyone who has been touched by cancer. Made of silicone, these cancer wristbands are seamless and carry the powerful message “Say It, Fight It, Cure It!”. Or for a different approach, try one of our Cancer Sucks Wristbands!

I had a great time reading all the logo shirts at this site and whether you choose to buy or not you have to admit these are some pretty darn amusing (and/or bitter sweet) shirts!

“We have t-shirts, sweatshirts and more, all with attitude and inspiration, to help the cancer community patients and everyone around them smile and laugh!

Join us and laugh in cancer’s face, all while helping the cancer community through support and research. Shop our store today where all net proceeds go towards helping cancer patients everywhere.

Even as survivors, we will never give up the fight!”

Misery Loves Company, Online Clothing Store carries the Skate 4 Cancer T-shirt by Lifetime Collective.

“Send us photos of you and your friends wearing S4C tees and we’ll send you a $10 gift certificate* to use towards purchases on Misery Loves Co.

E-mail photos to: info@miserylovesco.ca ”

Ford Warriors in Pink Battle Gear!

“Thanks to survivors and activists across America, fordcares.com has sold more than half a million pieces of Warrior wear and gear. This year, new styles and products are available to help spread the word about breast cancer awareness. Celebrate the fight against breast cancer in Warrior fashions and gear! You’ll not only be showing your support, 100% of the net proceeds are donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.”