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There can’t be a more perfect weapon against women than breast cancer. Although men do get this disease, when it attacks women, it seems to strike at the very essence of womanhood. The treatment and cures unfortunately do the same thing. Think about it. Our breasts are the primary target, and the best defense is to remove all or part of them. Our hormones distinguish our bodies as female, and they become the enemy. The treatment strips us of these hormones and our bodies stop functioning as female. Chemotherapy further takes away female aspects, it stops our menses and even our hair, for some of us a crown of femininity, is stolen from us.

A friend of mine going through chemo talked about the humiliation of losing her hair and how especially losing her pubic hair made her feel and look like a prepubescent child. Chemo and radiation make us weak and vulnerable - almost childlike.

The good part is; we are strong. We come back. We are down but not out, and breast cancer survivors know what it means to, “Find your inner resources.” We overcome vanity and fear to continue living our lives, and in most cases in a more fulfilling way. I believe the experience of having to fight for your life and make such overwhelming decisions about treatment is what equips us with a new vigor in dealing with the world around us. I, for one, have found my voice when being pushed or feeling violated; even by companies or people I deal with on a daily basis. No more pushing me around is my mantra! I’ve survived cancer, and I can survive you!

Well, obviously, I am in an interesting mood today, but I read the comments and talk to people with breast cancer and hear of new diagnosis every day. Women are being attacked, but it is going to be beaten. Women have fought through a great deal to be who we are. We will triumph over this as well. The fight is on, and we are winning!