They say only “real” men can wear “PINK.” Not sure what a “real” man is, but I know I have been wearing a lot of pink lately—not by choice but for two reasons… certainly, not because I look good in pink or that I consider myself a “real” man. I have been wearing pink most of the month of October due to the fact that it is Breast Cancer Awareness month.
In fact, I even see the NFL Football players wearing pink during their games. (Guess that is “real” men. Even Brett Favre, the “Real” Man from Mississippi. Of course, Brett Favre’s wife is a breast cancer survivor…a good reason for him to wear pink.) My daughter, Carla, is also a breast cancer survivor…my first reason for me to wear pink. The second reason for me to wear pink is because, me, a “real” man or not, am also a breast cancer survivor.
You may or may not know that the doctors, oncologists and breast cancer organizations asked that I come out publicly, as a survivor, to help get the word out on a national level that men DO become breast cancer victims. It seems to have worked because so many have called me, not only from this area I live in, but nationwide. Most of the time, men with breast cancer don’t survive because they fail to get anything suspicious checked out and really don’t take to mammograms and such. You know, just not the macho think to do! They don’t survive, according to the doctors, because there is no early detection. Me, if I get a scratch, I check it out! I think, due to the blessing of the Lord and “listening” to what my body is telling me, is the reason I have lived pretty healthy for three-fourths of a century and still pretty active physically and mentally.
Carla, my daughter is four years free of cancer and I am two years out free. She had to have chemotherapy treatment and I did not, as my breast cancer was necrotic. (Meaning the blood supply had been cut off and had not grown from a very small size. Also, it had not reached my lymph nodes.) Just so you and the doctors know, I call that “Divine Intervention.” That is a direct result of the power of prayer, which I stated on National TV on NBC’s Today Show two years ago. Check it out on the site www.listentotheeagle.com. Yes, at the advice of the doctor, I had a mastectomy, but did not opt for reconstruction. (Ha!)
One important point here…I tested positive for the BRCA2 gene. This says that one may contract breast cancer. My daughter did NOT test positive. That doesn’t mean the rest of my children and grandchildren will or will not test positive. They will need to be tested in the future.
Bottom line…men, do the self-test on your breasts and if there is any sign of a nodule, get it checked! It may save you life. Remember, the power of prayer. It can save your life and your soul!
Paul Ott, host of Listen to the Eagle, which can be heard locally on WMOX 1010 A.M., is a breast cancer survivor. For more information, visit www.listentotheeagle.com.
Editorials
November 1, 2009
Breast cancer among us
- Editorials
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- Military cuts and BRAC to challenge leaders
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Governor takes lead on state budget
Sound, principled leadership is needed in times of economic uncertainty.
- A tiny little straight line fracture – the show must go on!
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Fruits of investments becoming evident
Investments by Mississippi State University and the Riley Foundation continue to breathe life into downtown Meridian.
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Questionable decision by outgoing governor
When former Gov. Haley Barbour left office last week he was supposed to enjoy a comfortable legacy as one of Mississippi's most popular governors.
- East Mississippi's position in House should strengthen
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Election day is right around the corner
Tuesday will be here before you know it.
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East Miss. welcomes new plant with open arms
If you haven't driven north of the Lauderdale County line on Highway 493 into Kemper County lately you need to.
- Incomplete arrest reports a problem
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The public deserves answers
Sometimes in life we drive down the same road in the wrong direction for miles, too stubborn to admit we need to change course or turn around. Doing so, we believe, will only serve to make our passengers question our ability to drive. They should just trust us.
- More Editorials Headlines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
