It’s no secret I love Antica Farmacista. So when they told me about their new Damascena Rose range of scent products where 100% of proceeds go to Stand Up 2 Cancer this October, I was on board to share.
Although no one in my family has been affected by breast cancer and I sure hope it stays that way, you just never know. I often find myself asking is critical illness insurance worth it? What’s the best way to prevent anything from happening? What will my support system be? That way, if anything does happen, I will be supported both emotionally and financially. Though I would hate it if anything were to happen to me, I think I would worry more about the family I have to leave behind. While I could make a full recovery from this diagnosis through all the treatments and medications people can try now, there is also a chance that I could lose my life. So, whilst critical illness insurance is something worth looking into, I think I may also decide to take a look at life insurance reviews and to shop around for the best policies too. This will help to make sure that I am as prepared as I can be for any illness, like breast cancer, that could come my way. I hope with all my being that this is not the case though.
One of the reasons I was so adamant to breastfeed despite having an emergency C-section and not being able to see my baby for over 24 hours was for breast cancer prevention benefits. I am all about preventing this ugly disease and I urge every woman to visit the women’s services santa fe, say or wherever you live, to have a breast exam and mammogram. If we can prevent this disease, we definitely should.
Damascena Rose, Orris, & Oud is a warm, complex floral scent. It’s a cozier scent for fall, and I love how it smells whenever I walk by. I’m amazed by how powerful it is for being so tiny! Antica Farmacista makes some of the prettiest and classiest diffusers and candles and room sprays I’ve seen and in so many varietals.
An exquisite floral fragrance built on fresh Damascus Rose absolute, sensual Violet and rich Tuscan Orris root. Tart rhubarb and dewy apricot add a hint of lush fruit, while the warmth of rare Oud and Amber lend an exotic earthiness. A soft drydown of musk and cashmere result in an intoxicating warmth to this complex floral scent.
Damascena Rose is available on Antica Farmacista’s website, Nordstrom, Amazon, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and Barneys. Diffusers come in different sizes and start at $26.
I wanted to share this Q&A from Antica’s founders, because I felt like it shed some light on the subject in a real way.
“This year, we personalize our efforts to give back with a conversation between Antica co-founders (and best friends), Susanne Pruitt and Shelley Callaghan…
Shelley Callaghan: We all know that breast cancer is common in women… too common. But when Susanne Pruitt, (my best friend) was diagnosed with Breast Cancer over 14 years ago at age 42, her life as usual came to a screeching halt. It was a horrific wakeup call that changed her world. Susanne is arguably the most pro-active, competent and independent “get-er done” woman I know. And when she found out she had cancer, she was on a mission to do everything in her power to fight it and survive it. To say that cancer changed her life is a massive understatement. She changed her career, she changed her outlook and she inspired change in those around her. And she beat it.
14 years later and cancer free, I take a few minutes to ask Susanne to share the deep, meaningful and emotional stuff she encountered during her battle with cancer…
Antica Farmacista Partners with Stand Up 2 Cancer
Join us in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This October, Antica proudly partners with Stand Up 2 Cancer in honor of co-founder, and breast cancer survivor, Susanne Pruitt. 100% of all profits from Antica’s Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud collection will be donated in support of this outstanding cause.
SC: Give us the full picture….where were you when you were diagnosed. How were you informed?
SP: I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 42 years old. There is no cancer in my family and I am somewhat athletic and healthy, so finding a lump in my breast was a complete shock. I found the lump in my left breast after a routine self-breast exam. What I distinctly remember is that after I went in for a biopsy on a Friday, I had to wait the entire weekend for the results. On Monday morning, when the surgeon called me (as opposed to the nurse) I knew it was not good news.
SC: What stage and what was the treatment plan from the outset?
SP: After I met with a highly recommended oncologist, it was determined that I had Stage IIA cancer, which meant that the tumor was 3+ centimeters and had spread into the auxiliary lymph node, but only a trace. The first decision was whether to get a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. Because the cancer had not spread far into the lymph node, chemo treatments were up for discussion. I chose to get a lumpectomy and full radiation and chemo. I was only 42 so I wanted to be sure to beat it.
SC: Your boys, Austin and Evan were little guys. How do you recall them responding to your news of cancer?
SP: My boys were 4 and 8 years old – too young to fully understand the situation. I realized that the hair loss would be the hardest part for them. I chose a wonderful wig maker that was able to shave my hair and make a wig with it. It was more for my kids than for me.
SC: I remember this day so well. A few best friends rallied around… we popped the champagne, pumped the music and nervously watched this master wig maker go to work. We were all shocked at how gorgeous your bald head was and how beautiful the wig turned out!
SP: I know, right? It was definitely best case scenario… I wanted to keep a sense of normalcy at that age. I found out I had a pretty decent skull. Who knew!
SC: On this note, you were physically in perhaps the best shape of your life… you looked like Demi Moore in GI Jill. I thought you looked gorgeous without hair, but how difficult was that part of the process?
SP: Losing your hair is certainly a difficult part of the process, but I think the loss of eyebrows and eye lashes are the most difficult part for any cancer patient. You truly lose a sense self and look particularly unhealthy. The eyebrow pencil just did not cut it!
SC: You often talk about how the cancer years of your life were the most peaceful for you. Explain that…
SP: Quite frankly, getting breast cancer was a blessing in disguise for me. Prior to the diagnosis, I had spent 15 years working in the fast paced financial world. I was traveling constantly and missing a lot of the “moments” with my boys. Once I was diagnosed, the world became very small and finite. It all slowed down and became simple. Every word, smile or tear became more important. It was freeing and peaceful.
SC: What do you wish you knew then that you know now, regarding your battle with cancer?
SP: Time has given me an enormous amount of perspective on all procedures and considerations. As an example, I wish someone had better explained to me the negative effects of radiation of the breast tissue.
SC: I think this is a really important topic to discuss. I had no idea the physical repercussions of breast cancer continue long after recovery.
SP: I agree, I had no idea either. The scar tissue becomes severely hardened over time. I have had 4 follow up surgeries over the past 12 years due to this issue. If I had known, I would have just had a full mastectomy, which I ended up having 8 years later! All in all, cancer allowed me to embrace my life in a completely different way than I ever would have otherwise. My friendships are richer and my relationships are more authentic. You never wish for cancer, but it can be just the renewed energy and awakening someone needs.”
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I know today’s post has a heavier topic, but I think it’s important to learn more about breast cancer, even if you don’t think you’ll have it (I mean, who does?!). I made the mistake of not researching anything about C-sections and only preparing for natural birth and then having an emergency C-section; it’s important to be knowledgeable about the not-so-pleasant too. I definitely had no idea there were repurcussions to a lumpectomy.
I hope this was beneficial, babes. Check out the Damascena Rose line this October.
