Hi Karen,
I am now 4 1/2 years out form a second diagnosis. I used to hate October as so many people would say to me "you should go to this event or that fundraiser" etc etc. I hated it. It was all I could do to keep my head above water let alone surround myself with pinkness. I then would feel guilty because breast cancer awareness month was all about making people just that... aware of this awful disease and raising vital funds. I eventually made peace with it and myself about it. I have even been able to go to relay for life this past couple of years as my daughter was participating. That took a long time to be able to do as in the beginning I wanted to run from all things cancer. You are right, our cancer doesn't define us. I think a polite nicely worded request isn't such a bad idea. If it's just a few people then maybe you could private message them thanking them for their concern but letting them know how it makes you feel. Big hugs.
Paula xxx
PS I love that you cut gem stones.
