For me, it seems like cancer has become epidemic. Or maybe I’m just more sensitive to the stories about each new diagnosis. I’m not sure. But it seems like the nasty cancer keeps finding a way to invade the lives of people I love.
About a month ago, some longtime family friends shared with me that their daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer – and the really evil stuff, Inflammatory Breast Cancer. I knew her when she was a little girl. Today she's a young woman, married with small children, and now she carries the burden of IBC. Just terrible news.
Last week, another friend called to give me an update on his sister, also battling Inflammatory Cancer. Her battle has been tough, treatment hard to handle, treatment now put on hold, and she’s not doing so well.
On Saturday, my darling cousin in Texas lost her mother-in-law to colon cancer. Her mother-in-law lost her own husband just a few short years ago to pancreatic cancer. It hardly seems fair for my cousin’s husband – to lose both of his parents in only a few short years, both of them taken by the ravages of cancer.
Yesterday I found out that another longtime friend, who has been in remission for about two years – well, he got the bad news call. The cancer is back.
Last night I received a late-night email from another dear friend, a kindred spirit whose sister died many years ago from Inflammatory Breast Cancer. My friend found a lump, had an appointment with the radiologist, and has now been told she too has breast cancer.
And just today at UAMS, I ran into one of my cancer soul sisters. Throughout my own journey, she helped keep my spirits high, served as a gracious role model for how to have cancer with great dignity. She’s a classy and tough as grizzle woman who has fought the good fight and made it to the other side. That is, until today. Her breast cancer has returned, even though she went ahead with the double mastectomy. WHAT? Breast cancer without breasts? Unbelievable. What will it take to stop this monster from continuing this ravage on our bodies?
Tonight I’m mad as hell, and yes, I'm scared too. I hate cancer and it feels like it’s closing in!
HELP - Somebody! Make it go away!
I wish I could give you a hug right now.
ReplyDeleteSending positive vibrations your way, Stacy. Tomorrow will be a better day!
ReplyDeletejust had my 6 month check today and the oncologist's office staff seem so kind to all who must be "regulars" there. I feel so blessed to only need follow up visits every 6 months. Today's news - good to go for another 6 months! Yet the concern never really ever goes away.
ReplyDeleteOur whole toxic-ridden planet, plastics, pesticides, chemicals, food additives, etc., etc. must play a role in the increasing cases. We are literally poisoning ourselves to death. i don't know what the answer is, but I do try to eliminate the exposures and consumptions I can. As long as companies make big money on unhealthy products, and big pharma makes money treating the disease, I'm not sure how we can help get the tide to turn. So sad and frustrating.
Love you, Stacy.
i love you!
ReplyDeleteFor inspiration:
ReplyDeletewww.breastcancerdeadline2020.org
:::Big Hugs:::
ReplyDeleteWell, big hugs and deap breaths!
I sure agree - make it go away!
ReplyDelete