Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Remembering.... and kicking some butt...

Today friend posted would be happy birthday wishes to her momma on her Facebook page. I say would be because her momma WOULD have been 63 today had breast cancer not taken her years ago.
It reminds me to be thankful, thankful that my discovery of a little lump was taken seriously by my family doctor, that my appointment with the specialist took less than a week, that action was swift when it came to my treatment. My road to discovery and recovery was relatively quick , certainly much easier than some and a far cry from what it could have been. (if you want you can read more here & here)I was one of the "Lucky Ones". I will forever be thankful. I do not know why I was one of the lucky ones, and why others close have suffered so deeply. I may never know, but either will I take it for granted. I choose to be grateful, to continue on my journey forward despite the niggling almost always present little voice in my head that whispers... cancer... cancer... cancer you had it, it could come back. I refuse to live where that voice resides. I have to tell myself.. that was before I KICKED it in the butt, and was declared well. The mind games are tough.
My heart goes out to this friend, to other friends who have lost, mothers, fathers, children, spouses, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins and friends, to this nasty beast called cancer. Cancer knows no age limit, does not take into consideration,...well anything, it just hits and when it hits no matter how soft the blow it is a SUCKER PUNCH right to the gut. To those who are walking this road of uncertainty right now, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May your journey be short and your victory sweet.
All of this is especially fresh in my heart, September marks the anniversary of my surgery, but even more than that this year, this past week, we received news that a friend on the island has lost her battle. Last Friday she went to heaven into the waiting arms of Jesus and heard the words, well done my good and faithful servant. What started out as Colon cancer which was treated, was later re-diagnosed, it had spread to her liver and other organs. It was a hard battle, a long battle. May you rest in Peace Sandy, you fought a valiant battle, with courage and grace. My heart grieves for her husband and 2 young children - for them the journey is just beginning, and it will be long and at times very painful. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our paths do not cross often anymore, but my heart remembers, despite the distance and lifts you up in prayer. It is not fair, but it is life, I wish that cancer could be kicked in the butt once and for all. For the cure to be discovered and the whole nasty disease laid to rest... Good riddance you big bully.
In the mean time, October is National Breast Cancer awareness month, there are many things we can do to aid in finding a cure. This Sunday is the CIBC Run for a cure walk, run, donate. We can all do a little. Find a cure for one type and we are closer to a cure for all and kicking cancer to the curb once and for all.
If you can do nothing else... DO THIS ONE THING.. and do it TODAY.
Do a self breast exam , do it today, do it again in a week, do it again in a month, then again the month after that... Get to know your boobs. They feel different at different times of the month, sometimes even at different times of the day. Tell your doctor with ANY change you notice, they will be key in good breast health as well as if needed, working with you if there is something found. My lump showed up with in a month or I should say , it grew in a month to the point I could feel it. It only takes 3 min in the shower, really no time at all. THEN MAKE SURE you get your regular mammogram! A a few moments of pain is nothing compared to the options you might face if a lump is detected too late. Remember we live in a country where this is a service offered to women at no cost - it is a privilege that many in this world do not have access too. We are the fortunate ones! Make your appointment today - It could be the best thing you ever do for your self! (That was me gently kicking you in the butt... go out and get them squished!)

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