This Thing Called Cancer

Roxy- thanks for this article and your heartfelt questions. Unfortunately, I don't think there are any answers. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer, and while she is now "cancer free," she is not the same woman she was a year ago. She is one hell of a fighter, but she is crumbling and has many, new ailments and is currently scheduled for another surgey next week. Are these health problems a result of her cancer or her treatments? I have questions too, but I know she wants me to be happy and strong, so I keep the smile and the faith, even when it is really heart-wrenching. I love my mom in a way I could never love anyone else.

Hi Roxy. I don't understand this thing called cancer either. I never knew a 6 letter word could consume my thoughts and my life until my brother was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 40. His doctor said he had probably had it for 5 years and if he hadn't had symptoms it would have continued to go undetected because doctors don't check 40 year olds for colon cancer when there's no problems. For whatever reason, God allowed for surgery and chemo to remove the cancer from my brother's body and he is cancer free now and has been for almost 2 years. We are very thankful. My brother was very courageous through his journey and never asked why this had to happen to him. I hope I could be so humble if cancer ever becomes my cross to bear. Life has a new meaning for all of our family because of my brother's diagnosis. Everyday is a gift. I am sorry that Shelly's life ended so soon. She would be happy to know you are being her voice in her absence.

Hi Roxy, Thanks for sharing your story. I have absolutly no answers to your questions, but hearing your story hits home and makes appreciate the wonderful friendships I do have. Shelly sounds like a pillar of strength and I imagine you miss her dearly. You have brought her strength to life once again. Thank you.

Roxy -- I am with you on "this thing called cancer". I don't understand it, I hate it and I don't think I'll ever come to terms with how people get it. My beautiful childhood best friend has fought a good fight, but as I write this is on her way to losing that battle. The only way I keep myself from being angry is by knowing that she would be mad if I was mad all the time. She wants me to live a happy, full, life of love and I have the good fortune of being honored with that task for her and her family.