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I'm less than a month away from participating in my 6th Relay for Life to benefit ACS. Because cancer has affected my life through my family and friends, I wanted to hop on my soapbox for a moment.

Please get your annual screenings - colon, mammogram, prostate, etc. (whatever is age/gender appropriate for you). If you have any symptoms that could be related to cancer, please get them checked. Don't wait because early detection is key to so many forms of cancer. While I may not know any of you IRL, that doesn't mean that there isn't someone IRL who knows you and loves you enough to want you around for MANY more years.

(hops off of the box)

Anyhow, I'll be doing Relay on May 30-31. Around 7:00 pm, we'll take time to honor those who've been diagnosed and are still with us. At dusk (~9:00 pm) we'll take time to remember those who are no longer here. I'll be remembering family and friends during both times. If you've never attended a Relay event, it's very moving to participate in either of these ceremonies and I highly recommend that you visit a local event - surf over to http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/findevent to find one near you.

Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 4:33 pm Post subject:

Great reminder. I work with a lot of younger "folks" that are still of the mind "it won't happen to me". I always advise them to get their checkups, mammograms, etc.

I had a cousin who skipped her mammograms for 5 yrs. Yes, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to go through the chemo, IV and the whole 9 yards. If her checkups had caught it early she could have avoided it - dr said. Just because "it doesn't run in my family" is not a good excuse! Everyone I know that has cancer or a cancer type illness never had it in their family.

Early detection is a very good idea but sometimes drs just don't do anything until bad symptoms come on or the "numbers" get high. I know quite a few people on the "watch and wait" list, I am included. You just get a raft of tests every year and hope for the best. BUT you never just let things go - you get checked out.

This may sound sexiest but I find women are more likely to go see the drs. Men just hope it will go away. Confused

Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 1:49 pm Post subject:

I just voted! Smile

Saturday my husband, grandson and I are walking in the Komen Race for the Cure! This will be our 2nd year. I am a year and a half breast cancer survivor and am doing good!!!!! It seems as cancer effects everyone in some way during their lifetime! Stormy

Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 1:56 pm Post subject:

Cancer does run in both sides of my family, so you bet I get regular checkups and do self-exams. My paternal grandfather died from lung cancer. My mother is a 17-year leukemia survivor, and recently her brother developed the same type of leukemia.

It's amazing how far cancer treaments have come. She had to do the bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy, and his is controllable with pills.

I'm sure you've noted this personally, Mom to 2, but it's amazing how your outlook changes when you are a cancer survivor. I've seen it firsthand in my mom -- she is such a happy person. I'm glad you are doing well!

I have not been to a Relay but I think I may just have to do that.

Lyz.

Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 2:10 pm Post subject:

Lyz, thanks alot. Yes, you and all involved change. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I had thick long blonde hair and 12 days after my first chemo it started coming out, so we shaved it off!!!! That is a BIG thing for a woman!!!!!!!!!!!! It came back in almost black and curly!!!!!!! Laughing

But I'm so glad to have hair again it's okay with me!!! HA!! Cancer changed me in a positive way I think!!! You just have to accept it, be strong, positive, be able to laugh as well as cry, and have faith that you will overcome it!!! It's hard Lyz and I'm so sorry it is so much in your family!! You would enjoy the walk! Soooooooo many people!!!! Stormy

Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 2:43 pm Post subject:

I remember when Mom lost her hair, too. Finally she had had enough of finding it everywhere. She asked my Aunt Judy to shave it off, as she was a hairstylist.

Aunt Judy was crying, Mom was just glad to be rid of the stuff. She found that she hated wearing a wig because it was hot and itchy, so just finally went with a soft turban. Her hair came in fairly similar to how it was before, though.

Out of 50 patients on her floor, I believe only 2 survived. It still chills me a lot to think of that. I and the other kids were really close, as we were all going through scary times, fearing that we would lose one of our parents.

I felt really sorry for my uncle -- he was her donor. He also faints at the sight of blood, so going through that process was tough on him, too. He is the one who has also developed the same type.

It's still amazing to see how far cancer treatments in come in less than 20 years. My uncle is managing his with a pill! I look forward to the day when we finally are able to eradicate cancer for good.

Lyz.

Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 2:56 pm Post subject:

You, your family are in my prayers Lyz. I just couldn't get into the turbans so I wore wigs. Mine was so real looking if you didn't know me, you wouldn't know it was a wig. Yes, treatment has come a very long way even in the last few years. I am taking a cancer pill for the next 5 years. It's Femara. Good and bad points. It makes my joint sore but that's it, so I can handle that!!!! You're from Texas right? Me too. Stormy Smile

Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject:

Cancer has heavily affected my life. I've lost my grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and uncle (all on one side - my mom's). I also lost an aunt who was married to someone in the previously mentioned family. My mom has had precancerous cysts removed multiple times and the last time they chose to do a full hysterectomy to make sure the cysts stopped for good. My grandfather on my dad's side also had cancer, but that's not what took him. My cousin (again on my mom's side) is battling cancer and my sister in law is hoping her recent issues aren't cancer related as the doctor's didn't give a good prognosis if that what she has. I've also lost several friends and a coworker. It's just too much. So, I do Relay with my students to honor those who are still here and to honor the memory of those who aren't. It's very bittersweet.

I find it encouraging to hear or read the stories of those who are surviving as that's one of the reasons I do Relay - to increase the numbers who can say they are a survivor. Thanks to those who've posted their stories - either on this thread or on other threads.

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