Sunday, March 14, 2010

Cancer is a BITCH!

A year ago I lost my father to cancer. We didn't find the cancer until it was already in stage four. I didn't have much time to spend with him before it was too late. This was my first experience in losing someone I love to that cancer bitch.

I have a maternal aunt who has battled breast cancer and been in remission for a few years. We just recently learned that her cancer has returned and spread to her lungs, liver, and brain. It is now in stage four. Just when you get over one tragedy, life hits you with another. My family is pooling together to provide strength and support to each other.

If you have ever lost someone you love to cancer, then you know how devastating it is on them as well as the family. I just ask my followers (all 15 of you :-) to make sure you get yearly check-up and encourage your family members and friends to do the same. My aunt had been complaining of migraines, but waited until it was too late to go to the doctor. My dad had been having problems breathing and also waited before visiting a doctor. If you are experiencing unusual pain or are having symptoms that are new to you, go to the doctor. You can never be to cautious when it comes to your health and the health of those you love.

Stay well and love hard!

Until next time,

Leah

4 comments:

  1. I lost my Gramms last year this month and my grandfather in Dec. Both to lung cancer. My grandfather had been dealing with it for nearly two years, but my Gramms had no idea. She had stomach pains and kept going to GI docs to find out what was wrong. All along this lung cancer was running rampant without being treated. By the time they finally diagnosed her correctly, there was nothing to be done and it was stage 4. It took her so quickly.
    I feel cheated, just like I'm sure you do. Best way to honour them I think, is to keep living and live well. Not make the same mistakes they did and keep their memories alive.
    {{{BIG HUGS}}}

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt, Leah. I know that things like this are extremely difficult to deal with and it can take its toll on everyone who knows the individual. Times like this is when a family is at its strongest so I hope you can take a little comfort in knowing that together you will all get through this.

    I can't agree with your last paragraph enough. I grew up never even having been born when either of my grandfathers were alive, both of my mom's parents died of lung cancer (abuelo was only 56) my dad's mother had a form of cancer, and my dad had strokes.

    It's scary and as much information is out there, people don't take the time to read up on these things because they can't get over that thought process of "oh, it'll never happen to me."

    Becca's right, the best way to honor them is to live your life like they would want and make sure you stay healthy and live a long life.

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  3. Leah, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad and to know that now you are having to fight the same battle with your aunt. I lost my dad to cancer just a few months ago (he passed away on New Year's Eve), and I can completely empathize with what you are going through. We found his cancer in July, he was getting treatment and just when we thought things were going to be fine, found out in November that it had spread to his lungs and bone. It went so fast, and I am so sad for him that he lost so much of his life (he was 58), and for me and my family that he is gone.

    ((((HUGS))))

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  4. I'm so sorry, Leah. It is a total bitch, and I wish it wasn't striking your family so often. I too have lost a very close family member to a very aggressive form of cancer. I'll keep praying for you!

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