Thursday, June 3, 2021

Why Is Cancer Still a Thing?

Seven years ago today, I underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction. I've been cancer free ever since. These are the days when Facebook Memories are really nice to read. I had SO much love and support. I had adopted animal print as my own personal cancer color because I have an aversion to pink, and the number of people who took selfies while wearing animal print was and is overwhelming. 




This year I have been overwhelmed in a different way because of the number of people I love who are either going through cancer, or who have people they love going through cancer. A friend told me that her mother-in-law had been diagnosed with lymphoma, which prompted me to say "why is cancer still a thing?" 

A college friend had surgery this week due to breast cancer. She confided in me early on and let me know that she had gone back and read my blog posts about my own experience. (Never underestimate the effect you might have on someone just by telling your story.)

My sister-in-law recently had the same surgery that I did. I'm thrilled to say that she is also cancer free and will not need chemo or radiation. Aaron is riding the Pan Ohio Hope Ride in July for the 7th time, but this time it's in honor of his sister. 

Just this week, I found out that the daughter of one of my childhood friends was diagnosed with breast cancer. She's 29. TWENTY-NINE. 

And while not a human case, our cat Clover died a couple months ago after surgery in which it was discovered that she had not one, but two different kinds of cancer. Seriously? 

Clover in her camo "surgical recovery suit"


I guess I don't really have a point to this post, except to celebrate my own survivor status, rant about the fact that cancer IS still a thing, and send out good juju to all those going through their own battles. I see you, and I'm with you.