The Ambivalence of a disease: Cancer

Disease eats away at the normal functions or structures in the body.  Our goal in life is to avoid disease by exercising, eating healthy, drinking lots of water, getting plenty of rest, etc.  Disease not only affects the physical body of the person, but also the mental health of the individual and the people closest to them.

Cancer is one of THE most feared disease in the world today.  When we hear “cancer”, more often then not the thought of DEATH jumps in our heads first.  After that initial thought and shock do we take a breath and figure out what path to take regarding treatment.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer over 15+ years ago.  She shared the same fears and challenges as all cancer victims ~ being sick from treatment, losing her hair, fatigue, loneliness, etc.  My dad was her stable support throughout her treatment and I am thankful, everyday, that he was there for her.

Cancer hadn’t been ‘on the radar’ until my mom was diagnosed.  Even then, once she finished treatment, life went on as usual.  It almost seemed as if it was a subject to ‘forget about’ amongst family and friends. 

A few years later, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer.  “What was up with all this cancer stuff”, I thought for a moment.  But again, once the treatment was finished, everyone went on with their lives.

It wasn’t until I became involved with an organization over 10 years later called “First Descents”, that I really learned what cancer is all about.  I have been involved with this organization for about 7 years now.  This experience has given me the opportunity to sit down with cancer survivors and cancer victims and learn how this disease has affected them, their lives’, their families, etc. 

I have heard stories about relationships ending because of the stress that cancer had caused.  I have heard stories about schools unwilling to work with their students going through cancer treatment.  I have heard some pretty unbearable stories from survivors and those still in treatment.

I have also heard stories about support and love.  I have witnessed, first-hand, these “First Descent” participants finding strength when they didn’t know it existed inside of them.  I have witnessed laughter through fear.  I have witnessed the most amazing “families” being developed at the end of these FD camps and the support continuing for years and years afterwards.  

 

This has changed my reaction towards cancer.  Yes, this disease SUCKS big-time, but it also forces YOU and the people around you to become the most amazing people and realize there is SO much more to life then work, play and everyday life.  Life is YOU, ME . . . US! 

I feel blessed that my entire family is playing their part in ‘fighting cancer’.  My mom demonstrated her strength through her treatment and supports cancer research through her Mary Kay business, myself with FirstDescents and my sister works with the LIVESTRONG Foundation in creating and supervising exercise programs for cancer survivors at her local YMCA.  And, well . . . my dad just supports his ladies in everything we do!

So, in a way, I have to say “thanks, cancer!  I hate you, but without you, we (mom, sister and I) wouldn’t have met the most amazingly, strong people and been a part of the most memorable experiences!”

Read here for a posting from awhile back about  my mom's cancer.