Sometimes it just gets to be too much.
Too many doctors. Too many tests. Too much bad news. So we run or in this case, get in the car and drive….toward a place that holds great memories. Memories of happier times, healthier times, loving times and no cancer times.
Life was good there. A place to plan a future and it didn’t include a cancer diagnosis. There was nothing in the plan that made room for chemo or radiation either. And there was no space for a test result that may be hinting that the disease has metastasized. That’s cancer….the master of the surprise reveal.
But can we really out run this monster?
We all handle it differently, don’t we?
Some of us hit the “attack” button. We get aggressive and ramp-up the treatment plan. How many cancer cells can we kill today? Others sit back, let the news sink-in and think about the next step. An extra few days won’t matter.
And some of us run.
How far is far enough?
April 19, 2012 @ 7:30 pm
My friend Cathy who has been Stage IV with melanoma for quite a few years thanks to her fighting spirit, some good doctors, radiation for brain tumors, chemo and surgery for liver and intestinal mets has now found another tumor under her arm. Melanoma will just not let go but she will also not quit. She is amazing. Just when we think that melanoma is winning or has won, she bows her neck and says “not today” Her spirit and attitude are something to emulate…no whining, no complaining (well just a little), no why me…..a quiet, gentle warrior who is still fighting. Her attitude is “just another tumor…I’ve seen worse so let’s go forward.” She is scheduled for a PET scan to see if her tumor brought some friends. If not, just another surgery and more chemo.This lady has endured more than most could ever contemplate but does not allow melanoma to gain the upper edge. As you say your prayers, please lift her name, Cathy Foster, up to God for His grace, mercy and healing power to heal and restore her. Thank you.
April 20, 2012 @ 8:21 am
Al…what a strong woman your friend is. My prayers go out to her and my admiration for her strength.