Fighting cancer is part of having cancer…
I remember many years ago, when I was a teenager my extended family had gone into crisis mode because of cancer. A young, married cousin of mine was diagnosed with liver cancer. She had three small kids, a great husband, a successful and happy life and this cancer was going to kill her.
It was at a time in cancer world, when a liver cancer diagnosis was a death sentence. There was really just one type of chemotherapy for all cancers and it was so toxic, cancer patients could barely stand the treatment.
I don’t know what killed my cousin first, the treatment or the cancer. My entire family was heart broken.
I remember hearing whispers that my cousin had given up once she found out about the cancer.
I still hear that sentiment expressed today among family members to their loved ones who are faced with a cancer diagnosis.
“Don’t give up.” “We’re gonna fight this.” “We’ll face this cancer and we’ll beat it.”
We’ve all heard these thoughts expressed.
I guess it’s so important to stand up to cancer. If we’re mentally strong, do our bodies listen and respond better to treatment? Are we just being strong for our loved ones and care givers?
It’s hard for me to imagine anyone just giving up. If they do, it’s got to be because the strain and pressure of what cancer brings to a life is just too much. It’s not because they don’t want to live. It’s not because they don’t want to fight.
Fighting is part of having cancer.
September 24, 2016 @ 8:20 am
I am in the fighting camp. I did and am blessed to still be here. With that said, I also have followed Driving Miss Norma on Facebook. She has made a different choice and her travels with her family have been inspirational. Of course she is 90 some will say so it is easy to decide not to subject yourself to the treatments. She has shared a different perspective thanks to her family. I respect her choice knowing the outcome will most likely come sooner rather than later. Miss Norma,,,you have added another beautiful story to our flawed world. May God Bless you and your family. Be at Peace.
September 23, 2016 @ 10:00 am
My friend has a mass near the pelvic bone and is waiting for results of biopsy. She told me that she will not do chemo under any circumstances. I have to respect her wishes and not interject my opinion if she does not ask for it. On a side note, my husband had a mild stroke on Monday, so we were camped out at the hospital earlier this week, but are home and he should recover fully. Land mines everywhere!
September 23, 2016 @ 1:03 pm
Nan,
Those are hard decisions to make, but I understand them completely. The “NO chemo” choice is brave in its own way.
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. So true about the land mines…hope his full recovery comes quickly.
L
September 24, 2016 @ 8:19 pm
Thank you so very much!