We share some common disease, they are ours and men don’t get them And they are very dangerous; breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. The cures are coming but the prevention is slow.
My best friend spent a decade plus trying to prevent breast cancer, fighting off a family history. SHe was part of a Tamoxifan study and regular checkups and mamograms. Yet, not long after the active part of the study ended, she found s lump. I remember the call, they are such few words and they say so much. I did not want to believe it and then I wanted to minimize what it meant.
But she is a soldier who trudged off to the doctor; a new mamomgram; a biopsy; a sonogram and a diagnosis. ANd then, finally, the surgery. I have followed behind trying to give comfort yet knowing this is a personal nightmare even when every one believes you will wake up.
Yesterday we watched our beloved Steelers play a football game and it was a thrilling game (at our age, we like them more onesided-our side) . Yet we spent our time flipping through the American Cancer Book looking at wigs and hats. The one thing we have not done in 30 plus years is look at catalogues together. This was more symbolic…..she will loose her hair to the chemo and I want to find the words to be supportive. Her husband walked in and out of the room but commented very little. And she wasn’t asking for my opinion, I am not even sure what she was asking for. But she will get what she needs.
I have to get over the fear that it could be me…..it could be any of us. This is OUR fight.
