Yesterday, October 20, 2011 was designated as "Think Pink" day here in Norther California. We were to wear pink, stop and think about breast cancer, donate, there were give aways, they lit our beautiful Sundial Bridge up in pink light, a gorgeous site to behold. And in general it is a day to just make us stop and remember those women in our lives who have fought this horrible battle and won, and to remember those who have fought the battle and lost....
I have experienced both of these battles, with the women in my life. My mother in law is a 20 year breast cancer survivor. My cousin only 3 years my senior, fought the battle and lost....
When my mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was me who took her to her chemo and radiation appointments. It was a wonderful bonding time for a mother in law and son in law, the sharing of the fears of death, life, the future. Our sons were little, at the time that she went through her cancer and treatment. They were introduced to cancer and it's ugly side effects at a way to young age. Mom, that is what I have always called my mother in law, went through her chemo and radiation very well. Of course she was very sick, lost her hair, but she never lost her joy or her hope of knowing that she would beat this disease, and we are every grateful for that.
My cousin, Marji, only 3 years older than myself was diagnosed with this dreadful disease when she was just in her mid 40's. She had 5 children all, still in school. Marji was a rebel of sorts, always looking for the organic way to cure ailments. Thus she made the decision early on that she would not use conventional medical treatment for her disease. I do not make judgement for her decision, it was hers, she owned it, and was steadfast in the treatment plan that she followed. But alas it was not a plan that was to be successful for her. She died, leaving all 5 of her children, her mother and father and her brother, and lots of cousins behind. All of us of course have our own opinions as to whether or not she chose the right path...... she chose the right path for her ......
So I have had the joy of seeing one loved one live through and be in remission for breast cancer, and I have had the heart break of seeing another be not so fortunate....
Life has many twists and turns and we all have decisions that we must make at every twist and turn that had different and at times devastating consequences for us....
I celebrate this Think Pink day, with everyone, both those who have lived to tell their stories, and those who we are left to tell their stories for them.....
Let's all take a moment and collectively send out a prayer that they find a cure for breast cancer, and all other cancers also........................
Think Pink.......... but always pray for a cure...................
Blessings
Curtis
I have experienced both of these battles, with the women in my life. My mother in law is a 20 year breast cancer survivor. My cousin only 3 years my senior, fought the battle and lost....
When my mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was me who took her to her chemo and radiation appointments. It was a wonderful bonding time for a mother in law and son in law, the sharing of the fears of death, life, the future. Our sons were little, at the time that she went through her cancer and treatment. They were introduced to cancer and it's ugly side effects at a way to young age. Mom, that is what I have always called my mother in law, went through her chemo and radiation very well. Of course she was very sick, lost her hair, but she never lost her joy or her hope of knowing that she would beat this disease, and we are every grateful for that.
My cousin, Marji, only 3 years older than myself was diagnosed with this dreadful disease when she was just in her mid 40's. She had 5 children all, still in school. Marji was a rebel of sorts, always looking for the organic way to cure ailments. Thus she made the decision early on that she would not use conventional medical treatment for her disease. I do not make judgement for her decision, it was hers, she owned it, and was steadfast in the treatment plan that she followed. But alas it was not a plan that was to be successful for her. She died, leaving all 5 of her children, her mother and father and her brother, and lots of cousins behind. All of us of course have our own opinions as to whether or not she chose the right path...... she chose the right path for her ......
So I have had the joy of seeing one loved one live through and be in remission for breast cancer, and I have had the heart break of seeing another be not so fortunate....
Life has many twists and turns and we all have decisions that we must make at every twist and turn that had different and at times devastating consequences for us....
I celebrate this Think Pink day, with everyone, both those who have lived to tell their stories, and those who we are left to tell their stories for them.....
Let's all take a moment and collectively send out a prayer that they find a cure for breast cancer, and all other cancers also........................
Think Pink.......... but always pray for a cure...................
Blessings
Curtis
We all have different opinions on what treatment is appropriate for cancer. It is nice to hear someone supporting a woman for her decision to chose the "right" therapy for herself. So many times people forget about who the illness is about and who it belongs to. Thanks for the great post and the reminder : ) Blessings to you and yours, Curtis : )
ReplyDeleteThanks Amber, and you are so right there are so many options in this fight. Each person must decide for themselves what they want, and it is our job as friends, relatives, and loved ones to support THEIR decision, because it is THEIR bodies, not ours.......
ReplyDelete