A friend recently tumbled out the words that I remember
being stuck in my own throat two plus years ago, “I have cancer.” We traded
some swear words about the whole affair and then I did what I’ve done
consistently for the last couple of years, I set about researching her disease
and her treatment options. Imagine my surprise when I discovered her cancer
being described as “the GOOD cancer.”
Full stop. A good cancer?
That would be an oxymoronic (emphasis on the moronic)
statement if I ever heard one.
Cancer sucks. Regardless of the type of cells choosing to go
rogue.
Cancer is the antithesis of ‘good.’ Beyond the immediate
surgical, chemical or radiological treatments, cancer means always looking over
your shoulder. Cancer means overthinking every ache, pain and bruise. Cancer
means adding the “mean survival rate” years to your current age and subtracting
the years you’ve been cancer free. Just to check again whether or not the
probability exists that you will see your children graduate from high school,
choose a life partner, have children, grow old with your spouse.
Cancer is a thief. It takes pieces of your body and it takes
your peace of mind.
Mere weeks before my friend was diagnosed with thyroid
cancer, another friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Opposite ends of the
body yet very common in the shock, frustration, anger and periods of
soul-crushing fear.
In the cancer community, we are all more similar than different.
In the cancer community, we are all more similar than different.
September is National Ovarian Cancer Month. Ironically September
is also Thyroid Cancer Awareness month – I Googled it. And, for as steeped in
the world of oncology as I am, when my daughter asked me what color the
solidarity ribbon was, I had to Google that too. In other words, for as in
touch as I am in the cancer community, I am ignorant regarding the ins and outs
of thyroid cancer awareness.
But I am absolutely aware that there is no such thing as a
“GOOD cancer.”
There is, however, good research. And we need more of it.
Please take six minutes to watch the American Academy of
Cancer Research 2015 report video showing what good research can mean to individuals and their families:
Cancer treatments can only be improved with adequate funding
of research. We need to move well beyond the ‘awareness only’ phase and onto
the ‘focused action’ phase.
All cancers suck. But focused research that extends treatment options and quality of life is GOOD.
All cancers suck. But focused research that extends treatment options and quality of life is GOOD.
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