One of my best friends’ sister has been battling cancer for a year. When people say “battling” cancer, it is an accurate statement. When one “battles” cancer, it is for one’s life. The fight is messy, painful, tiring, expensive, costly, and heart breaking, just like all battles.
I questioned myself regarding posting about it, because I didn’t ask my friend. But I received a sense of knowing that if I wrote this and one person read it and it affected their life in a positive way then even though my friend’s sister lost the battle yesterday (May 17, 2010) she would be happy. SHE would have wanted me to write this, because she fought with all of her might and all of her faith until the very end. So she would want me to remind you of some of the signs you might want to pay attention to. She would want us to continue with the war with cancer.
—A change in bowel habits
—Diarrhea
—Constipation
—Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
—Stools that are narrower or have a different shape than usual
—Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool
—General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps)
—Change in appetite
—Weight loss for no known reason
—Feeling very tired
You might want to talk to a medical professional if you have any of the previously mentioned signs. These symptoms may be signs of rectal cancer. (1)
I would like to remind you that you need to listen to your body, you need to take time out from your schedule and you need to question things when things don’t feel right. We all suffer from, “Well, its nothing.” “Its this.” “Its that.” It is scaring and frustrating that as we age our bodies change so we never know if what is going on is part of the natural aging or if something is wrong. Then we rely on the medical professionals to tell us because that is their job, but they don’t know either. The last time I went to the doctor I felt as if I greatly annoyed her and was wasting her time because I was healthy. So, I understand hesitation in going to the doctor.
But we all need to be better about it, myself included. I learned some other things today that I didn’t know in regards to colon cancer*.
-According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
-Nearly all colon cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) polyps, which slowly develop into cancer.
-You have a higher risk for colon cancer if you: Have a personal history of breast cancer
-There is no single cause for colon cancer. What you eat may play a role in your risk of colon cancer. (2)
*Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together, they’re often referred to as colorectal cancers.
You were brave and fought well, you will be forever missed and loved. When I think of the situation and your family I am sad, but when I think of you and your attitude during your battle, I smile. Thank you for positive energy.
(1) Information from the National Cancer Institute
(2) Information from Medline Plus
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