DEAR CANCER
BY SYNDI POWELL
Dear Cancer,
I've thought about what I wanted to say to you for five
years now. I first met you when my dad was diagnosed when I was twelve, and I
didn't much like you then. He beat you, but the months of treatment weren't
easy on the family. Two years later, you reared your ugly head in my mom. She
beat you too, but you created so much chaos in our family life. We thought you
were gone for good.
Then you came back with a vengeance eleven years ago and
took my dad away from us. I was angry with you then. So angry. How dare you
take him away just when he'd started retirement and looked forward to having
more time to enjoy his life! You robbed him of that, and I refused to forgive
you for that. He didn't get to see his grandkids grow up. Didn't get to walk me
down the aisle when I got married. There's a hole in our lives because of you.
And then you came for me. I remember when the doctor told me
the diagnosis, I sat numbly as words I didn't understand zipped by my head.
Words like lumpectomy and mastectomy. I could only nod and agree that the
surgeon and I were going to fight you together. I was willing to do what I had
to do to make sure that you didn't win.
The pain and the nausea caused by the side effects of
fighting you have been a part of my everyday life. I got sick and tired of
being sick and tired. I wanted to give up. To stop working so hard to defeat
you. But I wasn't going to give in to you. You took too much away from me
already, and I wasn't going to let you take anymore.
Well, guess what? I won. You lost. You have no hold over me
anymore. I am done with you and have the rest of my life to celebrate my
victory.
So goodbye, cancer. We're through.
Syndi
Syndi, your post is going to stay with me for a long time. I lost my mother to cancer and a year ago today, my brother. The sense of helplessness when loved ones -and we ourselves- are sick is overwhelming. Regular donations to cancer research is my small way but your letter is a great one. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis was the most wonderful post. So heart-touching. Congratulations on your victory! Cancer took my aunt while her children were still young and my uncle just before his first grandchild was born. My father-in-law has been in remission for several years and I've watched so many other friends and family fight this horrible disease. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteI like your attitude and resolve. You and your family have had a hard journey with this disease. I doubt there's a person among us here who haven't dealt with it or watched some one else go through not just the diagnoses and treatments, but all the difficult decisions that go along with it. Thanks so much for posting this. Like Janice said, your words will stay with me.
ReplyDeleteFive years--what a wonderful milestone. I admire your attitude. Congratulations to the victor!
ReplyDeleteMy dad was like yours, fought and won, then fought again but left us. My mother in law was a twenty year survivor. Keep the warrior mentality even since you won. It will serve you well. God bless you and watch over you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad for you!
ReplyDeleteSyndi, your words are so honest and strong. I don't think there is anything more chilling than hearing the words "It's cancer." I hope you have planned something happy to celebrate your 5-year milestone!
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl! You are the bravest woman I know.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! It's a fight worth winning.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave attitude. Cancer has touched my family too, so I understand the pain. Glad you kicked it to the curb!
ReplyDelete