Cancer Is A Word, Not A Sentence

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this post, but I want to honor those who have fought the good fight.

During the past couple of weeks, my husband and I lost 2 friends/mentors to cancer – a man and woman.  They both were in their 50’s and had pancreatic cancer for a couple of years.  They both went through chemo; however, different variations.  They both went into remission earlier in the year only to find the cancer return a few months ago.  And unfortunately, they both recently passed away.

It’s hard to see people go through something like that.  Not only the cancer, but all of the complications and set backs that came with it. Even though they will both be truly missed, I know that they are finally free of pain and in the arms of Jesus.

Battling Cancer

Going through his initial battle with cancer impacted and changed our friend.  He wanted to help others who were also going through it.  He had done research and had learned a lot as he was battling it.  He had went through 20+ months of chemo and knew that there were other things in addition that would help him.  He tried to combine traditional medicine with naturopathic medicine.  He knew it was going to take a change in diet, exercise, stress-reduction, a positive attitude and a recognition that we need help from someone greater than ourselves.  He would say, “Cancer is not a sentence, it’s a word.”  Unfortunately, he ended up suffering from all of the complications that came from his medical treatments.

I remember having a conversation with him when he was in remission.  We discussed the time when he initially was told he had cancer.  He wasn’t sure which way to turn.  Treatment options aren’t something that one researches beforehand.  It takes a diagnosis.  Then at that time, in the midst of fear, you either do exactly what your doctor says, or begin the grueling work of research.

Learning From Others

I don’t want to see others go through what either person went through. As a result of my own illness, I’ve had to do a lot of research.  Cancer is a disease that I would come across as I researched other auto immune diseases.  While chemo and radiation may make sense in some instances, I have always wondered if there were more natural options which may be more effective as I had lost family members to it.  I don’t have all of the answers, but I now believe that there are resources out there to help those who have been diagnosed.  Also, resources to help people prevent it in the first place.

My goal is to continue to research and try to help others live a more natural lifestyle so they don’t have to go down the difficult path that those before us have gone.  May we learn from their experiences.