Nov 24 2008
When Friends Die of Cancer
When Friends Die of Cancer we feel so helpless.
As we age, and arrive here in the last third of our lives, we realize just how prevelant cancer has become.
I dare say, not a month goes by that I am not informed of, or read about another friend, acquaintance, relative, or colleague who has either developed a cancer, or has died of it.
I don’t know what to do; I feel so helpless.
What can we do? The medical profession is not defeating cancer. Medicine is only prolonging the lives, and sometimes, the pain and suffering of those afflicted with cancer. The medical profession will inform us that a five year life extension is a successful treatment. Bah humbug. They are not defeating cancer and virtually the only advise we get is to change our diet, exercise more, and get regular checkups. Then, when cancer appears, choose from amongst the medical options presented to us. It is always the same: surgery, chemo, radiation, and usually a combination of all of the above. Then hope for the best. How sad.
It IS sad; and we are SO helpless. We want to help those who have such sad stories to tell, but we can’t help everybody. “Being there” for those who are close to us and afflicted with cancer is about all we can do, and “being there” takes a toll on all of us.
I can’t offer any suggestions other than acceptance. With acceptance and surrender, we give ourselves peace with our Creator, acknowledge that our lives have had purpose, and that we will leave behind good memories for our families to cherish. I pray to spare my family the agony of prolonged suffering.
My father died in his early 60’s after 7 different bouts of cancer over 17 years. My husband has cancer that has metastasized more than 4x already in the last 4 years.
Life is a journey and this is one of the roads.
We will all die from something.
I know what you mean. We are no longer allowed to die from “old age”; every symptom gets a label and must be treated. And as a 8-year cancer survivor myself, let me tell you the treatment is usually worse than the disease. Why is everybody getting cancer?
My sister is currently battling IBC inflammatory breast cancer - almost always diagnosed at late stage III or IV. Her’s was IV when diagnosed in February. The treatment has been rough, but she is fighting for her life that is not yet finished. At 42 years old, with a son and a husband, she hopes for the best, expects miracles, but also realizes that it is all in God’s will.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
http://www.thetreadmillguide.com