Seriously?

When Marie got diagnosed last month, it was inevitable that Lisa, Gina's younger sister, would begin to wonder when it was going to be her turn to face cancer.  First her mother, then one sister, then the other sister.  Talk about waiting for "the other shoe to drop."  Well, she didn't have to wait long.  On July 13, Lisa's biopsy came back positive.  Although her mammogram was clean, an MRI found a 1 cm tumor.  In the world of cancer, this is actually GREAT news, as it's just about as early of a detection as you can hope for.  Still, it's cancer.

This time, I didn't cry.  I'm done crying.  FUCK YOU, CANCER--FUCK YOU!  Every time I shave my head (which I did within the hour of hearing of Lisa's diagnosis), every time I put on my pink ribbon earrings or my bright pink jacket, every time I look at my tattoo, I think to myself, FUCK YOU, CANCER!  In fact, I want to THANK YOU again, cancer, for giving me the motivation to keep up my participation in the fight against breast cancer!

My Spencer still asks me periodically, "when are you going to let your hair grow back?"  And every time,  I explain to him that even though Aunty Gina is well, there are lots of women who are not, and that the fight continues.  Plus, it's just hair--and everyone agrees I look great :)

But seriously, please get your mammogram.  Please know your family history.  Please support breast cancer research.

I was just having a conversation with some friends about the fact that most people don't get involved in a "cause" until it touches them personally.  That was certainly true for me.  But I hope it won't be for you.  I pray that cancer stays away from you and your loved ones!

***

Dear Lisa,

I am sorry this is happening to you.  When I think about us all 20+  years ago, having fun and partying, I know we never imagined that we'd be dealing with something like this!  But here we are.  And we will walk this journey together, and I will help you in any way I can.  For every shitty part of this, I promise you something to be thankful for.  You may not be able to see the good parts yet, but they are there, waiting to be discovered.

I love you!
Lisa

Mary, Mom, Gina, Lisa