Monday, October 1, 2012

LiveStrong

I would like to take today to express my hope that one day we will not live in fear of cancer.  That some types of cancer won't be considered a death sentence, that stage four won't be more fearful than stage 1.  I pray God will guide the researchers to find targeted therapies no more ravishing on the body than an antibiotic, like those taken for an ear infection.  Unfortunately today, with cancer, the cure can be as bad as the disease.

As most of you know, I lost my mother this past August to leukemia.  Her leukemia was a very aggressive form, the type that victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered from after the bombs were dropped. And hers may very well have been just as "man made" as theirs.

My mom, Mary Steiner

In 1986-7, my mother underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer.  Around 2004 she developed MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome), a form of pre-leukemia which can be caused by previous chemotherapy.  She was one of the unfortunates whose MDS turned into a virulent form of leukemia.

By this time, she was too old to withstand the treatments necessary to fight her cancer, even if the doctors had effective treatments for her type of leukemia (which they don't).  Too often this is the case with thousands of people each year, and not just ones with leukemia.  As far as we have come, there is so far yet to go.

So I take a moment to remember those who have been lost - my neighbor Jeff who never smoked, to lung cancer; my co-worker Jim, who did smoke, also to lung cancer; Animal Shelter Volunteer Life's Kevin's beloved Auntie Kathy, Zoolatry's sweet Poppy Vic, and of course, my mother. I know many of you have lost loved ones too, and I dedicate this moment to them as well.  You are all sorely missed.  We love you.

23 comments:

Sweet Purrfections said...

We are purraying for a world where cancer no longer exists.

Cat said...

We pray for a world without this horrible disease. Livestrong today and always and lovestrong too!!!

Cory said...

*bows head in honor*

We purr and pray for a world without cancer.

xoxo Cory and family

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

Today, we purr together. We are pink and yellow today plus it's Merlin's 18th birthday but without the party.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Purrs to you today. There WILL be a cure!

Marg said...

What a wonderful post. We know this is a tough day for you. Sending hugs to ya and we sure are remembering everyone we have lost. And special purrs and prayers to our friend Judi. Take care.

The Furries of Whisppy said...

We are purring for everyone whose lives have been affected by cancer.
<<>>

Brian's Home Blog said...

We must defeat the Evil C. It doesn't fight fair but I believe we can whip it.

The Island Cats said...

Cancer stinks! We purr for those who have been and those who are affected by the evil C. Livestrong!

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Beautiful post.. I also join in the hope that one day there will be no more of the evil cancer and all the evil it brings. Hugs GJ xx

Hannah and Lucy said...

A wonderful post and we purr with you and pray with you for a cure for this terrible disease.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Avalon's Garden and Mewsings of Garden Cottage Cats said...

We Purray your Pray iz answered ~ Amen ^..^
♥♥xo♥♥

Marilia said...

Beautiful post!!

meowmeowmans said...

Such a powerful tribute to your mom, and your dear friends. Thank you so much for including my Auntie Kathy in your special post.

We, too, look forward to the day when "cancer" is just a word, and not a disease to be feared.

Sending purrs and prayers of comfort to you. We stand strong and LIVE STRONG with you, today and always.

Big hugs and purrs,

Kevin, Tracey, Sammy and Moosey

Katie Isabella said...

A moving tribute and as cancer killed my mother as well, it was even more special to me today. Xx

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

We're gonna hope with you on that one! Livestrong, everyday!

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

What a loving beautiful tribute to all of those who are dealing with cancer. Like you we pray for the day when treatment for cancer is clear cut.

((hugs))
purrs
>^,,^<
✿•*¨`*•. ♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥✿•*¨`*•.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

this was beautiful. Your mother is looking down on you with love and pride. I am so deeply sorry for your loss

Annie Bear said...

I'm so sorry about your mom. This was a lovely post.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

This is a beautiful post in honour of your mother and those taken by cancer.We are purring and praying that one day soon, cancer will be a thing of the past.

Kat said...

This post is a beauitful tribute to honor your mother and many others who have passed away due to cancer. We love them and will always miss them.

A Tonl said...

We join you in commemorating those who have been lost. This is a dreadful disease, and we see too many who are fighting it.

We pray for a cure. Soon.

Texas, a Cat in... Austin said...

What a beautiful and moving post.
((purrs))