October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I figured what better way to start my blog than to share something personal that many people can relate to?
This is my mom (and me, but the isn't about me).
August of last year she was diagnosed with breast and lung cancer at the same time. She's been through multiple treatments and surgeries and she's still going! Mom never smoked and the doctors still don't know what caused her lung cancer. We thought maybe from being a cosmetologist all those years being around the chemicals (hello aquanet), but they ruled that out. They also ruled out any second hand smoke. It blindsided us.
Mom is the closest person to me to have cancer. I've had special people to me pass of cancer, but I wasn't sitting with them in appointments, at their house to help out, etc.
My mom is my best friend. My dad passed when I was 17 and it's just kind of always been me and her. When I left home for college she met my stepdad Scott, who we are both so lucky to have in our lives. He's become like a dad to me and I love my step siblings! I work full-time and if it weren't for Scott, my mom wouldn't have had nearly the support she needed over the past year without him.
According to the American Cancer Society's website: "Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer. This also means there is a 7 in 8 chance she will never have the disease."
13% doesn't seem like a lot, but I think we all know someone who has had breast cancer. And if not, awesome! You're very lucky. Ladies (and gentlemen) you need to check regularly! Mom said life got busy and she just kind of put her exams on the back burner. I think we all know how easy it is to get caught up taking care of others and forgetting yourself.
Not everyone has a Scott in their lives. I encourage you, if you see someone who needs help, help. Even if it's as simple as making sure they have some nice fuzzy socks to wear during chemo treatments.
Mom,
You're my best friend. And I don't know what I'd do in this world without you. Keep pushing. Keep fighting. You have a support system that is here and willing to fight right next to you.
I'm glad we have these pictures to look back on. Thank you for getting dressed up on a random weekend and dealing with Ross and I!
Love you,
Pookie