I’ve gotten so crazy about cancer lately. Cancer is everywhere. Everything causes cancer. And I don’t know if it’s one of those scenarios where, when you’re going through something, that’s ALL you see on TV and in books and in the news…or if it’s just the state of affairs these days. I feel like everyone knows someone with cancer, or has cancer, or has lost someone to cancer.
Still with me? This is not a cheery way to start a blog post, I’ll give you that.
I’m being proactive, though. I’m switching to natural ingredients when I can, and attempting to eat as little pesticide-sprayed food as humanly possible. I ingest more greens and less red meat. I wear large sunglasses and wider-brimmed hats (although whether that’s a skincare precaution or an attempt to look like Carmen Sandiego is anyone’s best guess). I read and I watch and I learn- and then, at a certain point, I shut off all outside information. Because mental health plays into well-being too, you know?
I get checked out. For everything. For stuff that would astound you. Headaches, unexplained rashes, that one time I had a Plantar’s Wart on my foot- noted, addressed, frozen off. And as soon as I get the insurance a-ok, I’m getting the rest of it done, too: mammograms, mole checks (side note- I have zero moles, but that will not stop me), colonoscopies. Draw the blood, squash the body part. I will pee in any cup required.
My Dad’s cancer could’ve been prevented or- at the very least- detected earlier. That will not happen to me. That WILL NOT happen to me. Because guess what’s worse than a blood draw, doctor’s office nudity, or the “night before a procedure” anxiety? Stage 4 cancer. Stage 3 cancer. Dying of cancer. Any cancer beyond “glad we caught it in time.”
To that end, I’m so inspired by this woman’s story, you guys. (And this is one thousand percent part of no ad campaigns. I’m sharing because I want to share.)
Heather Von St. James was given 15 months to live, three months after the birth of her daughter. Diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure, she eventually underwent treatment and had her left lung removed. It worked. 9 years after a diagnosis which claims most patients within their first year, she’s made it her mission to spread the word on mesothelioma. I know you’ve seen the lawsuit commercials and heard the term bandied about, but do you really know anything about that kind of cancer? Factoids:
- Mesothelioma is only caused by asbestos exposure.
- Anyone who grew up in houses built during and before the 70s most likely had a good deal of asbestos exposure.
- The lungs are the most often affected by this type of cancer.
- 3,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
- 2,500 of those people usually die.
- The latency period (the time between the first exposure and when you start feeling really crappy) is typically 20-40 years.
- Early detection could- quite literally- save your life.
- 60 countries around the world have banned asbestos.
- America is not one of them.
Her blog is a good read. Feel free to check it out here. (Again, not a sponsored anything- just something that came across my desk/laptop that I felt compelled to share.)
Knowledge is power. Knowing is half the battle. Saturday morning cartoons are still oh-so applicable.
As for me, I took a step out of the ordinary last night…and went for a run. For the first time in roughly 15 years. I was- very briefly- a cross-country runner in high school but then, after my last meet of senior year, promptly decided I hated every single aspect of running. So what inspired last night’s weird blend of jogging, sprinting, and self-beration? I HAVE NO IDEA. But still, when your inner voice suggests that physical activity sounds great, you go full steam with that physical activity before your inner voice suggests that plan about gorditas again.
Fun fact: I still own the pair of running shoes my Dad got me my senior year. They’re grey and pink Nikes, and I remember thinking that they were wicked expensive at the time. My Dad simply looked at me. “Are you gonna kick ass in these?” I promised him I would make varsity. He promised me that the Nikes were worth the expense, then. (I made varsity.)
While those shoes are in no way legit athletic shoes any longer, they’re pretty fabulous DIY around-the-house shoes. And for my birthday this past June, Peej and the kids gifted me some new running shoes. Grey and teal and probably wicked expensive. They’re awesome. And while I can’t promise to become a “real” runner again, I can promise to be thrilled every time I wear my new shoes, gifted to me by yet another guy who always seems to know what’s what.
Race you to the taco stand.
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