I am going to write once again about cancer; that devious monster that swoops down upon us with no reservation. As one who has walked through the battlefield, my words are strong, direct and honest. Cancer knows no limits and refuses to discriminate. The word will always frighten me. Every once in a while it keeps me awake in the deep hours of the night as I lie with my sword drawn.
Imagine hearing the words, “I am so sorry to tell you this but all indications are that you have cancer.” You blink in disbelief as the person delivering the message waits uncomfortably for your response. In desperation, you search through your personal book of etiquette because you are lost. What do you say? Where do you go?
Your first inclination is to stand up and walk away as swiftly as your trembling legs will allow. Perhaps you need to argue the point and demand a second and a third and a fiftieth opinion because you will never acknowledge this as truth and you refuse to succumb to such a bizarre diagnosis. You will not give cancer the power to rip you into pathetic little pieces. You will not lie down on a steel table and offer up your body to lethal beams of radiation. You will not allow the poisonous chemotherapy drug to destroy nerves, turn your digestive system inside out, force you to surrender your crowning glory, and leave you cowering in its wake.
Ultimately, you do all of these things because you will not go down without a fight. Not now. Not ever.
I am always impressed with the strength of the human spirit. There are none among us without disappointment, sorrow and heartache. We have mountains to climb, odds to defeat, and jagged roads to stumble down. Many of us are resilient, hopeful, faithful, forgiving and for the most part, we heal from the wounds of war and our tattered hearts are mended with powerful threads of steel.
Cancer is that dark form in the corner of the room; a formidable foe. Cancer fights dirty, ripping us apart while bringing us together as we battle for life. For so many, cancer is not victorious, but sometimes cancer wins. Cancer will not be taken for granted and it will not be ignored. We do not fool with cancer.
This coming weekend, Relay For Life once again takes place at the Caribou High School. Brave cancer survivors and those who love them will come together in celebration of the great strides that are taken every day toward a cure for cancer. Early screenings, improved treatment and intense research continue to pave the road toward success.
As a cancer survivor, I am eternally thankful to everyone who so willingly gives their time and their love toward cancer research and awareness. Your passion and your commitment will always prevail. Let us pray that one day the word cancer will be nothing more than a bitter memory.
Belinda Wilcox Ouellette lives in Connor TWP with her husband Dale and their Goldendoodle Barney. They are currently working on building a home in Caribou. You may contact Belinda online at: dbwouellette @maine.rr.com.
