Monthly Archives: May 2014

Skin Cancer & Brain Tumor Awareness Month

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Happy May! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Brain Tumor Awareness Month.

Here a few facts about Skin Cancer to raise awareness:

  • Skin Cancer is also called Melanoma
  • Symptoms are a change in a mole, an open wound that won’t heal, a cluster of bumps, and a mole larger than a pencil eraser
  • Skin Cancer is usually diagnosed through physical exams and skin biopsies
  • Surgery and chemotherapy are the most used methods to treat Skin Cancer
  • To prevent Skin Cancer, take care of your skin by knowing what products you apply on your skin and applying multiple layers of sunscreen every 2-3 hours

Here are a few facts about Brain Tumors to raise awareness:

  • Symptoms of a Brain Tumor includes: frequent headaches, feeling weak and dizzy, having seizures, double vision, unexplained vomitting, and difficulty walking
  • Brain Tumors are found through CT scans and MRI scans
  • Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is used to shrink Brian Tumors and often times, multiple types of treatments are used

Always remember to apply layers of sunscreen multiple times a day and never to ignore anything unusual in your body. Cancer education is absolutely vital in society! Share this post with friends and family so together we can overtake the ‘C word’.

One Year Ago I Lost My Best Friend

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I never actually thought this day would come. I was in such denial. I walked through the hospital doors and found  my dad’s room. The doctors told me what was going on. I watched everyone cry.  I took my dad home from the hospital to Hospice. I carried his bags to the car. I helped him from the wheelchair to the car. I watched the nurses cry when he left. I saw the pain in my dad’s face. I saw my dad on Hospice. I saw the Hospice workers explain the “Do Not Resuscitate Form” to my mom. I watched my mom sign it. I watched the nurse take my dad’s pulse for the last time, look at me and shake her head. I was there through it all, but I still never thought the day I would lose my best friend would actually come.

I watched it. I watched my dad die everyday. But one day, it actually happened. I think at first I was in complete shock. At 18 years old, I still didn’t understand what was going on in my life. I kept asking myself why was this happening to me. Why did I have to lose my dad- my best friend?

 

 

Relay for Life 2014

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This past weekend, I was able to participate in Relay for Life at the university I am attending. Relay for Life is a 24-hour cancer walk held by American Cancer Society. Their goal is to fight back against cancer, celebrate those who have survived, and remember those who have lost their life to the awful disease while fundraising thousands of dollars.

Later on in the event, there is a ceremony called Luminaria. Luminaria is a time to remember and honor those who have passed away. The Luminaria ceremony was emotionally difficult for me. It was scary and weird to hear my dad’s name and see my dad’s picture during the ceremony. In the past years I have participated in Relay for Life, I never thought I would walk during the Luminaria lap in honor of my father.

I am so grateful my friends were right there next to me. They held me as we walked the Luminaria lap. It was so reassuring to know that I have a support system who empathizes with me, rather than sympathizes for me. Although it was a moment of deep mourning for my dad, I felt beyond thankful for those surrounding me and felt my heart fill with joy.

Relay for Life was such an amazing experience. I have mentioned this before, but just to reiterate, it is helpful to give back to the community. It’s a great way to cope with cancer. At events like this, you can share your story without being judged and have someone listen that knows what you have been through or are going through. I love volunteering through American Cancer Society (and the other organizations I am apart of). And to be completely honest, volunteering and helping people cope with cancer are some of the few things that get me through each day while grieving over my father. It brings a smile to my face knowing that I am changing someone’s life in one way or another.

Blogger and her Momma!

Blogger and her Momma!

Luminaria Bag!

Luminaria Bag!

Team Co-Captains of "We Cancervive"

Team Co-Captains of “We Cancervive”

Team Captains with President of Colleges Against Cancer

Team Captains with President of Colleges Against Cancer