Cancer Touches us all

Cancer touches us all


by Rebecca S. Revels on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 12:07pm

Many of us have lost someone that we love to cancer. Some more recently than others, some of these we may have been related to, were friends with, worked with. It doesn't matter how well we knew them or how close we were to them. It doesn't matter the cancer battle they fought- and lost. They have left us, they battle no more. We are here to deal with their loss, and the empty spot they have left.







There are those that have battled cancer, no matter they type, and have won that battle. Even those that have gone into the fight more than once. At this moment, they are with us. I am one of those. I am a survivor- as are those that have battled and are currently battling cancer.







We go into this fight, believing we can win. More than ever before- many of us now do win this, but not all.







We go into this fight, with the love, the prayers, the help of those that know and love us.







It is not an easy battle, no matter how early or late the cancer was diagnosed. It is not an easy battle no matter the treatments undergone.







We hear the diagnoses, and then we must decide who we are going to share the information with. We share that diagnoses with those that are closest to us alone, or with whomever else we chose, small or large numbers. We may ask for prayer, assistance or we may try to do this on our own. For our own reasons.







I remember, I will always remember the expression on my brother's face when he found out. It is ingrained in my memory never to be erased. That is one of the reasons I do the things I do in this battle. My cancer physically is gone. I was diagnosed, I had a lumpectomy and radiation. I am a survivor. But---I am forever changed. Many things in this life change us, for the better or worse.







My cancer has made me stronger than I ever was. My diet has changed, my activity levels have changed, my very thought processes...have changed. I find peace in my faith and in the simple things around me. I am more content in what I have, not seeking out the many material things because realization is, they won't keep me healthy, they won't make me happy. They are in fact, simply things. I have become more outspoken at least in this, my story.







While I was fighting my cancer, there were days, especially while I was undergoing the radiation treatments, when I felt as if it was impossible to put one foot in front of the other. I had no energy, I was moving, working, living on will power and faith. Even as tired I was during the day, I still took the time, made the effort to take a daily walk. There I found a great peace and the strength, to keep fighting. Many friends sent me cards (that I still have), many prayed for me, many sent me messages of encouragement. And I fought on.







I won my battle. I am cancer free. There are those- as I said- that do not. We are made less by their loss. Yet, we are made stronger. We look to this and we grow angry. We look to this their loss and we grow determined. We will fight to not lose another loved one, another friend, another co-worker- another friend of a friend of a friend to cancer. We grow determined that our best friend's mother, sister, father, brother will not lose his battle.







I do this by writing about it. By telling my story, by sharing what I dealt with, what I did, how far I have come. I do this, by my writing, and simply talking with those somewhere in the battle. I do this, by participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. I stay the entire night. I stay for those who have battled and won. I stay for those who have battled and lost. I stay for myself. I walk the Survivor lap and I walk the very last Celebratory lap. I watch the sun go down, the luminaries being lit and I watch the sun come up. It is my wish, my desire, my hope..to see an end to cancer. Part of that we can bring about in lifestyle changes, part of that will need those that work to discover a cure. But they need funding, that is where Relay for Life comes in. There are many ways to support Relay for Life- ask me, check in with your local chapter, as someone you know that is involved. Make a donation of your time, your talent, your cash.







Cancer is a terrible disease that shows no favor. It takes whomever it chooses. Let us, together, put an end to it. Let us work so that more of those that face cancer will celebrate more birthdays- healthy and cancer free.






                           --as always-- a portion of my book sales goes to Relay for Life--




















Blessed, a collection of God given inspirational poetry by Rebecca Stepp Revels is available now @

http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=2137587

and now also at

Amazon, Books-a-Million and Barnes and Noble .com





The Legend of Dragon's Doom:a Young Warrior's vow, by RS Revels is available @

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-legend-of-dragons-doom-a-young-warriors-vow/7505820

and other online sites





also @ Bookin' It, your mobile bookstore @ www.bookin-it.com



Available now @ http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/blessed-in-his-promises/12670945:

Blessed in His Promises



All books available @ Poor Richard's Book Shoppe @ www.PRBookShoppe.com

a right and a responsibility---vote--

         This may or may not be short. I tend to shy away from political things. I avoid political conversations like the plague. I've watched seemingly normal people become out of control and crazy because of a political discussion. But--I will discuss voting.

 I remember when I turned old enough to vote. I was so excited, I would finally be one of the many voices that were having their say. Unfortunately on the way to register- the last day to register, I tend to procrastinate, a really rough looking person pulled up beside of where I was walking and asked how old I was..big mouth said 'old enough' when he started to open his car door the friend I was with grabbed me by the arm and we hit the high road out of there. I didn't vote the first time I was eligible. Later though, I did get registered and I did get to have my say.

Do my votes count? Does anyone hear what I am trying to say? Yes.. my vote counts and while my one voice may not be loud enough to hear, when you add in many other voices, we get louder. We get heard.

If you do not like the way things are going in this country it is important to vote. It is imperative that you let those in office know you are unhappy. While we can write letters, send emails and call our Representatives, what really gets their attention is when time to vote comes around and the polls are showing just how unhappy we the voters are..

This country is one of the best places on this earth to live. We are blessed in many ways. The land is beautiful with plenty of it left uninhabited. Many are out there doing all they can to protect this land and its resources. Many people go into battle and die trying to protect this land.

We can go to the polls without fear. We can walk up and make our mark, state our opinions and make ourselves heard. If and when we vote.

I do hope that everyone that legally can- will- vote. It is a right, it is a responsibility. It is the only way we can make our leaders in Washington know we are really and truly unhappy. It is the only way we can bring about change and get this country back on track to greatness.