During my treatment I always said that if God had meant for me to have cancer, then He wouldn't care if I ate cake or green beans (I've always had a bit of a sweet tooth). That was just my way of looking at things.
I got cancer and I had none of the risk factors - I exercised a lot, didn't smoke, hardly drank, and the only guy I've ever kissed or done anything more with is my husband (and I'm the only person he's done anything sexual with as well). So, I figured I just got the short straw this time and it was nothing that I could have avoided. I had a conversation with one of my doctors about environmental causes since I grew up in "cancer alley" (I was born around the time that the term was dubbed so who knows) and that is one theory for my cancer but who knows really and I'm not losing any sleep over it. So, I haven't really changed anything in my daily habits. I eat less meat now, but that is just because it takes to long to chew. I actually exercise less at the moment because of my blood pressure and heart rate issues that I'm trying to get under control. So, I guess I'm trying to carry on normally. Basically now I'm just more aware of changes in my body.
Stephanie, 23, SCC on the right side of my tongue, surgery on 5-19-08, over half my tongue removed, free flap constructed from my forearm, bilateral neck dissection, one positive node. Radiation (32) and chemo (carboplatin) started on 6-16-08. Recurrence 4/09 in lungs.
**** Stephanie passed away 12.15.09.... RIP our dear friend****
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