world cancer day

2014 is off to a roller coaster of a start. My brain has been overflowing with so many thoughts, stories, and ideas that I think the idea of getting them out seems more overwhelming than just letting them bounce around in my brain.

I woke up this morning and saw on instagram that the marrow transplant of a sweet girl in Utah has worked! The tests have come back and there are no signs of cancer! What a blessing and a sure way to start your day with the happiest of tears.

I also realized that today was World Cancer Day.  I feel like a lot of my blog has been surrounded by cancer the last two years, and I thought to say sorry, but I won't because cancer has become a part of me.

I think of those 9 months where Primary Children's became a second home for my family.  I think of my perfect, sweet brother whose life is forever changed. I see all the things Porter has continued to do, never letting his prosthetic keep him from enjoying life. Those 9 months were more than hard, and I can't even imagine what it was like for Porter, but they are also full of memories that still make my heart burst in gratitude and love.

And then I remember how blessed and lucky we are to have him still when so many have lost loved ones. When I learn that a friend of mine has lost a loved one to cancer, or I meet someone who has fought through cancer, my eyes fill with tears. While I know I have always been sensitive, cancer brought my heart to a whole new level of sympathy.

Since we met lots of kids while Porter was going through treatment, I talk a lot of childhood cancer, but my family has been touched by melanoma as well. CNN had an article this morning stating that cancer rates are expected to raise dramatically.  They even said that W.H.O. predicts "imminent human disaster." 50% of cancer cases can be prevented , 90% of cancers are curable if caught in stage 1.  Watch for signs and symptoms. Be aware! Check out these myths, I found them very helpful.