by Vicki Rogers
In June of 2005 after a mountain of tests (that I never even considered would be a problem), I received a phone call while driving to lunch. The nurse asked if I had time to talk to the doctor. I would learn this is never a good thing. The doctor got on the phone and said "I really hate making these calls, but I have to tell you that you have cancer." Take a moment and soak that in. I pulled over. He went on to tell me about my cancer, which happened to be the exact kind that Supreme Court Justice Rehnquist was dying of at the time. He told me I needed to meet a surgeon the next week and so it began.
In so many ways I am not the same person I was prior to diagnosis. Since my 32nd birthday I've had 2 surgeries and 2 large doses of radiation. I lost the use of my left arm for several months and my sense of taste. My voice is different. I have ongoing dental issues and food doesn't taste like it did before. I miscarried in the midst of one of my treatment. I eventually had a hysterectomy after a long series of effects from the drugs I take to try and keep the cancer away. I now live with a racing heart and hyperactivity as a result of the extra hormones I take.
All of that is pretty minor though compared to what happened in other areas of my life. Everyone is different, but for me cancer was a time to push people away. I became exhausted from constantly having to tell the story, answer how I was feeling. I felt so guilty for what I'd put my children and my husband through. I retreated. I pulled away. For many years my vacation time was used for doctors’ visits and tests. I don't even want to talk about the bills. No one should ever have their 8 year old child say "Mommy, are you going to die?" but it was a question I had to answer.
Cancer is a nasty disease. It took from me and my family. It takes from many families.
Interestingly enough I loved the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life long before I was diagnosed. I began relaying years ago in honor of my grandmother. I'm not even sure how many people in my life have been touched. My Granny Loftin had breast cancer, My Granny Noles had cancer. I've seen friends lose their fathers and mothers and siblings. My wonderful father-in-law has been fighting as long as me. I have stories of aunts, uncles, classmates, parents of friends, coworkers, children and more.
I'm officially in remission now, and have great hope for the future, but we simply must stop this disease. I Relay. Relay for Life is the primary fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Relay is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community (and as families) to honor cancer survivors, raise awareness and raise money to fight cancer. I believe we can end this disease. No one else should have a “cancer story.” Let’s stop it.
www.uwgrelay.org
www.carrollrelay.org
Vicki Rogers is the service desk manager for Information Technology Services.
