Overcoming cancer as a community
Surviving cancer is not the end of a gruesome story, it is the beginning of a beautiful one.
There is not an agreement as to the correctness of the term “Cancer Survivor”. Some object to it because they feel they are living with cancer. Others say they have put cancer behind them. Still others feel being called a survivor stigmatizes them. Since there is no term better “Cancer Survivor” remains.
Wikipedia defines a cancer survivor as anyone who has been diagnosed with any kind of cancer and is still living. The minute a person is diagnosed with cancer they become a survivor.
Dealing with cancer is different for everyone. One thing everyone shares is the belief that life is different after cancer. Some common reactions that people have after being diagnosed are:
• Appreciating life more.
• More accepting of themselves
• Feeling anxious about their health
• Not sure how to cope after treatment ends Survivorship has three phases:
• Acute- this begins at diagnosis and goes through to the end of treatment.
• Extended – this starts at the end of initial treatment and goes through the months and years of treatment.
• Permanent – when years have passed since treatment.
Last year 15.5 million people were diagnosed with cancer. The most common ones are:
breast cancer 23%, prostate 21%, colorectal 9%, cervical or ovarian 8%, and melanoma 8%. Currently the survivor rate of common cancers is 92%; 62% for survivors who were diagnosed five years ago, and 47% of survivors are age 70 or older.
Higher survivor rates have been attributed to earlier testing, also major improvements in cancer prevention and treatment. Current treatments are being used in better ways; this allows planned treatment to stay on schedule. Newer treatments such as targeted therapy and immune therapy have fewer side effects.
Everyone should be tested early for cancer since in most cases there are no symptoms. The American
Cancer Society recommends the following:
• At age 30 women have a mammogram
• At age 21 women start having Pap Test
• At age 55 X-rays for anyone who smokes or are around heavy smokers.
• At age 50 a colonoscopy
• At age 55 men should have a prostate specific antigen (PSA).
Survivorship means living well during treatment, maintaining good nutrition and staying active. There are many types of feelings commonly experienced before, during and after treatment. When treatment ends there is less contact with health care professionals. Survivors will sometimes feel relief that treatment is over, but uncertain about the future. Some will feel fear that the cancer will return and some are told that there is a great possibility that it will return, possibly in a different area. All will experience some physical and psychological problems that need to be dealt with in different ways. Sometime relationship struggles may develop. Going back to a regular work schedule is very important not only for the finances and in some cases insurance but because a normal routine and life style is important.
While the journey of a cancer survivor can be scary, it is not one that has to be traveled alone, or at least without guidance. In Big Spring alone there are several organizations in the area to help survivors.
Many may not know, but one local business owner has been part of helping cancer patients for years, with the Wig Closet. Merle Norman, located at 1210 S Gregg , is a beauty and accessory boutique with a mission to help ladies feel better and look better from the outside in, which made the addition of the Wig Closet a perfect fit.
Owner Sherry Phillips receives donation of wigs, hats, caps and scarves. She makes these items available for free to any survivor.
“My mother had cancer years ago. There was nothing locally for her and the treatments left her feeling weak and not well enough to travel. Someone donated a wig to her,” Phillips said.
One simple, kind gesture started the idea of a “wig closet.” The inventory varies by the week and depends solely on donations.
“Most people stay with wigs that are close to the style and color of their normal hair,” Phillips said. “We cover Howard, Glasscock and Martin counties.”
For more information on donating or getting a wig, hat, cap or scarf contact Mrs. Phillips at 432267-6161.
Another familiar name associated with the fight against cancer is Relay For Life. Relay for Life is an annual event and the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser. Many involved with Relay will tell you that being a part of Relay for Life is a way to make a difference, if you are a survivor, a family member or care giver, donating your time, talents, money or support is vital.
Relay for Life provides funding to support cancer patients and their families with resources they need, such as free rides to treatment and doctor visits, free places to stay near hospitals and a live 24/7 help line for answers to questions and for support. It is important for survivors to register with Relay for Life as soon as they receive their diagnoses at 1-800-227-2345. This ensures that the statistics for each area stays current.
Also, survivors are available to talk with new patients, and to check up on their progress. This list is also important for invitations that are sent out for each of the Relay for Life events. The COVID19 pandemic has caused some cancellations or delays for these events, for more information on Relay for Life contact Beverly Grant at 432-264-7599.
The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says “I’ll try again tomorrow.”