Warriors Against Cancer

I used to think I don't have cancer genes, so I don't have to worry. I was very wrong.

When I started visiting NCC back in 2006, there were already quite a lot of cancer patients, but now the place seemed to be even more crowded.

When I started sharing, I found that a lot of people around me know of somebody who has or had cancer, either a friend, colleague or relative.

Some patients are so young, some in their teens and some not even 10 years old. These little warriors against cancer are like losing their childhood to cancer. Occasionally, I see them at NCC, with their heads bald and following the adults around for their tests, with no trace of fear on their faces. Seeing them breaks my heart.

At least, for me, I have lived half a century on this earth, have been through good and bad times, and have completed my family. Of course, I hope that my kids will be successful in their chosen paths and will always enjoy good health.

For me, this fight is the biggest challenge of my life. I am employing whatever tools I can lay my hands on to fight this war. Some friends have expressed concern about the traditional medicine that I am taking. At this stage, as long as I can feel that the medicine is helping me and without the side-effects of chemo, I will go for it. Of course I know the risks. After all, which oncologist, or traditional medicine practitioner has not lost a patient to cancer before?

I have just learnt that one of our TRC members is fighting a relapse. Another one - the daughter of a patient I met in onco ward wanted to know if her colleague's sister could call me. Seems that the colleague's sister is 40 years old and the cancer has spread to her lungs and liver. She has already spend a lot of money on treatment and wants to give up.

It is so frustrating that the tentacles of cancer can be so stealthy and sometimes so tenacious. Imagine it like a rebellion going on inside the body, or like the saying, biting the hand that feeds you. Fighting cancer is unlike fighting diabetes, as diabetes can be controlled by diet. Fighting cancer is like playing the lottery, where sometimes if one is lucky, one gets the combination right and hits the jackpot.

We are the warriors against cancer and I hope that ultimately we will turn out to be cancer conquerors.

Of late, I have taken a liking to this song, "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy. The whole song is so inspirational and motivating. Now, if only I can find somebody to change some of the words, then maybe this song can be dedicated to all warriors against cancer. I got the lyrics from lyricsdepot.com. Sometimes, when drowning in frustrations, listening to songs like this helps.

I Am Woman

-Artist: Helen Reddy from "Helen Reddy's Greatest Hits": EMI ST 11467
-peak Billboard position # 1 for 1 week in 1972
-Words and Music by Helen Reddy and Ray Burton

I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

CHORUS
Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

You can bend but never break me
'cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

CHORUS

I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long long way to go
Until I make my brother understand

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
Oh, I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong

FADE
I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman

"I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmExAiCcaPk