Cancer

I have previously blog once that my mother in law has a relapse for her breast cancer. Fortunately, the cells are those suitable for this new cancer drug which has marker targeted to "cure" them. This is called Herceptin. However, not all breast cancer cells are curable with this. Well, she is on her last chemo next week and then, if everything goes according to plan. She will be pronounced free from cancer (for now). It has been difficult as family members to support her emotionally. Although you tend to act normally but it is not easy. You will be more careful on the selection of topics you discussed or raise with her.

These days, cancer seems to be a very common thing. Is it because our generation (and those following) have worse cells and genes? Or it is because medical sector is coming up with more and more advance technologies to detect these? Has our living environment deteriorate so significantly to caused cancer? Has our eating habits and lifestyle caused this???? I have no answer.

Recently my own aunt (youngest) is also suspected to have cervical cancer. Apparently when you go for a Pep smear and if the report shows that there are detection of "CIN" it can be an indication of cervical cancer. There are three stages: CIN1 to CIN3, if it is CIN3 then it is definitely cancer. In addition, to confirm this, a tissue sample will be taken for biopsy. If this is the case, then the whole uterus will have to be removed. I cannot even begin to imagine how she must be feeling, the waiting and not knowing the results. To hope for good news but at the same time to prepare yourself to face the worse. Worrying everyday that it could be true. She sent me an SMS saying that she is really worried.. and honestly I do not know what to say. So all I can do is to stay positive when she can't. To have faith and give her faith when she doesn't have it. And most importantly, to be there whenever she needs.

I hope ... I wish... I pray... this is just a false alarm.

sigh....