I have gotten so many private emails from women who have been afraid to talk about their HPV and/or Cervical Cancer. This is a shame and its societies fault. That's right folks you and I are to blame. And I'm not just talking about HPV and Cervical Cancer. Its all those things that we fear. For some reason our society labels people and things that we don't understand as "Bad" "Dirty" "Not Like Us". I believe we do this because if we push the unknown away from us it can't happen to us, right?!? WRONG!
My dear friend's mother died of Ovarian Cancer. When people would come visit her mother they would sit by her bed side trying to figure out how/why Trish had gotten cancer. Was it the Coal Mines where she grew up? Yes that must be what it was because they hadn't grown up there and would be safe from receiving the same diagnosis. Trish didn't want them to "figure out" why she was dying from cancer. I don't want you to figure out why I had Cervical Cancer. My other friends father who died of Lung cancer didn't need that either. Stop being so afraid of what could happen to you folks. I don't know, you don't know only God knows. Live your life with love in your heart, curiosity in my mind and spirit in your soul. But beware of fear and self importance, that is not a way to live!
If we all just started talking about those things we were afraid of I promise you the fear would subside. The more I talk about my cancer the less it owns me! Give others permission to talk to by supporting them and not meeting them with fear, judgment or any other self serving comments. No one should be afraid to talk about their cancer battle in fear that others will dislike them, push them away or tell them they did something to deserve it.
Lets all stop this cycle and help other men and woman share their stories with the world!!
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Has anyone ever told you that you are awesome? :-) I can't get enough of your blog. I hope that people read it and take it to heart.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. When I was in the midst of my eating disorder, and still struggling with opening up to people, someone once told me that faith and fear cannot coexist. It was and is something that makes so much sense, and can make things so much easier. Also, I was amazed, once I did open up, how many other people could relate to my struggles, either directly or indirectly. Meg, thanks so much for opening up and sharing your story with the world!
ReplyDeleteYou know Meaghan.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that it has to be this way.
I have been married for fourteen years and have had pap smears that came back negative. I gave birth 12 years ago and nothing was suspicious then either.
Yes, I trust my husband implicitly. There has not been any infedility on either part, mine or his.
All of a sudden I was diagnosed with Breast and cervical cancer. They were two primary cancers, meaning one did not spread to the other area.
It's my understanding that not all cervical cancer is HPV based. If that is true, then I'm one of those cases.
When did Cancer become an STD?
I don't get it.
This is wonderful advice. My best friend's mother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. We just found out today. I made a post on my blog. Please keep her in your prayers. I'm doing all I can to be a supportive friend.
ReplyDeleteAmen Sista!
ReplyDeleteAngie
"Nana's Box"
Great Post!! My sister had HVP when she was 19 and got cervical cancer. I guess we were just raised not be judgemental i guess It never dawned on me that it was in the worlds eyes a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me sad that people would judge one or put the blame on somebody from getting cancer.
My son's God mother died of cervical cancer and her case was that she did not go to the doctor until it was too late. You're right Meaghan, we have to start taking this head on and be direct about it.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy, isn't it? I think you're right about the reasons, though. People need to realize that cancer can affect absolutetly anyone, anywhere.
ReplyDeleteWe gave you a vote! I was very lucky, they caught my malignant cells before it developed into cancer, but years ago, I wouldn't be commenting right now! And, I always have in the back of my head, that had I not received treatment, I wouldn't be here today to urge other women to do so!
ReplyDelete