Wednesday, February 3, designated as “National Cancer Day,” is a very important day for those of us living or knowing someone with cancer. It’s also an important day to remember our loved ones who fought cancer and lost their lives. Yes, cancer is still stealing lives even though great progress has been made to treat it.
Why is cancer so vile? Well, it takes a healthy human body and turns that body into a vacuum filled with toxic cells. These cells are so damaging that some diagnosed cancers can literally take away a life in two weeks. TWO WEEKS from the day of diagnosis! If you value your life or the lives of your loved ones, make sure you/they see a doctor immediately if you suspect something abnormal.
Many cancer cells attack healthy cells and multiply like rabbits, but some cells multiply very slowly. I was told that my Stage IV colon cancer probably started three or four years before it was caught.
This is a reflection of mine while living with cancer. You can find it in my book, Never Give Up: Break the Connection Between Stress and Illness:
 A diagnosis of cancer doesn’t mean a death sentence.
Cancer is a wake-up call.
Your attitude is more indicative of your prognosis than a blood test.
Talk honestly about your emotions to strengthen your immune system.
Express your anger in healthy ways.
Serious and life-threatening illnesses are times of personal transformation.
Being positive in the midst of a crisis is very difficult, but do it anyway.
A wonderful life means being and accepting who you are — good and bad.
Practice resilience to help bounce back from Life’s woes.
Pay attention to pain — it’s the body’s way of crying for help.
Breathe deeply, and give yourself additional energy to face difficulties.
Nourishing people accompany you on your journey, while toxic people drain your energy.
There will be days when all you can do is cry, breathe, and survive.
Your loved ones cannot fix you.
Love yourself unconditionally — self-love is the foundation of your being.
Negative feelings weaken your immunity.
Recognize your need for time-outs — it’s better than a major burn-out.
Crying gives your soul a voice, but crying all the time gives you a headache.
Develop friendships that make you feel inspired.
Laughing relieves stress and sometimes the bladder.
–Alexis Acker-Halbur
What does National Cancer Day mean to you? I’d love to hear your replies. And remember, never give up!