It all begins in the smallest place imaginable; a single cell. The message quietly encoded to tell the cell how to behave are all in order. When one cell dies, the proteins dictate how to turn a replacement cell on. The cells split and a perfect clone is achieved.
Except one.
One cell includes renegade codes. The one protein that includes the code to turn off the replicator is missing. The cells split, grow, split grow over and over again. Unkindly, the faulty cells grow in different directions, weaving tentacles throughout the tissue like an octopus on steroids, forming pathways of corruption for months, even years.
Eventually the host feels different. Some feel weak, others feel a lump, others suffer an injury. Time stands still as the patient hears heavy words and shock hits until reality sinks in.
You have cancer.
Surgery is scheduled to remove the cells, to dig into the tissue and find every last tentacle. Chemicals are poured into ports with measured steadiness and gloved hands. To touch the chemicals would mean serious damage to the nurse. Somehow the fast growing cells have to be killed without killing the host. The cells with codes for hair growth die.
Some do not survive the cancer or the cure.
Others do.
And they bring their posse
Sometimes it's a pretty big posse.
But it's also a pretty big group of survivors.
One more Mother's Day spent with my mom, the bravest woman I know.
A woman who didn't understand the doctor who said words like "terminal," "incurable," "metastasize."
All she heard was "miracle."
What incredible women.
ReplyDeleteI need to go out and do this next year.
ReplyDeleteYou go, MOM!
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes that disbelief is what keeps people going...the doctors don't know EVERYTHING, after all.
Well done! What a great way to spend Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteThis is me selecting the "Like" button.
ReplyDeleteFantastic way to describe the event! I had no idea your Mom was a survivor - those are the ones that touch my heart.
ReplyDeleteLost my bestie 18 months ago....
Cancer sucks rocks!
my mom just had a lumpectomy in april and followed it with radiation. she is doing very well. it would be fun to do one of these walks with her. i remember hearing when your mother was diagnosed and the prognosis wasn't good. it truly is a miracle she is still here. I'm sure her 'posse' made the difference! way to go.
ReplyDeleteOh wow you got me sobbing. I don't really even have words to type, this post was so beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteWow, Awesome! I was there too in honor of my Mom - and I also blogged about it. We must be kindred spirits. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly awesome experience this was! Your Mom is actually captured in my video - I shot the same moment of your photo #2 from the other side of the street. You can check it out at my post - click my link. Congrats to your Mom for beating the odds, embracing the miracle, and being a survivor!
Love, MoSop