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| Me and Lauren at Beyond Glaze in Sugarhouse |
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| Jackie and Lin giving "Wandering Wilbur" the beat down! |
For example, when I was looking into grad schools and had decided to apply to Utah and later move to Salt Lake City, it suddenly seemed like Salt Lake City was everywhere. I can't even remember the specifics now but it showed up on the Travel Channel and the Discovery Channel and the History Channel or maybe was featured in an episode of a show I normally watch (like a Criminal Minds episode) or something like that. Maybe there were suddenly questions on Jeopardy! about Utah and Salt Lake City. I don't remember what all there was. I do remember distinctly watching a show with Dad and Uncle Andy about how the glass bridge at City Creek Mall was built and put into its place over Main Street and the downtown TRAX line (I think that was actually on "How It's Made.") But that's not the point.
NOW it's happening with brain tumors!! I was watching something the other day when a PSA came on featuring Bob Crawford from the Avett Brothers. Now I'm peripherally aware of the Avett Brothers because of Callie and do enjoy their music (again because of Callie; I'm pretty sure one of their songs played whenever I rode with Callie anywhere during the three years we've known each other!) You would think I would be more familiar since they are local boys (from Concord, NC) but I wasn't. But again, that's beside the point.
When I heard brain tumor and Avett brothers in the same sentence during a commercial, I paid attention in ways that I normally don't. (I mean I normally mute commercials) For obvious reasons, this struck a chord with me. And it breaks my heart to think of a two-year old dealing with some of the same treatments as me. I mean I'm old enough to know what's really happening and to have time to mentally prepare myself for what's going to happen and think through and try to come to terms with what my life will be like a year from now. But she doesn't get it. How in the heck do you explain that to a two-year old???
What's even scarier is when he talks about 700,000 people walking around with brain tumors and many not even knowing it. (Knife to the gut right there) So with a US population of over 316 million, that's like 2 people out of every 1000 citizens have a brain tumor of some sort. (I think I got the math right on that one, so sue me if I'm wrong (but not really)). And most people aren't likely to know unless they have cancer. I feel like for most cancer patients who have a brain tumor, the tumor developed after they've already been battling some other form of cancer. If I'm wrong, again sorry. But unless every citizen goes out there and gets a CT scan or an MRI (and who's really going to do that for fun) most people may never realize.
I'm not asking anyone to donate to the National Brain Tumor Society (though I have a feeling my involvement with this society is just beginning) but I guess I am asking people to raise awareness. I found out seemingly by chance. It took six seizures occurring in a 12 hour period (or so) before I would admit something was wrong (even though I'd been having symptoms for two years). And I went in so upset I couldn't talk when I first walked into the hospital and thinking they were going to think I was crazy and tell me that there was nothing wrong with me. (Caveat: this subject has also been on my mind because of one of those special offers notices I received through Amazon for a book called It's All in Your Head by Eva Hagberg. By the way, how do they figure out what special notices to send you? It was way creepy to have this particular book show up on my Kindle.) And now I'm going to sound like one of those infomercials...if you or someone you love are having weird health symptoms that you can't explain, then for Pete's sake, TELL SOMEBODY!!
For the most part, each individual person does not live on a deserted island with no outside human interaction (Tarzan being the most notable exception I can think of, you're welcome to mention others). Most people, like me, probably have a much wider network or community than they are aware of (the outpouring of love, support and prayers I've received has been overwhelming and I am eternally grateful). Please don't let fear, embarrassment, pride or sheer stubbornness allow you to put your health at risk. I know there may be people who would say something to the effect of "I'd rather not know so that I could continue to live my life normally." I say I'd rather know what I'm dealing with no matter what! You can't fight an invisible enemy! (I mean really! I've seen enough comics and movies with invisible characters portrayed to recognize that they always seem to come out of any fight in better shape than their visible counterparts!)
I guess the main point of this post is just to say take care of yourself and those you love. Don't borrow trouble, but when trouble knocks at your door, arm yourself with knowledge and fight back!
***Update***
Okay I've already changed my mind. I just made this post and I know I wasn't asking anyone to donate to the National Brain Tumor Society. But I just found Tulips Against Tumors! If anyone IS interested in helping the society, I think this is a beautiful way to do so! My Grandmaw Macie always grew tulips each year, I think they were her favorite flower. I know they're definitely one of my Dad's and mine! The bulbs have to be planted in the fall and survive the winter before blooming in the spring. There's some poetic beauty there that I just love!!
