I Hate Cancer

We now interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to talk about cancer. Have I told you lately how much I hate it?

The world is in collective mourning over the loss of Apple’s revolutionary co-founder Steve Jobs, a true visionary who transformed the way we communicate in the digital age. Before the iPhone, I pretty much sucked at documenting my life; with it, I’ve captured major milestones with a quick tap on my screen–Alex’s first smile, first Frankenstein steps, first mouthful of mashed potatoes at our Thanksgiving table. All of the photos featured on Mommy Dish are taken with my iPhone, and my blog is written on my MacBook Air…often while I listen to iTunes. He was a gifted innovator and entrepreneur who introduced products I didn’t know I needed. I will break out a black turtleneck in his honor.

I remember Steve Jobs on a day my beloved Mom had another round of chemotherapy in her ongoing fight against ovarian cancer. She’s certainly not a technological genius–I text her when I want to write a note to myself knowing it will never be answered–but she is a genius when it comes to me. No one really knows me like my Mom; she can tell by the tone of my voice if something is wrong, by the curve of my smile if something lies beneath it, by the look in my eyes what’s really in my heart. She’s always been my one unwavering source of unconditional love, closest confidant, and best example of what I want to be when I grow up (whether that’s happened yet is up for debate).

I hate that my Mom’s been in treatment for nine years, and that she still needs it every two weeks. I hate the toll it takes on our lives, the devastating side-effects, the “what ifs”. I hate that cancer threatens my family at its very core, and I know I am not alone.

Cancer is the great equalizer–it affects all of us, and can strike any of us at any time. Steve Jobs was a billionaire (even though his annual salary was $1)…but the money didn’t mean much in the end. It couldn’t save him. We’re all more alike than different–my Mom taught me that at a very young age.

RIP, Steve…you changed the world. And Mom, keep fighting the good fight, because you mean the world to me.

***Below are the symptoms of ovarian cancer.***

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

• Fatigue
• Upset stomach or heartburn
• Back pain
• Pain during sex
• Constipation or menstrual changes

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, see your physician. Visit www.ovarian.org or call 1-888-OVARIAN to learn more. Together, we can Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer!