Nonaggressive vs aggressive cancers

Recently, I became jarred by the difference between aggressive and non-aggressive cancers. Since my initial diagnosis my cancer has been identified as non-aggressive sort.  For twelve years following initial treatment and double mastectomy, my cancer hid for 12 years, slowly spreading to other organs, stealth little cancer minions that lurked undetected. I had quiet promptings (Lisa, you have cancer.  Lisa, it is back) whispered into my mind and heart, accurately preparing me for challenges coming. The little minions developed an appetite for pillaging unsuspecting human cells - my human cells! In My organs!! My medical team actioned a counterattack with a new regimen for an additional 5 years knowing it would be a temporary conquest with possible collateral damage.  A second tactical team was employed, but my fight continues.  I have occasional headaches, lack of energy, insomnia, gastritis, or dyspnea, but I have a life with love, hope, joy, and a few dips of occasional panic whenever and an unanticipated minion maneuver catches me off-guard.

For years now I have been preparing myself and my family for my eventual final rest.  Each time a health scare happens, the alarms go off in my head and heart as I brace for what could be "the end".  Still, the Wack-a-mole continues. Some discomfort, inconvenient changes, but none immediately fatal. 

By contrast my dear friend has an aggressive brain cancer. She became increasingly symptomatic over a few months' time before a brain MRI disclosed the diagnosis. The lecherous tentacles of her cancer tumor created peripheral vision loss, mobility imbalance, extreme light and sound sensitivity, and nearly non-stop severe headaches. Even the surgical removal of the tumor proved insufficient to bring relief.  Treatment options are aggressive and likely to increase her discomfort through radiation and chemotherapy, with questionable survival outcomes unless gamma knife holds some optimism.  That has yet to be determined. My friend is not engaged in Wack-a mole.  She is engaged in Russian Roulette!  Treatment either works or doesn't.

It makes my heart ache for her and her husband, and her children.  Praying every moment that the barrel chamber is empty each time the trigger is pulled. 

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