Be careful what you wish for

The following is a true story.

In the year previous to my cancer diagnosis, I was sitting at a bar having a few beers with a friend of mine. Earlier that day somebody had posted a comment on Facebook about how breast cancer got all of the attention when it came to various cancers. I brought this topic up while sipping on a cold brew that evening. Basically what I said, can be summarized like this: “I agree completely. Quite frankly, I’m glad that everyone wearing pink has possibly raised awareness for breast cancer, but there are so many other cancers out there that have higher mortality rates with much less recognition and it’s time people started showing support for those cancers too. I know, how about an ass cancer campaign? We should start one of those!” Then we spent a few minutes coming up with catchy phrases we could use as part of our Save Dat Ass campaign. 

That conversation has haunted me more than once, and my friend as well. Not long after my diagnosis of colorectal cancer, he came up to me one night at that same bar, hugged me, and said, “Child, you don’t think we jinxed you, do you?” I have no idea. Perhaps we did. Maybe God heard me talking and thought to himself, “Well, now, Jennifer, I think that’s a great idea. I will even let you be the poster child for “ass cancer” if you wish.” Or maybe somewhere deep in my subconscious my mind already knew what was coming. I mean, even then, if I look back with 20/20 hindsight, I can see little telltale signs of early symptoms even that far back, but at the time they were so insignificant I didn’t give them much thought. 

However it came about, I got my wish. I did start an ass cancer campaign - just not exactly how I had envisioned. Ever heard the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for”? Yeah, me too. But I am glad something positive has come from all of this. Because in a way, I have started a new campaign. And there are people who now know more about colon cancer and some of the signs and symptoms because of me. I am also a testament to the fact that you are never too young. And that yes, it can happen to you. It’s about time, we, as a people, started talking about such things instead of acting like it’s taboo to discuss problems going on down south. Too many people wait far too long to seek help because they are embarrassed to talk about their symptoms. 

I realize the Susan G. Komen foundation has taken some heat lately. I stopped supporting that particular charity years ago, for many of the reasons that are being talked about on the news currently. Overall, they haven’t had a good rating among charities, especially when it comes to donations coming in vs. money spent on actual cancer research and funding. I like to know when it comes to donations that my money is being used for the cause I am supporting. And while it’s great that so many people wear pink, it’s also sad that there are so few who wear other colors, or that cancers like pancreatic, colorectal, prostate, ovarian, or many others are not being talked about or given the same spotlight. They are all deadly. And while maybe some men (and some women) are fascinated with breasts, they are not essential, other than providing nourishment to newborn babies, to our lives. You CAN live without breasts. You CANNOT live without a colon. And no, this is most certainly not a post meant to diminish the devastating effects or seriousness of breast cancer. I have lost loved ones to that horrible disease. The point is, there are other, just as deadly (and more so in many cases), types of cancer that need the same attention. But for heaven’s sake, just don’t say you would like to start a campaign for any of them!!!! 

And, because of this blog, several people have reached out to me, in private messages or phone calls, asking for my help, or thoughts on treatment options, or how to cope with chemo, or sometimes just because they know I will listen to them when they need an ear. And I will. I will gladly do what I can to help any of you. Please know that. And if I don’t know the answer to a question, I will do my best to find it or point you in the direction of someone else who may know. I still want to start an “Ass Cancer” campaign. I hate that I had to do it this way, but maybe this was the best way. Maybe it was the only way. Maybe God isn’t finished with me yet. I like to think not. I like to think that there will be a silver lining in this cloud, and that my suffering has not been in vain. I am certainly no saint, nor do I even try to be, but I do hope that I have something positive to contribute to this world before I leave it. Save dat ass, people.