By Jennifer Newell
My grandma had it. My pseudo-aunt had it. My mom’s best friend had it. My uncle has it. Maybe you’ve had it.
I’ve had it.
It’s cancer and it sucks.
A few weeks ago I went in for a normal physical exam. I had been in busy mom-mode and forgot that it had been over a year since my last complete physical. Since I have had health concerns in the past I visit specialists frequently, but honestly after having babies and not needing to go every day (it seemed) -I just haven’t made it a priority.
Mid-way through the exam my PA found a swollen lymph node. For most people this would not be a huge concern, but since I’ve had melanoma and pre-cancerous cells in my thyroid- this was cause to worry. I had melanoma in 2006 and my thyroid removed in 2007. We’ve had several skin scares each year, but with the threat of melanoma in my lymph nodes — this was a completely different ball game.
When I left the office I really didn’t want to call my mom. My mom is the biggest worrier and I didn’t want to even let her mind drift down the ‘what ifs’. That night when I put my own kids to bed I looked in their eyes and realized that I HAD to tell my mom. I had to get the one person that is my biggest fan, supporter and fighter on board to figure out if we were about to start the cancer battle.
Well….I did tell my mom and it did send her into a tizzy. Over the next week, we had x-rays, ultrasounds and met with oncologists. At the end of the week and a BUNCH of prayers- the doctors couldn’t explain why the lymph node wasn’t swollen anymore. It was almost like it disappeared.
I was allowed to go back to every three months seeing the dermatologist and back to my “normal” life. I realize that this is not the case for everyone and I don’t want to diminish the fight some are having to save their lives.
I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster, but really wanted to document what I learned during this process. In 2006, I wasn’t a mom and things didn’t quite mean the same. This time around the stakes were higher and I kept my eyes open to really take in the experience.
The first thing I learned was that being a mom makes you a warrior. You will fight for your babies (no matter how old they are). While watching my mom with the doctors and waiting in waiting rooms — I realized that my mom would’ve taken my place and not have even questioned it. She would run through fire and back again if it spared me. I don’t think I fully understood this until I had my own babies.
Which leads me to the second thing I learned — my family is the most important thing that I have. Life is busy, work consumes me and I’m tired, but I HAVE to make the most of EVERYDAY because we don’t know when we might not get to have as many.
Third, I just wanted to plead with all of you busy moms out there to make sure you go to the doctor. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but I think it’s also a great reminder for all of us to take care of ourselves in the middle of taking care of everyone else.
And finally, if you are fighting cancer — I pray that you have the courage, energy and strength to fight and win.
A Savoy resident and mom of two, Jennifer Newell is the owner of chambanamoms.com partner Bella Bambini (1422 S. Neil St. in Champaign, just north of Kirby Ave.). Newell also blogs on the Bella Bambini website.