Cancer. Such an ugly word. Such an ugly word that causes pain and suffering for families and friends. 
Cancer. Instantly striking fear and worry for someone you know or love who just has just been diagnosed.
Cancer.
Cancer. Brings tears to my eyes as I think of another loved one in my family to be diagnosed with this ugly disease. But not just any type of cancer. Breast Cancer. {gulp} It started the demise of my great grandmother and my grandmother. They both lost their life to cancer, starting in their breasts. It scares me silly. I was young, about 13 or 14, when my GG died. 13, I think. I loved her so much even though I rarely got to see her except for summertime when I'd visit my grandparents or for some occasion that she'd come to our house. This is the sucky part of having a relative in another state. My grandmother died when I was 21 years old and a mother. She had been battling her cancer for sometime and it finally took her. Now. At 40 years old I have found out that my Aunt - my Mom's sister - has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Just two days ago. I've been very, very sad all day about this. Now that I'm not at work, I can finally let the tears come out instead of having to keep them in and worry about students seeing my emotions.
Cancer. Scary. For her, my Uncle, my cousins and her grandchildren. For me, my Mom, and my daughter. For now that I have someone directly above me in the family tree who has been diagnosed with breast cancer will the insurance company finally decide that I am in need of mammograms. Why is that? My Mom or my Aunt had to get this horrible disease before they'd do anything to make sure I don't have it. It sucks that it's this way. I will never understand why insurance companies are the way they are.
Cancer. I hate you. You've robbed me of loved ones and I don't want you taking anymore of the people in my family that I love.
Cancer. With all of this happening today it pushes me forward with my dream, my goal, to walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-day. 60 miles of walking over 3 days. To help raise funds for breast cancer research. I wanted to do this last year for my 40th Birthday, but having had the knee surgery and not being fully recovered and able to train thwarted that plan. And here it's almost summer and I'm no where ready to do it for this Fall. Although if I tried hard enough starting right now maybe I could do that in October ... I will do it at least once. I will do that.
Cancer.
Cancer.
Cancer.