It's World Cancer Day. What does that mean? Is this a holiday only for cancer survivors and cancer patients? Are caregivers involved on this day? For those that are new to the cancer world and those "Outsiders" World Cancer Day can be another spuriest made-up holiday. But World Cancer Day is more than that when looked beyond a glance. As a cancer survivor, I am learning of all the 'perks' that come with diagnosis and remission. I engolf myself with all available resources to my advantage and pass on to others, therefore my reason of writing this blog. World Cancer Day is a national holiday for cancer recognition, detection, prevention and treatment. This is extremely important for most diseases especially those that are aggressive and ones that're hidden. It can be life-saving. I know first-hand because of the aggressive pregnancy cancer I survived.
Cancer no longer holds its face alone, dark in the corner. Global support through various main veins and channels are ever-changing cancers' face. I want the world to know that you are not alone. I want the world to know that cancer is not its own dimension. As the numbers of diagnosis' grows, more surrounding are being affected; caretakers, family, friend, co-workers, and neighbors. Cancer is sadly becoming a common household name. The two dimensions have come together whether we accept it or not. The world needs to know that this day is not strictly for cancer survivors and patients. One day, if it hasn't already, cancer will affect you, one way or another. Don't wait for it to. Get involved now. Take action. Cancer can happen to you, to anyone. Know your resources, find more resources, and get involved. More forces are joining together to brand more powerful tools a d methods. Use the hashtag #WeCanICan and #WorldCancerDay to take action in Thunderclap campaign and be heard in your fight against cancer and for those that are fighting, for those lost and for prevention/detection. You can make a difference. You are needed. Don't shy away. I want the world to know-Be your own advocate. Don't be afraid to speak up. Don't be afraid to step outside your own realms and seek outside your comforts. Listen to your body. Listen. If unsure, listen more and take the first step. Take preventative measures at all possible cost. Don't ever have the mindset, 'it can't happen to me' or 'it's rare so I don't need to worry'. I had a rare cancer, even more rare was my case with twins and one that survived. My 12 hour persistence finally gave me a diagnosis and start of treatment. It saved my life. I want the world to know that all cancer needs to be heard. Cancer has no face, no gender, no age, no remorse. Cancer is a word with tremendous responsibility following and terror. Cancer is all color ribbons and needs equal attention. On a more personal note, I want the world to know about my cancer. I want the world to know that you can get cancer from a pregnancy and you likely will not get a baby out of it. I want the world to know that what is supposed to be a beautiful thing can turn into a deadly thing. I want the world to know this cancer is called choriocarcinoma. It is fast and aggressive. I want the world to know that mothers and infants/fetuses have died from this. I want the world to know it is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease and usually caused from a molar pregnancy. I want the world to know that I was misdiagnosed and overlooked for months during my pregnancy and following four months after giving birth to my surviving molar twin. I want the world to know my cancer resulted from a fertilized egg that was empty or missing dna. This egg wasn't able to support the formation of the placenta. What was supposed to be our daughter's twin ended up as abnormal cells and cancer, all from conception, all without us knowing. I want the world to know that my daughter is a surviving twin and I am a cancer survivor. I want the world to know that I support all cancers. I want the world to know that I support women and their families with choriocarcinoma and other forms of GTD. I am an advocate. I am an awareness advocate. I want the world to know how important it is to have your pregnancy hormone check during and especially after any form of pregnancy including miscarriage, abortion, or ectopic. I want the world to know if something does not feel right in your pregnancy or after any pregnancy and if you have any symptoms such as cramping, vaginal bleeding, coughing, trouble breathing, dizziness, headaches, go see your doctor or take a home pregnancy test. A non-pregnant woman should get a negative result. Six weeks after your pregnancy ends, your be B-hcg should be back to normal, 5 or under. I want the world to know that if it is not, then something could be wrong. Go see your doctor. I want the world to know about gestational trophoblastic disease, molar pregnancies and choriocarcinoma. With early detection treatment is very effective with chemotherapy and sometimes surgery. I want the world to know that this year is the time for you to get involved. Take action and see where it takes you. Your action is sure to be effective.
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