I heard someone say a week or two ago that it was cancer survivor’s month. So, I Googled it and it says – June is National Cancer Survivors Month and health officials say healing is not only about healing your body but also your mind.

My body has healed a couple of times from cancer. My mind, not so much. It’s hard to put it out of your mind when you’re getting tested. I had almost put it out of my mind after the first one. After 5 years they switched to an annual checkup, but two years later a new cancer appeared. After the second bout, I haven’t been the same.

In some ways that is good. As the saying goes – Make the rest of your life, the best of your life. And I try to remember that each day. But I have this constant concern. Somewhat due to being tested more often the last few years.

I am fixated on the cancer aspect of health because it seems the most threatening. Each commercial for any medicine I see for various cancers gives me the creeps. Just from the list of side effects alone. Each day you hear or know about someone’s fight with it.

If memory serves me right, 1 in 3 will deal with it. I also think I saw the stat of 18 million survivors in the US, so we have a lot of company.

I remember statistics meaning nothing when you get it. I didn’t care what percentage of people come down with that type and survive it. I just wondered if I would be on the wrong side of the numbers. You may be interested in what the numbers are for survival but even that is a scary question to ask the doctor. People want to know those, so they can encourage you, or comfort you.

You do your best to live each day. As a senior though I keep wondering if a new ache or pain is something else. I try not to focus on it or even go there but it’s impossible some days. Another good reason to stay active and keep the mind busy with other things.

I was thinking about it today because one of my sister in-laws sister, is undergoing cancer surgery today. I wish her the best and will drop them a note later. I think about a few friends it’s taken already. Last night I saw a bandage on a very close friend from surgery.

So, it’s not possible to ignore when so many are battling. I’m just not interesting in going another round with it.