November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

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November is Lung Cancer awareness month. If you or someone you love has Lung cancer you know what a toll it takes on your body and mind. Even if you’re not a doctor or the main caregiver you can still be there to help your loved one. There are simple things you can do that will mean the world to them.

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You never think about Cancer until happens to you or someone you love. My mother has been fighting Lung Cancer since 2015 and there are no words to describe how in awe, I am of her. My mother has always been the one constant in my life, she’s always there for me and everyone in my family. She was a single mom for a long time and a teacher for many years. She’s never had to depend on anyone, always taking care of everyone else. She’s the heart of our family, so when she got sick, we were quick to rally around her.

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. Not everyone who gets lung cancer must be a smoker, my mother never smoked, but as a child she was around family who did. As this terrible disease takes a toll and progresses, my mothers’ needs have changed. In the beginning she and my stepdad did everything on their own. Now I try to tell her that it’s ok to ask for help.  Things you can do to help your loved one…  

  •  PRAY- Not everyone is religious or believes praying will help, but to some it is comforting. 
  •  VISIT WITH THEM– Your loved one is still the same person they were before. They don’t want to be treated any different. 
  •  ENCOURAGE THEM– (Stay Positive) They need to know someone is fighting this battle with them and they are not alone. 
  •  HELP AROUND THE HOUSE– Anything you see needing to be done around the house. Sometimes they don’t want to ask for help, but having one less thing to worry about helps. 
  •  CHECK IN WITH THE PRIMARY CAREGIVER– See how they are holding up and if they need a break or need to talk. 

When I go check in with her, I sometimes go by myself during the week when my daughter is at school. So, I can help her do things around the house or if she wants to talk or needs to anything. Other times when I bring my daughter it’s so she can cheer her up and bring a smile to her face. I do my best to stay positive and send her little notes and texts telling her how amazing she is, but other times I sit with her and listen if she needs to vent or talk about how she is doing. Our family is Catholic, so I pray often for her and it comforts both of us.  

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Cancer also affects the rest of our loved ones, we go through many emotions upon hearing that someone we love has been diagnosed. Having a strong support system to lean on helps everyone get through. There is often at least one main person that takes on the responsibility of care for their loved one. I try to help as much as I can, but the main caregiver is my stepfather and I try to be sure and let him know he’s not alone in this. He has the rest of the family to lean on for support.

My mother is by far the strongest woman I know. I will probably say that many times over, many ways for years to come. I hope she knows that she’s not alone and that she keeps fighting like the warrior she is to take down cancer in its tracks.

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November Lung Cancer Awareness Month

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Jessica Davila
Jessica has lived in Corpus Christi almost all her life and loves it. Together with her husband Roy they are raising their beautiful , almost 6 year old daughter, Angelina. Being a stay at home mom has taught her a lot and she treasures each moment of motherhood. Jessica is quiet in person, but give her a pen and paper and she will write a novel. She loves reading, writing, watching movies and listening to music. She is a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan and loves anything chocolate. She is very excited to begin her blogging adventure, and getting to know the CCMB community of mommas.