More Than A Word...

CANCER is medically defined by three malignant properties, i.e. in which cells are aggressive (actively growing and dividing beyond normal limits), invasive (destroying adjacent tissues) and sometimes metastatic (spreading to other locations in the body). These are the three malignant properties of cancers which differentiates them from benign tumors.

It is terrifying to know the aetiology of this disease. A disease which claimed the lives of 7.6 million people worldwide in 2007. Silently, its' hyperactive growth and invasive nature spreads in one's body. The question is how can our cells be capable of such a deadly scheme?

-Carcinogens? Includes tobacco smoke, radiation, chemicals or infectious agents, damaging the genome or disrupting the cellular metabolic processes. Basically the growth of cells is no longer controlled and damaged cells are not able to undergo programmed cell death hence ultimately leading to the formation of tumours.

- Errors in DNA replication/ inherited? Present in all cells from birth.

Medical terms, abbreviations and procedures may go on and on. But it really is more than that. What does it really mean to the person and his/her family? It's more than definitions of man-discovering words.

Coping with the complexity of the disease and dealing with the consequences after the diagnosis. Painstakingly accepting the fact of a defined disease stage, ranging from 1-4, which in turn decides one's survival time, ranging from few months to years. Shockingly trying to digest the options available and not wasting anymore time in 'launching' the body to the much invasive treatment, eradicating these 'bad cells'.

To put an optimistic front in conquering the disease and desiring to prevail victoriously. It has been believed that one's determination is part of the regime. A zest of hope adds on to the survival rate. The draining effect of the regime may hit one to his or her inner-core being but one can only take the treatment one cycle at a time. Difficult to put in words - the anguish in awaiting for the unpredictable outcome.

Surrounding people trying to comprehend the emotions, the loss of physical strength and the tanglement of the minds of the patient but certainly fails to fully understand. Just be there. Mere presence speaks and acts more than one can imagine.

Am continuing to pray for the healing and comfort of those fighting this disease. It encompasses more than a medical word.