Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Another Day, Another Worry!

I was watching Good Morning America this morning (Alot of my posts start like that, don't they? lol) and I was very saddened when I heard Robin Roberts announce that she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was trying to talk while very evidently holding back tears and it made me really sad for her and her family. Then, just as I was thinking, "I wonder if there is alot of cancer history in her family?" she says that there is NO family history. Apparently 80% of cancer patients today have NO family history. WHAT! I always took comfort in the fact that we really didn't have much family history of cancer. Of course, then I start thinking of all the things that give out carcinogens and the probable reasons why we all seem to be doomed to get cancer someday! I just made the switch to 7th Generation diapers and now I feel like I need to clean out my house of all the crap cleaners, detergents, plastics etc.... . I may sound crazy but now that I have children that count on me, not only to be there for them but also to keep them safe from harm, I just don't take this stuff as lightly as I did before. Does anyone know what are cancer rates are now in comparison to what they were back in the day when we exposed ourselves to less of this stuff. Just wondering. Thanks for listening to me ramble about my worries! :)

11 comments:

Elizabeth F. said...

I know, I worry about this stuff too. I know it's impossible to reduce our risk completely, but I can't sit here and do nothing. :-)

Jenny W said...

I don't "worry" about it, that's not the right word. I'm aware, I guess, and proactive about it. Cancer does run in my family, that's unavoidable. But I don't have to smoke, I don't have to eat the crap I do, I don't need 62 chemicals under my sink. Time to take control!!

Jennifer James said...

For me, cancer is such a hit and miss thing. You can be "eco-everything" and then BAM you've got cancer.

The only thing we can do is be as conscious as we can about the products we buy and the foods we eat. Even then, we're not 100% immune to cancer, so sometimes I figure why bother, even though I know being proactive is better than doing nothing.

Sarafu said...

Totally True! I know I cant completly elliminate my risk but I know that I should do whatever I can to at least minimize it as well as my families. I know alot of people think that buying all natural, non toxic, organic, etc... is silly or a waste of money but I feel like I have a responsability to my family as well as the future generations to make every effort I can to keep us and our enviroment healthy.

Unknown said...

I know about that.I worry about it but theres nothing that can really stop you from getting cancer. My nana had it and they detected it too late and she then had the cancer spread all through her body giving her bone and liver cancer as well. I worry about if I have it but you just have to put it to the back of your mind and not even think about it now.

Unknown said...

About the cancer rates between now and then. They can't be compared, because they were less able to diagnose cancer right and in as early a stage as today.

I worry too, but not that it dictates my life. I have learned to live with the fear, because my family has cancer... each and every ones dies of it. Except one grandma. She got almost a full hundred years.

Children are exposed everywhere. Be aware how the schools deal with dye, cleaning, eating, fresh air.

Anonymous said...

I do ok with the food we eat, but I do need to do better with the cleaners, detergents etc. Thanks for the reminder.....bring on the vinegar to clean with!

Anonymous said...

I just found out on friday that a friend of mine has breast cancer. It has spread in to her lymph nodes. She had no idea. She found a lump..went to the doctor and got a biopsy the same day...within 3 days she was faced with a full mastectomy and an full spectrum of treatment. They haven't started treatment yet, but will be very soon. According to the doctors..things are grim. She is the strongest woman I know and takes better care of herself than anyone I know. She lives "off the grid" She grows her own produce. She runs. She breast feed two beautiful babies (which are still only 7 and 4 facing loosing their mommy) It's just not fair!!!

Annette

Sarafu said...

Thats Awfull! Those are the stories that are discouraging! THe people who are doing everything right and still, this is what happens. I still feel like it cant hurt to be proactive and do what I can since I am educated about it, but it does make you want to just give up sometimes and say "screw it"!

Anonymous said...

I just honestly don't think it matters. If it can happen to someone who has protected herself and her family from processed sugars, never had a microwave, lives on solar power, collects rain water for her home, grows everything organicly, only shops at the food co-op, only uses organic soaps/cleansers/toilet paper/etc, then what the hell?!?! Obviously it just doesn't matter. Cancer happens to people...we may never know why. I will continue to try to live a healthy lifestyle...just for the sake of being healthy and trying to live a long life. I don't think it will raise my odds of not getting an illness though like Cancer.

Annette

Sarafu said...

I will do what I can and live a healthy lifestyle for the sake of any benefits it can bring me and for the simple fact that I am an example to my kids and I want them to pick up those healthy habits. It cant hurt to be healthy and take precautions just to at least say that I did my best for myself and my kids. If something happens then at least I KNOW that it wasnt becasue I didnt care enough to make the effort. I will be praying for your frined!