The "C" Word

So ever since last Friday I've tried to absorb all of the heavy news that has come my way. My sister is sick again and has to go back to the Mayo Clinic (we're thinking she has a cortisol deficiency disorder) and I also found out that my cousin (someone I see as the brother I never had) has a tumor in his eye that is malignant. Cancer. The big "C" word is not something that is welcome into any family, yet it is very prevalent in mine unfortunately. This type of cancer that my cousin has is apparently very rare, it's called Choroidal Melanoma. There are very few machines in the world apparently that can treat this type of cancer and one of them just so happens to be in Boston so he's headed there next week as far as I understand. I'm not taking this lightly and it's the worst feeling so helpless when the people you love are going through so much. So I'll take this time out to say, EFF YOU CANCER! The good thing is that this treatment process has a 98% chance of annihilating the tumor, however there is a 50% chance he could lose his eyesight in his right eye.

No one deserves to go through something like this, but especially not my cousin. He just started a family nine months ago. He is the youngest at heart and can make anyone laugh themselves to tears.

He has a long journey ahead of him but he's one strong cookie and he'll get through this. One day (hopefully sooner rather than later) it'll all just be a distant memory. While I'm not all too religious, he is definitely a man of faith so right now...I'm going to try and keep calm and say my prayers for him.

When bad medical news hits the family, it hits me hard. I'm VERY close to my family and I have zero tolerance for diseases/ailments that try to mess with my fam's happiness and well-being. ZERO. I can only hope that the Mayo Clinic can help my sister manage her symptoms she's been suffering from at least so she can feel normal again. She was fine for the past five months and BAM she gets really sick again. It's the worst feeling not knowing what you're suffering from exactly in addition to having a bad reaction to most of the medications doctors try to put you on to treat whatever it may be. If I could take her place, I would...just to relieve her suffering. She's my big sis, my other half, my best friend....ILLNESS GET THE EFF OUTTA HERE. She was doing so well and now she's back to square one. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. I love her so much and I need to hear the laughs and see the smiles again. She's the best sister a girl could ever have.

Due to my sister being sick, she can't join me on this Minnesota adventure that will ensue later today. I'm hoping this little mini vacation and spending time with my Minnesota fam will lift my spirits. My cousin is graduating college on Saturday (omg I feel so old) and I can't wait to see everyone there. At this point, I can't handle anymore bad medical news so it can just stop it already. I don't know how I'll keep my mind occupied enough so I'm not worrying about my sister or cousin, BUT the best thing I can do for them is to give them my support, prayers and keep a positive mindset. Ready, set  and go!