Wikipedia offers the following definition of a dilemma, "A dilemma (Greek δί-λημμα "double proposition") is a problem offering at least two solutions or possibilities, of which none are practically acceptable" For hypos including myself offered health solutions are practically unacceptable. There are always 'what ifs' and 'how comes' which pop up in our mind that either annoy or baffle our health care professionals with their modern medical science. No answer seems good enough for my fragile organic machine, in constant dire need for quality checks.
I figured I would tackle most hypo's greatest fear other than painful, sudden death with out warning, I will cover the name of whom we do not speak, yes I am speaking of the big C, Cancer!
Here is the dilemma with Mr. C, we are constantly flooded with news and media on how to prevent, what to look for, what to eat, don't inhale plastic, don't eat to much of this, listen to too much of that, cell phones are a no no, don't smoke, don't stare at the microwave or Lady GaGa for too long, don't breathe in and out (ok some I made up). On the other hand media and health care professionals are telling us, don't freak out, stress causes cancer. Stressing causes weight can and sleeplessness which causes cancer. So for a hypo the very ppl who are telling us to worry are telling us not to worry so which is it...? How do we stop our genes from triggering our cells to endlessly divide is the answer antioxidants....blah blah!
The truth is at the tender age of 26 I have known lets see hmm, 3 great uncles, 1 grandma, 1 friend, 3 of my friends parents, 1 boss..so that is a total of 9 ppl I know who have died of cancer. I am sure I am not the only younging who has been hit close to home by the unwanted visitor Mr. C. So where is the common denominator oooo wait there is none. All the above lived in different places, died at different ages, had different lifestyles some very healthy some very unhealthy, some rich some poor, some educated others not. Hypos that is why this subject is particularly tender, walking around with gloves, and drinking water won't solve this one.
Here is what I do besides stress, loose sleep and have panic attacks. I face this fear head on... Do the normal routine go to the obgyn yearly, yearly blood tests/physicals/don't smoke/ go to the dermatologist, do what's in my power to keep a healthy immune system, while remembering I live once and to have some fun as well. Most important I don't linger around hoping that lump on your arm will just go away b/c you cant bear to hear Mr.C's name breathed out of your Doctor's mouth.
Oh boy.. I am overdue on some of my head on solutions I just suggested. Now I gave myself something to worry about...which causes cancer.....!! Okay my thought process has come full circle. Candidly, I am just dancing around the answer that's in our hearts, deep in the pit of our stomachs, and hiding in the corners of our thoughts: even the best advice surrounding "C" makes up part of the dilemma.
