Relay for Life volunteer dealing with her own cancer
“I’ve been part of Relay for Life as a volunteer and supporter for eight years. My pastor who was like a father died of cancer. Co-workers who were like family died of cancer. It was all around me. We have a long history of diabetes, kidney failure and heart disease in my own family, but I’d never heard of cancer affecting any relatives.
“After having female problems for a long time, I finally had to go to the doctor. They did an intrauterine biopsy, and it took several weeks to get the results. Finally, the doctor called and said, ‘Glenda, you have stage one uterine cancer.’ And I just broke down crying. It was a real blow. I already have heart problems, diabetes and a number of other things. None of those surprised me because my parents had it and their parents had it. But cancer? I wasn’t expecting that.
“They said if I had an operation, I’d be high risk. So they want to try radiation or chemo. Right now, my finances are suffering because of different things. I’ve had to push back some doctor’s dates. When you’re low income, it can be pretty challenging. When you have to pay for parking at the hospital, you can’t always afford that. But I’m going to get treatment. I know this can spread.
“Being involved with Relay for Life and seeing how cancer affects people, and suddenly you’re one of them, it’s a shock. I know I have people who support me. And I know I’m going to get through this. But I still get depressed, frustrated and angry at times. It can get pretty overwhelming. This year when I walk my first lap as a survivor, I just hope I don’t go to pieces.”
— Glenda George (Anahuac)
(Note: Glenda George passed away on April 7, 2020.)
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