Life is absolutely, positively insane. Take for example the past three weeks. In that time, I became a proud uncle. Baby Vonn, born a month prematurely, is, like, the most adorable thing ever. Just look — a baby burrito:
With this amazing news came some super crappy news: the premature birth of my nephew led to the discovery that my sister has stage four cancer. Even scarier, if she hadn’t had this baby, she might never have known, and it could have been a lot worse. Thankfully, my sister is young and healthy and doctors took swift action to remove what they found. But, as these things go, it’s still a guessing game what we’re dealing with. Tests are in the works. I love my sister and admire her determination, and I’m sure she’ll get through this ridiculousness.
So, I guess what I’ve learned through all this so far is see your doctor and know your family’s history with cancer. Get tests. Early detection is key. I’m only 30 (turning 31 next week, ugh), and am in the process of scheduling for a colonoscopy. TMI, but I don’t care.
Oh, and those windmills above? They surround us as we drive through Indiana down I-65 to visit my sister and nephew in Kentucky. There are exactly a kajillion of them, and they never fail to mesmerize.
Chicago Theatre Addict 
You’re right – baby Vonn is the most adorable thing ever! And the blanket is pretty cute, too. I’m keeping your sister in my prayers. Crossing fingers and toes and everything else for her.
I had my colonoscopy in May, a little later than I should have but I kept putting it off. Then I found out that a blogger I read regularly had colon cancer. He’s fine now but it was a shock and a wake-up call. The preparation wasn’t pleasant but the procedure itself is a piece of cake – which you can reward yourself with afterward.
And the first time I ever saw those windmills was driving from San Francisco to Yosemite. I thought they were beautiful, almost hypnotic. If you set up speakers and played music, it would be like a windmill ballet.
Thanks for the comment, Esther. Yes, I hear the prep for the colonoscopy is rather icky, but the procedure itself isn’t that bad. Scary, though, to think that my sister, who’s 35, has colon cancer, and nothing warned her of it.
My very strongest wish for a swift and complete recovery to your sister–and a joyous and healthy life for your nephew!
Thank you, Zev!
Loving you and keeping you in my prayers. Congrats on your nephew – let the Uncle Mame-ing commence! Teach that kid to live, Live, LIVE! And on that note, brava to your sister for her bravery and determination.
Thank you, Sarah.
And you? Rock.
Congratulations on your new nephew, Bob – and I wish your sister and yourself good health. I’m sending positive thoughts your way.
That’s very sweet, Marc. Thanks!
This is very similar to the scenario that another friend of mine went through almost three years ago. Michele was probably only diagnosed because of her pregnancy and they delivered Alex early to start fighting it. They’ve been keeping a blog to update family/friends on Michele’s cancer fight and what Alex is up to. It might be comforting to your sister or the rest of your family to read about someone else’s experiences with cancer + new baby. Here’s the earliest posts: http://thea2harringtons.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html
Thanks for sending that link, Srah. I’ll pass it along to my sister.
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