“We endure every sorrow and affliction for the multitude of good things which have been prepared for us. For things that seem beautiful here are darkness and hell in comparison to the indescribable glory and that ineffable beauty which have been prepared for those who have struggled and endured.” ~Elder Joseph, Monastic Wisdom pp 238-9
Pray all are well and preparing for our fasts and Feasts of this wonderful holiday season. I wanted to share that one of our beloved Presbytera’s reposed this last year, eternal memory. Presbytera Katina from Pennsylvania reposed from breast cancer after a difficult struggle. She was 59 yrs old and had four grown sons. It has been devastating to all who knew her. Sadly we all know people, family, friends and parishioners, as well as co-workers now who are dealing with the effects of cancer. Of course there are many interventions that prayerfully overcome the devastating effects and thankfully the cancer may go into remission.
I would like to share some signs and symptoms that we can watch for that help us and alert us to seek medical attention. Cancer symptoms vary depending on many factors such as cancer type, stage, size and location. The early stages may not produce any noticeable symptoms, but as the disease progresses, they often become more apparent. Some general symptoms are fatigue, unexplained weight gain/loss, fever, pain, change in appetite, nausea, vomiting, skin changes.
Here are some specific cancer symptoms according to cancer type:
Digestive/Gastrointestinal: cramps. bloating, gas , changes in bowel or bladder habits, abnormal rectal bleeding.
Head and Neck: persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, mouth sores, dry mouth, taste changes.
Gynecologic: abnormal bleeding, pelvic/back pain, pain on urination, and abnormal discharge
Hematologic: flu like symptoms, fever chills, joint/bone pain, anemia ,night sweats,lymph node swelling, itching, persistent cough, shortness of breath ,abdominal discomfort, headaches, easy bruising, or bleeding, and frequent infection.
Skin: symptoms include changes in mole size shape or color, itchiness or pain and/or oozing in the affected area.
Lung: cough that doesn’t go away, pain in the chest area, shortness of breath, hoarseness, wheezing, coughing up blood, neck or facial swelling,and/or headaches.
Two other very common forms of cancer are breast cancer which may be discovered by monthly self-exams and prostate cancer which may be detected by frequent or painful urination.
More information may be found at American Cancer Society and Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Many symptoms share characteristics of other non-cancerous conditions, if you experience any persistent symptoms, or other changes in your health please see your healthcare provider.
In Christ, Elizabeth Ashton RN
