The wound that never heals....
The woman you see above is Sheli McVay. My youngest Aunt, and one of the best friends I've ever had. She was an artist, a musician, outgoing, HILARIOUS, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a mother, and a friend. We were joined at the hip from the time I was born, until I moved to Texas almost 2 years ago. I learned about all the fun things in life from her, and credit her for helping shape me into the person I am today.
Sheli passed away on November 23rd of last year, just 3 1/2 months ago. She had some trouble breathing and went to the ER. At the ER they did some X-Ray's and discovered a large mass in her chest. More tests were performed, and after a short time they discovered a total of 4 tumors between her stomach and chest. Biopsy's showed the tumors to be cancerous, and they had already accelerated into stage 4 cancer. In just 5 months, the cancer spread into her bones, her bloodstream, and eventually to her brain, killing her at just 30 years old.
Sheli left behind a small close knit family, and 3 children, 2 of which are still babies. 30 YEARS OLD. Thats just 8 years older than me. Looking back now, I see many, MANY signs of things that were potential signs of cancer, but Sheli always ignored little aches and pains, and constant stomach problems, probably thinking she was too young for those problems to be anything serious. When I finally got home to see my aunt, I was 30 minutes too late. I did not recognize the woman I saw, and it still haunts my dreams at night.
Its been almost 4 months since shes been gone, and I still wake up with a knot in my stomach and a lump in my throat. Most of the time I cant see her or even think about her without crying. I'm convinced that this will never get better... that it might not heal in time.
People, youre never "to young" to be health concious... if you think something is wrong, if something doesnt feel right.. go to the damn doctor. Keep an eye out on the ones you love...I wish I had. Its better to be safe than sorry.