Poets Against Cancer

(PAC)

  Are you a survivor living with cancer? Are you a survivor in remission? If you have answered yes to either of these questions then this is the place for you.

I am a survivor of breast cancer who write inspirational, motivational, in-your-face cancer poetry. I let cancer know just how I don't feel about it and I invite you to join me in my efforts to keep all cancers at bay. Come by at your convenience to read and to vent. If you feel anywhere close to the way that I feel then I know you have lots to say.

Tune in to DeLeon Dialogue- the cancer survivors' show, every Saturday evening @ 10.00 p.m est. Can't make it then- no problem log on; you can listen in, rate, comment, or download the show on the site or on Itunes anytime. If you'd like to be interviewed  email : deleondialogue@gmail.com
If you'd like to join in the on-air discussions call: (347) 945- 5853. Lets tell cancer where to go.

Submit your poetry, short story, or essay to pamilladeleonlewis@gmail.com and it will be displayed on the Cancer Hall of Shame page. Join the forum, meet, greet, and chat with survivors who share your sentiments. Hope starts here.

Breast Cancer Awareness

            Each morning I awake with gratitude for another day of life,

A life that I once again enjoy cancer free- but not free of strife.

And though I may savor every moment

that this new lease on life has given me

I am ever cognizant that, of cancer, I am really not free.

The truth is this disease has left an indelible impression upon my mind.

It has touched a part of me, so deeply, that each day I must define

Whose I am and where I stand with this terrible dis-ease

In doing so I daily affirm and everlastingly release

This horrible monster that, once desperately, tried to get its hooks into me

This same monster, breast cancer, from whom I am now permanently free 

You see, I have no intention, whatsoever, to deal with this demon again

To cancer, I make it quite clear, “ no more cancer, ever;” that is my refrain

I want this horrible disease to know that my God has set me free

And who the Lord sets free, my friends, is truly free indeed

I want cancer to know, expressly, that although I was traumatized

My spirit is still undaunted and through God, I will survive

my joints hurt; my body aches; these side-effects can be so unkind

but my grit and determination means that one day I will find

real relief from these pains that are constantly nagging at my behind

A welcomed quality of life- renewed , replenished, and refined

Some folks think that I am obsessed; they say, forget it, leave cancer alone

Don’t talk about it; don’t think about it; cancer is no longer your concern

But folks, I am not obsessed; 

I’m just very aware that my fight against all cancer continues

I know I may’ve won the battle but I still have to pay my dues

It’s a daily struggle to function; it is a challenge to wake up and live

but I am ever thankful that my God has supplied me with lots of hope to give

That’s why I am daily vigilant in my fight to stay cancer free.

That is why I am speaking about it; I want to motivate everybody

I don’t ever want to deal with cancer again so I’ll never let it be

I know that if I don’t stay proactive that cancer could be the end of me

And that, my friends, cannot happen- I won’t give cancer that satisfaction

In God, I can do anything, so I sentenced cancer to eternal damnation

Breast Cancer Facts- Men Get Breast Cancer Too

One of the most common cancers among Black women, as you may know, is Breast Cancer.
And that, my friends, is only surpassed by the number one culprit Lung Cancer.
More than 217, 000 people will be affected by Breast Cancer this year.
Now tell me that this fact isn’t a good reason for us to feel some fear.
Every 2 minutes, my friends, a woman is diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
And every 13 minutes because of Breast Cancer, one woman’s life is over.
Imagine, 20, 000 newly diagnosed cases are expected to occur among Black Women.
Of that, 57 hundred Black Women, because of Breast Cancer, will leave this earth my friend.
Black Women 5 year survival rate is 74%.
Compared to White Women whose survival rate is 88%.
Scientists still don’t know why Breast Cancer affects Black Women differently to White Women.
There’s a higher incidence of Breast Cancer in Black Women as compared to White Women.
Black Women are more likely to be diagnosed with much larger tumors.
And they are also more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced stages of Breast Cancer.
Among women under 45 Black Women have a higher incidence of this disease.
And this is compared to the incidences among women, if you please.
The risk of Breast Cancer for all women surely increases with age.
But yearly mammograms and monthly self- exams help to discover it at an early stage.
Women between the age of 20-30 should have a mammogram every 3 years.
Be familiar with your breasts so you’ll notice any changes occuring there.
Report any changes that you find to your doctor without delay.
The best method of protection is early detection, that’s what I always say.
Mammograms are avalable; they are free for everyone.
But if you have no insurance you can still get yourself a free one.
Ladies remind your husbands and boyfriends to check their breasts when you do;
They should report any changes they see in their breasts because men can get Breast Cancer too.