About LDCO

I was sitting nervously in the oncology office along with my parents and one of my sisters, waiting for the doctors to enter. Once the appointment started, the three of us each were meticulously scribbling down questions and notes about the options regarding my Mother’s recurrence of breast cancer. It had been 30 years since her first diagnosis and remission. At the time of her first diagnosis, I was young and really unaware of most of the specifics around her diagnosis and treatments. I knew the basics and what I needed to know at that age. 

Now it was different. I was a mother, a wife, and a concerned adult daughter wanting to know every piece of available information. One evident thing was that so much time had passed that the records regarding her cancer and treatments were lost. My parents' memories regarding the specific details of the chemotherapy drugs used, along with other information, were forgotten, but replaced with happier memories like graduations, weddings, grandchildren, and watching their family grow.

At that time, I had already created a health journal for myself and my children as I was tracking certain health obstacles. 

And while walking back to the car, leaving the oncology appointment, Mom says, “You need to make one for breast cancer.” And that was it - I did. 

Soon after Mom’s recurrence, my younger sister, already battling other serious health issues, was also diagnosed with breast cancer. It was then that I realized that keeping a medical history about the cancer journey, along with information regarding the types of cancer, treatments, and genetic testing,  is crucial for them and equally important for the rest of the women in the family. 

Going through this cancer journey is difficult in itself. Going through it as Mother and Daughter during Covid was especially difficult. Having their mastectomies only a week apart, they are both my heroes, not only for their bravery but also for their spirit during their journey.

The journals have since evolved over the years to become more detailed than the first one I had made specifically for my Mom. Taking the knowledge I now have regarding the ins and outs of tracking appointments, organizing appointment notes, recording tests, scans, treatments, and side effects. The journals are now organized and designed to detail your journey history for you. Complete with tabbed sections and guided pages. 

Cancer sucks. It has affected too many people I love. It took the life of one of my dearest friends who was fighting a rare cancer. She was amazing, and we miss her every day. However, what I have learned is that if we, as a group or as individuals, can help in any way to make a loved one, a neighbor, or even a stranger’s life a bit easier during these times, hopefully we can lighten the heaviness of this journey, if even for a moment.