Check your boobies - today

I just heard those words you don't want to EVER hear from your best friend.  "I have Breast Cancer."  I've known Vicki Dahn for many many moons.  She has been my right hand and my left hand... ok - on the Basketball court, Softball field and Volleyball court.   She's tended my children so I could get away and breathe.  She's fasted and prayed for me when I had my surgery, and she's probably the most faithful person ever.  So on Wednesday she finds out when they'll take her right breast totally off.  I have sent her several teasing messages: (because that's how we are with each other) Oh - we all never liked that right one anyway... or.... I'm done with mine - want me to send one over.  I know those are not nice things to say - but you have to know that it's going to take some humor to get through this one.  I've done Cancer 5k's, Cancer Century Rides, and I believe I even did a Harley Cancer Ride.... but it still keeps sneaking in and stealing my friends.  I hate that.  I told her that it was my fault - because that was the one I always smacked into when we played basketball.... perhaps because she should have stayed on her own side of the key... but that's another story, for another day.  Someone told me this week - and I looked at them and wondered what planet they came from - that Cancer originates from the Fall of Adam and Eve - that it was the beginning of cellular destruction.... (sounds like someone needs to check his testicles for testicular cancer....)  I have dealt with skin cancer, and lumps in my neck and in my legs - all of which would have turned sour if not found early.  I have no doubt that Vicki will have a bazillion friends praying and fasting for her - I'm among those that will.  I just really hate that I have to see my friends suffer.  I lost my friend Linda just last year to cancer, and I whisper her name almost everyday to make sure I remember her and her courage.  My friend down the street is fighting the battle, and Grandma Mackay left us way too early - and I'm just kinda tired of it all!  I want to enjoy my friends here on earth, and although the lessons of life we must live through make us who we are - it still is painful to see the fear.  I ran in the Race for the Cure - ok - knock it off... I did actually run some of it.... and my friend had a shirt that said, "What are you complaining about - you have another one!"  I'm afraid that Vicki will receive spiritual comments from her other really good friends - but from me - she's just going to have to laugh.  So tonight - - grab those boobs, soap them up, and check them out.  If you even find a bead sized lump - get your butts into a doctor.  Oh - and make sure the love of your life checks out his.... um.... "bag of coins" as Elaine puts it..... yet another friend I know who will be praying for our good friend Vicki.  Stay healthy - because by darn - if you're reading this... you are my friend.  or my freaky stalker.  if that's the case - I'll be checking YOU out!    Best of the best Vicki - you can beat this - kinda like how I trashed your butt in every sport we played - no pain - no gain.  xoxoxo