Well, the "Senior Year Blues" (as I've just named them) keep getting worse.

Now Cora, my cousin's roomie of about 7 years, has cancer.

FUCKING CANCER.

It's taken up almost an entire lung, gotten into her bones, and has gone up to her brain.

I've been spending a lot of time in the hospital lately which, Mr. Trent, is why I haven't been in class much as of late.

She started radiation today and starts chemo tomorrow, though the Path report isn't back yet. So I guess we'll find out what type of malignant cancer, where it's from, and what kinda treatment she'll be getting tomorrow.

We're in for another long haul.

Just another one of Jessica's Public Service Reminders that cancer can happen to anyone at any time.

Don't forget to get your yearly physical checkup with your physician.

If you don't have one, get one.

Especially if you have a family history of any disease.

If you have anything questionable happening to your body, please, please, PLEASE, go to the doctor and get it checked out. It's much better to be safe than sorry.

Trust me. I know what the hell I'm talking about. I've got family history from both sides, and I go to my doctor at least once a year.

My dad, my uncle, my fraternal aunt, my fraternal grandmother, my mother had a benign lump removed from her breast, my maternal aunt, my cousin-in-law, my aunt, Casey, and now Cora -- I don't care if we're biologically related or not. It's all family to me.

I personally had a scare earlier this year when I discovered a lump on my body; thankfully, it turned out to be nothing.

Others aren't so lucky.

One minute you might think that you're in good health, and the next, your whole world can turn upside down.

It's a wake up call most people could do without, but for some, it gets the ball rolling on a previously barren medical chart. My cousin sees this as a wake up call for her to get herself checked out, especially because of the family history we have.

So girls, once you're sexually active or if you've got a family history of cervical, ovarian, breast, etc. cancer...get a pap smear. If not because it is medically sound advice, do it to establish a base line for future tests. Give yourself a weekly breast exam. If you don't know how to do it, I can show you how or get you information on how to do so. It's real easy, takes a few minutes, and can be done in the shower.

Boys, make sure everything's alright with your genitals and if you have any issues, get them checked out. And when you're 40, please, for the love of God or whatever higher being you believe in...get your PSA tested. Having my father suffer from prostate cancer, let me tell you: you need to get it done.

Don't be afraid to go to the doctor. That's what stops a lot of people from getting help. Ask for referrals of good physicians if you don't know of any and find one you're comfortable with. (One that is covered under your insurance would be a good idea, too).

If you don't want to go by yourself, have a friend or family member go with you for moral support.

And if you're a UW student, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't get checked out. You're entitled to one FREE visit to Hall Health per quarter. It's part of your tuition. Just like the IMA fee that lets you work out there free.

We have one of the best medical facilities (UW Med Center) in the country available in our backyard and there are plenty of qualified physicians to look after your needs.

Yes, I know that I may (am) preaching about the need for you to see your healthcare professional, but from my point of view...I can't stress it enough.

So remember to get check ups, see a doctor if you have any questions regarding your health or body, and remind your family and friends to do so as well.

This ends another one of my JPSRs.

My sister's got some weirdness going on with her body as she's got two tubes leading from her right kidney to her bladder. (You're only supposed to have one). She gets her tonsils out on Tuesday.

My brother gets his wisdom teeth out next Thursday, so it's gonna be a long week for all of us.

Especially since my grandpa's coming back from China on Tuesday and is staying for about a month, not to mention all the family drama that's been going on.


P.S. Sin City was really good. You should go watch it.