We used to call it the big "C"
And it has had effects on me.

The women in our world have won
Our pity for what fate has done. 

Great Aunts I never knew have passed,
Their horrid war they lost at last.

Too late my Meme saw her truth.
We never will forget, in sooth.

Her daughter, Auntie Violet
Passed much too soon, should be here yet.

Our Mother, Betty was her name,
Could not remain, our loss the same.

But we have won some battles too,
This scourge can be fought down, it's true.

My niece was critically sick.
New methods used have kept her quick.

Our in-law had a nasty blow, 
We hope she's in remission though.

My wife's biopsies cost us dear
In sleepless nights of helpless fear.

Benign, the cysts turned out to be,
My wife was spared to be with me.

My friends both here and everywhere
Have had their own burdens to bare.

I trust that nothing bad comes true,
I know you know I care for you.

One never knows who may win out, 
So hope for best. Don't ever doubt.