Shirley

Back in January, Shirley told me that she had cancer.

She swore me to secrecy, so I never told anyone about it (save Glenn, of course). I was hoping that she would make it public, because she has become such a huge force in the pro-tournament world. I felt that if she got the word out, that it might encourage other players to get checked out. Find out about those lumps, get regular exams.

I remember when Max Pescatori told me that his sister was dying of cancer. He was angry. He said if she'd simply gotten care sooner, she would have lived.

Not long after his sister died, I told Max that I, too, had cancer. And just a month later, tourney pro and WSOP bracelet winner Curtis Bibb died needlessly of cancer.

In every case (including mine), we put off getting testing, which only made things worse. In my case, my so-called PCP kept assuring me that I didn't have cancer, and to stop being "so paranoid," just because my brother had had it. He put off testing and surgery, and kind of lulled me into a false sense of security.

I wanted so badly to believe that I didn't have cancer, that I let him poo-poo me for three months. I was definitely a fool.

Because of our stupidity, however, people like Shirley and some other players I know have insisted on early and/or preventable treatment. So getting the word out can only lift us up, as a whole, as a team.

We have to stick together.

Guys, as much as you don't want that anal probe, lol, it is necessary and important. An anal probe now, could save your prostate and colon later! Crapping in a bag for the rest of your life ain't all it's cracked up to be! Get regular check-ups! Don't be another statistic.

Felicia :)