The Whole Price of Blood

There is, first and foremost, the cost to the body of the cancer patient. Scars, loss of hair, loss of hearing, loss of cognitive function, loss of weight. Damage both immediate and latent, both known and "yet to be seen".

But then there is the cost to those in the immediate ficinity -- family, loved ones. It's like the shockwave that rips the windows from homes miles away from a massive explosion. Crippling emotions that can be felt physically. Lack of sleep, lack of appetite -- lack, lack lack.
Then there is the ripple effect beyond that -- the plans laid waste, the perceived future that now sinks into darkness. The very nature of existence ripped from your world view, stomped on, and returned in pieces.

The cost comes in so many forms - physical, emotional, mental, financial.

How high a price can one be asked to pay?

If I haven't said it yet -- fuck you, cancer. Fuck you.