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Ok, my husband has Stage IV colon cancer. I am terrified and super needy right now, hence the attention-seeking headline. We are not giving up. He's ready to fight and we're going to throw everything at this thing.
Do you have a survivor story? Do you have deliscious high protein, vegetarian recipes I can make for him? Do you have a good joke?
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My Mom survived breast cancer three times and my step mom died from throat cancer. You have my deepest sympathies. My only suggestion is to try and fight it until the end. We are here for you so rant away when you need to.
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A different cancer entirely, but I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in my early thirties. It so happens that that cancer is most common in much older men (this is also true of colon cancer to a slightly lesser degree) and not too uncommon (colon cancer is more common I think), which means that developing new drugs and treatments is financially very attractive to big pharma. I managed to stay alive long enough for the treatments to get much better, if your husband can do the same he could expect the same.
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A different cancer entirely, but I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in my early thirties. It so happens that that cancer is most common in much older men (this is also true of colon cancer to a slightly lesser degree) and not too uncommon (colon cancer is more common I think), which means that developing new drugs and treatments is financially very attractive to big pharma. I managed to stay alive long enough for the treatments to get much better, if your husband can do the same he could expect the same.
I hope that means you are in remission or better. Would you mind telling me how long you have been a survivor?
Thank you all for your kindness.
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My mother survived Thyroid cancer, my father skin cancer, and my niece and neighbor are each in the midst of fighting their own (different) cancer battles now. A student of my wife lost her leg to cancer, but has since become a vibrant, strong young woman and is poised to graduate, soon.
I hate this thing, but am praying for your husband. Be strong; find peace; you are not alone.
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I hope that means you are in remission or better. Would you mind telling me how long you have been a survivor?
Thank you all for your kindness.
Yeah, it's returned twice over 11 years, the last time was a bit over a year ago. With it being suppressed by chemo three times (plus maintenance between sometimes including now) I can say as a connoisseur that it's got much better over the years.
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My mother in law beat thyroid cancer several years back, though she died a couple weeks ago from a brain hemorrhage.
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My grandfather had throat cancer. At the age of 68 he began treatments and it seemed to be in remission or at least close to it. At 70 he was given 6 months to live. He fought it pretty hard and made it 18 more months! Long enough to see my daughter as a baby.
Just can't give up hope.
Big hugs and positive vibes
Now for the only clean joke I know...
Why didn't they make two Yogi Bears?
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Much about cancer is terrifying, that much is true. It is good that you are ready to fight it, and vital to keep up hope. Talk to your doctor about it. Listen to what they say, and TAKE NOTES, because you will be terrified and distracted during the talk as well. Don't be afraid to talk to them again if you missed things.
Defer judgement on prognosis until you have tried treatment. Some forms of cancer are fast and harsh, but can still be treated successfully. There is also a variation between individuals, and some survive even the bleakest prospect forms of cancer in good shape. Also remember that the side effects will be harsh, but there is help to get in the form of drugs to reduce nausea and pain etc.
Everyone has good and bad days, even in the worst situations. Talk to each other. Understand one another, even if it is tempting to hide away behind "it's going to be all right". To give emotional support, you have to be where he is, even if it may not be "all right". And if the time comes and the doctors say that they can't do anything more to cure him, they can still help him against pain and other problems.
Keep us posted, okay?
As for a joke, hmmm...
Two tomatoes were crossing the road, despite heavy traffic. One of them ran across, and made it! So it shouted for its friend, who looked in panic at the cars zooming by, then ran across too...
"Hey! Now you ruined the joke!"
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Given a health scare I had back in October, and that being one of the possible prognoses(sp?) I got lucky and had a clean bill of health with only one small warning sign that was easily removed.
Fellow co-worker's survived two different types (I haven't pried into which ones, because that's just morbid), one while she's been working at my workplace.
I have an uncle who is fighting like crazy right now after losing his bladder to one, and he's still hanging tough. He also lost one of kidneys to workplace chemical exposure shenanigans...
There is a different co-worker who is currently fighting ovarian (she volunteered the info) and aside from the nausea of the medicine is doing 'alright' for the moment.
As far as good jokes, I'm not really good with humor and it goes way too morbid, so instead I will leave you with a thing I strive to live by whenever possible...
...It is a good day when all parties involved in a thing learn from a thing...
It may be rough, but hang in there!
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Just take care of yourself, JollyRoger. This is rough but Cancer treatment has come a long way in the past 20 years.
Also, this series is very good and very informative.
Cancer - The Emperor of All Maladies
Ep 2 - The Blind Men and the Elephant
Ep 3 - Finding the Achilles Heel
Note - Each episode is two hours long so be prepared for a long watch. But it is so worth watching. Good luck to you and your hubby, JR!!!
I am sorry, be strong
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thank you all for your kindness.
The hubby has had his first chemo treatment and is tolerating it pretty well. He got a baseline PET scan. He'll have 3 to 5 more treatments and then get scanned again. We're trying to focus on one day at a time.
We've been to two oncologists and two surgeons for multiple opinions. One of the oncologists wrote him off. He said at best, chemo might give him 2 to 3 years. The other three were much more positive and presented multiple treatment options. We're trying to focus on their outlook and not dwell on Dr. Soulcrusher. Honestly, why work in a premier cancer treatment center with that attitude?
The nursing staff at the infusion center are absolute angels. To all of you nurses out there, please accept my whole-hearted thank you for existing.
Avr, I've been thinking about you and I wish you the best. Thank you for sharing.
We've lost 2 in the family due to cancer.
I don't have a survivor story for you, but the best of wishes to you and your husband.
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IMHO a positive attitude is essential when dealing with cancer. At worst it doesn't change anything but how that person handles what they are going through. Having said that, it has been proven a positive attitude does help.