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Cancer concerns


DoomsDave

Concerns about cancer  

26 members have voted

  1. 1. I am ___ about cancer

    • Gravely concerned
      1
    • Seriously concerned
      4
    • Concerned
      7
    • Somewhat concerned
      7
    • Barely concerned
      4
    • Not concerned at all
      3
  2. 2. Experience

    • I have cancer
      2
    • I had cancer but recovered
      4
    • A family member died of cancer
      11
    • A family member had cancer but recovered
      10
    • A friend died of cancer
      8
    • A friend had cancer but recovered
      7
    • I have no experience with cancer
      2


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The topic on glyphosate showed complex feelings about cancer, the risks of same, etc.

The attached poll asks two questions: (a) how concerned you are about cancer; and (b) your experiences, if any, with it. (b) can be answered with more than one choice; for (a) you need to choose only one.

Concerned means something along the lines of worried. I think "afraid" is too strong. Any constructive suggestions to improve this poll are appreciated.

I'm barely concerned about cancer, but my father died of it, and I've had two friends die of brain tumors. Scary, but what can you do?

And, sorry to hear if anyone else has any tales of loss.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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I had a good friend diagnosed with a brain tumor at 22 years of age. Doctors gave him 4 months to live. He's still my good friend 20 years later. We used to call him "mellon" because he had a big soft spot on his noggin. Go figure. He's married with two kids. 

As with most things early detection is key. Now that I think of it I better hit the doc ;)

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My best friend from college days, passed at age 62.  The bitter irony is that he had the most healthy lifestyle habits of any in our group. Doctorate in nutrition, organic food, regular exercise, and thin his whole life.

Memento mori and carpe diem !

https://obituaries.advocate-news.com/obituaries/advocate-news/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=169225932

 

Dave, are the votes anonymous or can you see the identity of the participants ?

 

San Francisco, California

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6 hours ago, Darold Petty said:

My best friend from college days, passed at age 62.  The bitter irony is that he had the most healthy lifestyle habits of any in our group. Doctorate in nutrition, organic food, regular exercise, and thin his whole life.

Memento mori and carpe diem !

https://obituaries.advocate-news.com/obituaries/advocate-news/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=169225932

 

Dave, are the votes anonymous or can you see the identity of the participants ?

 

Darold - I can't see how anyone votes, and I don't believe anyone else can either - through any means. However, there may be a record through your own account after logging in.

Thanks to those of you who help make this a fun and friendly forum.

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Dave, I suggest that, if possible, an entry along the lines of "A family member/friend was diagnosed with incurable cancer." At present none of the answers apply to my situation, i.e., in 2016 my husband was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma courtesy of Agent Orange and the Vietnam War. As I write this aggressive cancer has never been cured and, despite all current treatments including stem cell and bone marrow transplant, is invariably terminal. He is currently 2-1/2 years into his 5-6 year prognosis. I worry a lot.

  • Upvote 2

Meg

Palms of Victory I shall wear

Cape Coral (It's Just Paradise)
Florida
Zone 10A on the Isabelle Canal
Elevation: 15 feet

I'd like to be under the sea in an octopus' garden in the shade.

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One of the fellas I went to school with was dux of the school at age 17 and was dead from a brain tumour at 18. At that age it's hard to make sense of it. Not long back a close friend developed breast cancer. The last 3 years were difficult. You can't change reality, but you can be there for them, it's all you can do.

Since then I've had more friends get diagnosed and pass away quite quickly. Others are still going. The reality is that when you see all those faces in the street there are many more with cancer than you imagine. All getting on with life as best they can.

Just recently I was diagnosed with cancer. So I said to the specialist, "I've got the facts, I understand the reality of the situation, I have to act, what's the earliest date for operating". From there I started to organise "Plan B" as well. Bought a cemetery plot (got a nice one - morning sun, midday and afternoon shade) and paid for a headstone of my own design, sorted my will. So then it was off "under the scalpel", the start of "Plan A".

Still on Plan A at the moment, tests next month hopefully will show if I can stay on Plan A, for a while yet. But can't complain, I've done better than a lot of others. Am I concerned? In some ways the horse has already bolted. Although, there's still a lot of other cancers I could get. One type doesn't make you immune to another. But then, I could get 'run over by a bus'. I've got back to exercising, trying to eat properly and generally living healthily. So I'm more concerned about living, Plan B will take care of anything else.

Carpe diem.

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Thanks to all who've responded.

And, sorry for losses.

This is, I suspect part of the human condition.

Please keep comments and poll responses coming!

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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I have a slightly disfigured nose from a basal cell carcinoma about 18 years ago.  No further skin cancers since, though certain areas of skin keep getting worse-looking.  The only comment I've ever gotten about the nose was from a plastic surgeon who called it a "good job."  It did involve a tiny skin transplant.

  • Upvote 1

Fla. climate center: 100-119 days>85 F
USDA 1990 hardiness zone 9B
Current USDA hardiness zone 10a
4 km inland from Indian River; 27º N (equivalent to Brisbane)

Central Orlando's urban heat island may be warmer than us

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An insidious brutal disease that causes awful suffering for the victims and their loved ones. I daresay there is not a person on this forum who has not been affected in some way, be it personally, a family member, loved one or merely a friend or acquaintance. An illness you would not wish upon anyone.

In Australia, breast cancer in women and prostrate cancer in men are the biggest killers. Skin Cancer and Melanomas associated with sun exposure are statistically the highest in the world. My generation ( teenager in the 1970's ) have inordinately high rates of skin cancers...... there were simply no campaigns or advice to cover up out in the sun 40 years ago. I have had several suspicious looking cancers removed from my skin, fortunately no melanomas. In Australia there was a fair old sorta beach and outdoors culture which heavily promoted the sun tanned look.... indeed as I recall one was not attractive to the opposite sex unless you had a burnt to a crisp sun tan..... we pay for it now !

So, on a personal level, my experience with cancer is as follows.... skin cancers removed, checked for bowel cancer ( a free health care service provided by the Australian Government at 50 years of age then every 5 years after that ). Prostrate cancer check ( no, I am not going to describe the procedure other than to say , yes, it is invasive, but hell ! it saves your life !! )

My mother found a lump on her breast at age 55 during a routine medical check up and her doctor did a breast scan, found a very small lump, which was removed with a partial mastectomy. She is now 82.... it saved her life !

My sister was diagnosed with Leukemia 13 years ago....she was on deaths door for nearly 12 months ( I did the tests for bone marrow transplant but I was not a donor match ) A stranger to our family in the State of Queensland was a match, consented to donate and saved my sisters life. A truly unsung Aussie hero in my opinion !

My former partner ( yes the breast cancer she suffered contributed to our break up ) walked up my driveway in 2016, pulled her top to one side, and said, " what do you think this is ?" Well it was an angry looking lump/welt on her left breast that had only recently appeared. She had not picked it, nor had I and if anyone should have picked up on it , well it should have been me... The discovery lead to mammograms, tests, a partial mastectomy to remove the lump, 6 months of truly awful Chemotherapy with the horrible side effects of illness, hair loss, immune system compromised, depression, anxiety..... really bad stuff that caused a relationship breakdown, never mind the life threatening prognosis. In February 2017 she underwent a full mastectomy to remove her left breast. Then 3 months of intensive painful radiation. And has to take Estrogen blocker tablets for the next 10 years ( Apparently her body produced too much Estrogen which was a causal factor in the breast cancer ) She had also developed and beaten throat cancer ( a non smoker too, but a drinker and perhaps caused by alcohol ) in 2005/6. And, the Estrogen blocker ( and the Chemo ) brought on full scale premature menopause which totally killed off her libido.... which indeed weighed heavily upon her..... disfigured by the mastectomy and no longer felt like a woman. Sadly she ended our relationship, however, seems to have beaten the Cancer and has recently had a breast reconstruction and is getting on with life..... So yeah, I wish her well.....

My best friends Burt and Trish lost their first born son at the age of 30 to stomach cancer.... only 30 years old, a new wife ( no kids ). Was the saddest funeral ( yes funerals are all sad but this was especially hard.... ) Only 3 months from diagnosis to Tim's passing. Children are supposed to bury their parents, not the other way around.. Trish has never recovered from the inconsolable grief ( 8 years ) and it has been sad to see a woman of Faith now questioning that very same faith.....

Sorry to have taken up space relating these stories, but yes indeed I loath Cancer and wish Governments would spend as much money on Cancer research as they do on Defence, the Arts, the War on Drugs, whatever.... ( sigh )

And finally..... guys and girls..... go and get tests done. It will save your life !

  • Upvote 3
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Men, let's be frank about prostate cancer.  Most men will experience this, but it is so slow growing that usually something else will finish you first.  The primary exam is a DRE.  Digital rectal exam. This takes only a moment and does not hurt.  Your primary care physician will insert his gloved, index finger to feel the prostate gland.  It should be small and soft.  If not, a blood test is the next step, for PSA, prostate specific antigen, a marker associated with the presence of cancer cells.  Most men in their 60's will test about 2-4.  This is normal, and is only a cause for alarm if this number increases rapidly from year to year.  Since an annual physical exam will normally take blood for various other tests it is recommended to have the PSA number checked annually to  monitor this level.  Another detail is that there are NO symptoms until prostate cancer is highly advanced.

  If prostate cancer is diagnosed EARLY there are many, minimally invasive responses, including cryogenic freezing, implant of radioactive pellets, or tomotherapy radiation.  Surgery is used only for advanced cases where the dumb a** man has ignored his prostate cancer for a long time.

So,  PLEASE, get checked every year !   :unsure: 

  • Upvote 2

San Francisco, California

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5 hours ago, dalmatiansoap said:

My mother in law passed away of cancer in August. 21 days since diagnosed to funeral. Brutal

Sorry to hear.

My father passed from mesothelioma in 2014, and my brother and I are still recovering.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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My wife is an oncology nurse. She's always said if you can get through your 50's and 60's, your odds improve.

  • Upvote 2

Searle Brothers Nursery Inc.

and The Rainforest Collection.

Southwest Ranches,Fl.

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On 10/27/2018, 7:33:55, Darold Petty said:

My best friend from college days, passed at age 62.  The bitter irony is that he had the most healthy lifestyle habits of any in our group. Doctorate in nutrition, organic food, regular exercise, and thin his whole life.

Memento mori and carpe diem !

https://obituaries.advocate-news.com/obituaries/advocate-news/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=169225932

 

Dave, are the votes anonymous or can you see the identity of the participants ?

 

Darold, the votes are anonymous. Viewers see the votes, but not who made them.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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On 10/28/2018, 2:21:27, greysrigging said:

An insidious brutal disease that causes awful suffering for the victims and their loved ones. I daresay there is not a person on this forum who has not been affected in some way, be it personally, a family member, loved one or merely a friend or acquaintance. An illness you would not wish upon anyone.

In Australia, breast cancer in women and prostrate cancer in men are the biggest killers. Skin Cancer and Melanomas associated with sun exposure are statistically the highest in the world. My generation ( teenager in the 1970's ) have inordinately high rates of skin cancers...... there were simply no campaigns or advice to cover up out in the sun 40 years ago. I have had several suspicious looking cancers removed from my skin, fortunately no melanomas. In Australia there was a fair old sorta beach and outdoors culture which heavily promoted the sun tanned look.... indeed as I recall one was not attractive to the opposite sex unless you had a burnt to a crisp sun tan..... we pay for it now !

So, on a personal level, my experience with cancer is as follows.... skin cancers removed, checked for bowel cancer ( a free health care service provided by the Australian Government at 50 years of age then every 5 years after that ). Prostrate cancer check ( no, I am not going to describe the procedure other than to say , yes, it is invasive, but hell ! it saves your life !! )

My mother found a lump on her breast at age 55 during a routine medical check up and her doctor did a breast scan, found a very small lump, which was removed with a partial mastectomy. She is now 82.... it saved her life !

My sister was diagnosed with Leukemia 13 years ago....she was on deaths door for nearly 12 months ( I did the tests for bone marrow transplant but I was not a donor match ) A stranger to our family in the State of Queensland was a match, consented to donate and saved my sisters life. A truly unsung Aussie hero in my opinion !

My former partner ( yes the breast cancer she suffered contributed to our break up ) walked up my driveway in 2016, pulled her top to one side, and said, " what do you think this is ?" Well it was an angry looking lump/welt on her left breast that had only recently appeared. She had not picked it, nor had I and if anyone should have picked up on it , well it should have been me... The discovery lead to mammograms, tests, a partial mastectomy to remove the lump, 6 months of truly awful Chemotherapy with the horrible side effects of illness, hair loss, immune system compromised, depression, anxiety..... really bad stuff that caused a relationship breakdown, never mind the life threatening prognosis. In February 2017 she underwent a full mastectomy to remove her left breast. Then 3 months of intensive painful radiation. And has to take Estrogen blocker tablets for the next 10 years ( Apparently her body produced too much Estrogen which was a causal factor in the breast cancer ) She had also developed and beaten throat cancer ( a non smoker too, but a drinker and perhaps caused by alcohol ) in 2005/6. And, the Estrogen blocker ( and the Chemo ) brought on full scale premature menopause which totally killed off her libido.... which indeed weighed heavily upon her..... disfigured by the mastectomy and no longer felt like a woman. Sadly she ended our relationship, however, seems to have beaten the Cancer and has recently had a breast reconstruction and is getting on with life..... So yeah, I wish her well.....

My best friends Burt and Trish lost their first born son at the age of 30 to stomach cancer.... only 30 years old, a new wife ( no kids ). Was the saddest funeral ( yes funerals are all sad but this was especially hard.... ) Only 3 months from diagnosis to Tim's passing. Children are supposed to bury their parents, not the other way around.. Trish has never recovered from the inconsolable grief ( 8 years ) and it has been sad to see a woman of Faith now questioning that very same faith.....

Sorry to have taken up space relating these stories, but yes indeed I loath Cancer and wish Governments would spend as much money on Cancer research as they do on Defence, the Arts, the War on Drugs, whatever.... ( sigh )

And finally..... guys and girls..... go and get tests done. It will save your life !

Ouch, so sad to hear.

Hope you're okay, now.

I had a friend from high school get a brain tumor and die at age 50. Boom, diagnosis, home or hospice, then graveyard. And, Ms. Hooper here in La Habra had one, too. She was 75 and a semi-righteous health nut, and it was fast for her, too.

Girding for the colonoscopy. :bummed:

  • Upvote 1

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Dave, I have had several colonoscopies.  The staff give you a sedative, I always fall completely asleep, no pain or soreness upon waking.

  Don't procrastinate, colon cancer is one of the worst.

I did participate in the poll.  :)

  • Upvote 1

San Francisco, California

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Darold, your right. Colon cancer along with bone cancer are among the worst and have some of the least odds of beating. Prostate cancer if checked on a regular basis by your primary physican can be treatable and beat. Breast cancer now a days can be a beatable/treatable cancer if woman would only get checked.

Searle Brothers Nursery Inc.

and The Rainforest Collection.

Southwest Ranches,Fl.

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So I wasn't going to describe my DRE ( digital rectal exam ), but if it helps one person take the test and it saves a life..... well hell, the embarrassment factor of no concern....

Went to the GP for a general check up, he did all the usual stuff then he casually mentions, "you haven't done a prostrate check before, have you ?"

Me, "no, I haven't "

Doc, "well, we could do it now...." he sees the look of horror on my face, "or not, some other time.... ?"

Me, "OK, lets do it now, because if I have to think about it I probably won't...." 

Doc, "really ? righto then, pants off, up on the bed, lie on your side and just relax.... " Me in turmoil watching out or the corner of my eyes as he fiddles around with rubber gloves, lube, disinfectant and goodness knows what else....

Doc ( a Greek fella, really nice person with that old time reassuring bedside manner ) starts giving me running commentary of what he is about to do and I'm thinking, "bloody hell !"

Doc, " OK, I'm going to insert my finger and feel for any abnormalities in your prostrate, so just relax...."

Me, " I am relaxed..."

Doc, "no, you're not, you're clinching..."

Me, "Doc, I haven't begun to clinch yet... " We both descend into a fit of giggles, during which I must have relaxed slightly and hey presto, he's in ( literally ) Doc continues with a running commentary all the while I'm praying for it to be over....Doc is pleased to find no abnormalities, I'm pleased to have the procedure done and dusted....haha.

So for men out there reading this, If I can do this, well so can you.... hell, it might just save you life !

 

 

 

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Dave, I've had several colonoscopies and the prep is by far the worst thing about it. I always end up with a massive migraine from not eating little or nothing for 1-1/2 days so I schedule myself as early in the morning as possible. The procedure itself goes quickly. Twilight anesthesia wears off quickly with no after effects. 

  • Upvote 1

Meg

Palms of Victory I shall wear

Cape Coral (It's Just Paradise)
Florida
Zone 10A on the Isabelle Canal
Elevation: 15 feet

I'd like to be under the sea in an octopus' garden in the shade.

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There is a newer colon cancer screening test you can get prescribed by your doctor and you do the test at home, providing a mail-in sample. Not quite so gross as it sounds. Ask your doctor about it.

Ladies, get your mammogram annually. I would have to say it saved my life.

  • Upvote 3

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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