Effing cancer is an effing effer, frankly
Discussion
br d said:
br d said:
Consultant says there are some new things growing in there that he doesn't like the look of so I have to go in for another biopsy on Friday and play the waiting game again...
Follow up on this:Just got back from having pieces of scarred meat hacked out of my lungs and feel like I've been beaten up by a gang of cage fighters BUT.... consultant says NO CANCER!!
Still have to wait for the official lab results but my consultant is very professional and circumspect, I don't believe he would say this to me and my partner if he had any doubts. The Sarcoidosis is playing dirty and progressing into my lymph nodes but Ive known for five years that the bugger is out to get me, the main thing is I'm not looking at an immediate decline.
Let me say that again for my own selfish satisfaction: NO CANCER!
Thank for your messages of support, it really does help when you're staring something like this in the face.
Bit of an update from me. My mate had his spinal tumour removed and the bad news is he's been diagnosed with Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The good news is his oncologist is very positive and says that although its an "aggressive" cancer, this simply means it's fast growing and the majority of people respond very well to treatment.
My mate - I'll call him "Rick" (mainly because that's his name!) - starts his chemotherapy tomorrow, as well as a bone marrow biopsy. He's not looking forward to the treatment but accepts its the best chance he's got. Fortunately he's an intelligent guy and his wife is equally intelligent. They've resisted the urge to Google and have stuck to the mainstream websites. Rick is in the Royal Navy and they've been brilliant (as have the benevolent fund and SSAFA).
Rick and his wife were initially very despondent about the initial diagnosis, but that was from the consultant neurosurgeon who originally removed the tumour. Now they've spoken to the oncologist, the diagnosis has been refined and they're both much more positive. They've told their daughters (13 and 10) who were fairly unfazed by it all and who are both fairly resilient, intelligent characters.
I've spent the day at Rick's house today giving him a chuck up with bits of DIY he's struggling with as he's still recovering from the spinal surgery. Despite having to use a stick to walk and not yet having regained full feelings in his legs and torso he's definitely improving each time I see him. We've also given the house a good clean, sorted out a downstairs bedroom for him and got plenty of supplies in.
Rick and his family still face an uncertain future and they've all got some tough times ahead. So tonight I'd be grateful if you'd all join me in yet another "PHUCK YOU, CANCER. YOU PHUCKING PHUCK".
My mate - I'll call him "Rick" (mainly because that's his name!) - starts his chemotherapy tomorrow, as well as a bone marrow biopsy. He's not looking forward to the treatment but accepts its the best chance he's got. Fortunately he's an intelligent guy and his wife is equally intelligent. They've resisted the urge to Google and have stuck to the mainstream websites. Rick is in the Royal Navy and they've been brilliant (as have the benevolent fund and SSAFA).
Rick and his wife were initially very despondent about the initial diagnosis, but that was from the consultant neurosurgeon who originally removed the tumour. Now they've spoken to the oncologist, the diagnosis has been refined and they're both much more positive. They've told their daughters (13 and 10) who were fairly unfazed by it all and who are both fairly resilient, intelligent characters.
I've spent the day at Rick's house today giving him a chuck up with bits of DIY he's struggling with as he's still recovering from the spinal surgery. Despite having to use a stick to walk and not yet having regained full feelings in his legs and torso he's definitely improving each time I see him. We've also given the house a good clean, sorted out a downstairs bedroom for him and got plenty of supplies in.
Rick and his family still face an uncertain future and they've all got some tough times ahead. So tonight I'd be grateful if you'd all join me in yet another "PHUCK YOU, CANCER. YOU PHUCKING PHUCK".
Another update from me about My best mate, Rick.
I'd not seen Rick or his family due to some problems of my own and I needed to step back a bit for my own sanity. We've swopped a few text messages though so I've not broken all contact. I spent the day at their house yesterday and he's walking a lot better than he has been after the initial surgery on his spine. Rick doesn't need his stick when he's in the house, and I think he only takes it with him when he goes out as a bit of a confidence thing/security blanket.
Rick's had the blood tests after his first session of chemo, and his bloods are at the right level for the next session. This is slightly different to the first one, in that this injection will be going into his spinal column, to attack directly the remaining cells the surgeon couldn't remove. His other chemo went in via a cannula in his hand. So far, he's not had any sickness or other side effects (I know it's still early days) so that's helping him keep positive. He has felt tired, but he's putting that down to the general worry and stress of it all and the fact he's not sleeping so well.
Rick is worried about the "spinal" chemo, as apparently your spinal cord is effectively a "closed system" under pressure (every day's a school day), so the addition of extra fluid in the form of the chemo drugs will over pressurise the system and in all probability cause him headaches.
So Rick is still at the beginning of things. He's still not got full feeling back from the tumour pressing on his spinal cord, but the neurosurgeon said that could take up to 12 months (if it happens, this might be as good as he gets). Rick can't tell if he's getting any more sensation back, but he's slowly adapting, mentally and physically. He accepts that any progress may be so incremental he might not notice it immediately.
Yesterday was a day of pottering about, buying some willow screening, drinking brews and reading the papers on their deck, watching a bit of F1 qualifying (got to try and keep it a bit PH!) and nibbles and drinks (squash for me... That's a whole other tale).
So all in all, it's looking pretty positive for Rick and his family right now. Of course, they've all still a lot to go through, so once again:
PHUCK YOU CANCER, YOU f
kING ttTY PHUCKER.
I'd not seen Rick or his family due to some problems of my own and I needed to step back a bit for my own sanity. We've swopped a few text messages though so I've not broken all contact. I spent the day at their house yesterday and he's walking a lot better than he has been after the initial surgery on his spine. Rick doesn't need his stick when he's in the house, and I think he only takes it with him when he goes out as a bit of a confidence thing/security blanket.
Rick's had the blood tests after his first session of chemo, and his bloods are at the right level for the next session. This is slightly different to the first one, in that this injection will be going into his spinal column, to attack directly the remaining cells the surgeon couldn't remove. His other chemo went in via a cannula in his hand. So far, he's not had any sickness or other side effects (I know it's still early days) so that's helping him keep positive. He has felt tired, but he's putting that down to the general worry and stress of it all and the fact he's not sleeping so well.
Rick is worried about the "spinal" chemo, as apparently your spinal cord is effectively a "closed system" under pressure (every day's a school day), so the addition of extra fluid in the form of the chemo drugs will over pressurise the system and in all probability cause him headaches.
So Rick is still at the beginning of things. He's still not got full feeling back from the tumour pressing on his spinal cord, but the neurosurgeon said that could take up to 12 months (if it happens, this might be as good as he gets). Rick can't tell if he's getting any more sensation back, but he's slowly adapting, mentally and physically. He accepts that any progress may be so incremental he might not notice it immediately.
Yesterday was a day of pottering about, buying some willow screening, drinking brews and reading the papers on their deck, watching a bit of F1 qualifying (got to try and keep it a bit PH!) and nibbles and drinks (squash for me... That's a whole other tale).
So all in all, it's looking pretty positive for Rick and his family right now. Of course, they've all still a lot to go through, so once again:
PHUCK YOU CANCER, YOU f
kING ttTY PHUCKER. I've not been into this thread for a while, as frankly, I've not felt up to it. As I alluded to in my earlier post about my mate, I've had a few issues of my own. I've now been diagnosed with severe PTSD and chronic anxiety/stress/depression as a result (mainly) of some of the crap I've seen and had to deal with at work (although some of the initial assessments reveal that I'm predisposed to it anyway). It's taken me almost four years to accept that I wasn't "right" and seek help, which is a combination of drugs and therapy. I'm also off operationa/public contact duty at work, and no idea when (or if) I'll be back to "front line" duty.
Anyway, more importantly, another update for Rick. He's had two of three intracethal chemo treatments (injections into his spinal cord) and on Wednesday he'll be halfway through his six R-CHOP chemo treatments. The first spinal didn't go well as they struggled to get the injection into his spine, but the second went no problem. He's had a few days of tiredness/lethargy and a couple of days of sickness, but other than that, he's doing ok. Once the chemo has finished, rick is due to have radiotherapy to zap any remaining tumour on his spine. The consultant oncologist is very positive about his progress so far and his general prognosis. His head hair has all gone, but he's fairly pragmatic about it, his only concern being that it doesn't come backe either curly or even worse, ginger...
Rick is still not walking "properly" but he has got a lot more feeling in his abdomen and legs. He's walking a lot better too, and rarely uses his stick any more. We managed to all get up to Windermere at the weekend onto his FiL's boat which tired him out but did him the work of good as he's really getting cabin fever. So all in all, things are going ok at the moment. He's not completely out of the woods but he's doing well for now.
To all the "new" posters to the thread, welcome. For those with cancer themselves or a family member or friend who has it, there can be hope. To those who have lost someone, I've an idea (as have many others here) of what that can be like. "Keep om keeping on" as a friend recently said to me.
So once more, with the privilege of being the OP for this thread:
"PHUCK YOU, CANCER, YOU PHUCKING ttTING PHUCKITY PHUCK!"
Anyway, more importantly, another update for Rick. He's had two of three intracethal chemo treatments (injections into his spinal cord) and on Wednesday he'll be halfway through his six R-CHOP chemo treatments. The first spinal didn't go well as they struggled to get the injection into his spine, but the second went no problem. He's had a few days of tiredness/lethargy and a couple of days of sickness, but other than that, he's doing ok. Once the chemo has finished, rick is due to have radiotherapy to zap any remaining tumour on his spine. The consultant oncologist is very positive about his progress so far and his general prognosis. His head hair has all gone, but he's fairly pragmatic about it, his only concern being that it doesn't come backe either curly or even worse, ginger...
Rick is still not walking "properly" but he has got a lot more feeling in his abdomen and legs. He's walking a lot better too, and rarely uses his stick any more. We managed to all get up to Windermere at the weekend onto his FiL's boat which tired him out but did him the work of good as he's really getting cabin fever. So all in all, things are going ok at the moment. He's not completely out of the woods but he's doing well for now.
To all the "new" posters to the thread, welcome. For those with cancer themselves or a family member or friend who has it, there can be hope. To those who have lost someone, I've an idea (as have many others here) of what that can be like. "Keep om keeping on" as a friend recently said to me.
So once more, with the privilege of being the OP for this thread:
"PHUCK YOU, CANCER, YOU PHUCKING t
tTING PHUCKITY PHUCK!"Backtobasics said:
I've tried to write this post ten times so a quick post from me as I'm lost it at the minute (signed off work). I found out yesterday that my mum has cancer, its looks like she has months and its all over. Not really sure what to do or how to do it to, or who to speak to or how to keep busy or anything really (starting tearing up writing this to be honest). Just thought i would post.
Oh yeah and cancer can get to fk, and if I ever meet him on a night out I'll hit him so hard his grand kids will get concussion.
Keep on keeping on, one day at a time.Oh yeah and cancer can get to f
k, and if I ever meet him on a night out I'll hit him so hard his grand kids will get concussion. Backtobasics - recognise and ACCEPT that you and your Mum (and everyone else "involved") will have bad days and good days. Just try not to let the bad ones spoil the good ones.
It's ok (normal, in fact) to feel angry, annoyed, scared, tearful, happy, irritated, impatient... Any emotion you can think of. Don't try and bottle any of it up. I've done the bottling up all my life and it really has messed me up (see above). You might find it hard to talk, especially to your Mum, but if you don't, you will regret it deeply every day for the rest of your life, especially when your Mum's gone.
Keep on keeping on, one minute, hour or day at a time.
Oh yeah...
PHUCK YOU, CANCER. YOU CUMT.
It's ok (normal, in fact) to feel angry, annoyed, scared, tearful, happy, irritated, impatient... Any emotion you can think of. Don't try and bottle any of it up. I've done the bottling up all my life and it really has messed me up (see above). You might find it hard to talk, especially to your Mum, but if you don't, you will regret it deeply every day for the rest of your life, especially when your Mum's gone.
Keep on keeping on, one minute, hour or day at a time.
Oh yeah...
PHUCK YOU, CANCER. YOU CUMT.
Drivin me nuts
I read the whole of your earlier cancer thread. Today might be a crap day. Tomorrow at least has the prospect of being if not a good day, a better day than today. You of course know this and have said so previously much more eloquently than me. Sometimes though, you might just need to be reminded of it by a "stranger".
PHUCK YOU, CANCER, YOU PHUCKING PHUCK. WITH A BOW ON.
I read the whole of your earlier cancer thread. Today might be a crap day. Tomorrow at least has the prospect of being if not a good day, a better day than today. You of course know this and have said so previously much more eloquently than me. Sometimes though, you might just need to be reminded of it by a "stranger".
PHUCK YOU, CANCER, YOU PHUCKING PHUCK. WITH A BOW ON.
Boshly said:
J4CKO said:
I am very worried, a good mate at work had to go in hospital for suspected Gall bladder issues, he has been in for a couple of weeks, he rang me on Wednesday saying they are waiting for biospy results and that is may be Pancreatic cancer, I dont think he was making a drama, sounded pretty free of drama, now I haven't heard from him since Thursday morning, he may be fine and forgotten, may had had terrible news, may have been whisked in and operated on but I dont know if I should call or what, not sure if I prefer not knowing, not sure whether he will want me mithering or what, we are good friends, this isnt like him, I really really hope it isnt what I said earlier as I made the mistake of reading up on it and it didnt make for a pleasant read.
Call him and ask how he is. Everybody is different but I appreciate iated those who called more than those who hid their heads in the sand. I understand why you would be scared/wary, I would have been too before I had my cancer, but I think overall we cope better with it than you would think.my 2p only, and hopefully he will simply say all okay.
He's your mate and he might have cancer. But he's still your mate, that's the important thing. Continue to treat him as such. If he has got cancer, he may be glad of your practical/moral/emotional support.
Fingers crossed, but just in case:
"PHUCK YOU CANCER, YOU PHUCKING PHUCKITY PHUCKER"
Backtobasics said:
Hi, just to let you know my mum passed away yesterday, thanks again for the support.
I've been away from this thread for a bit so I've only just seen this. I'm really sorry to hear about your Mum. It will get easier to deal with in time, but it will never go away completely. But that's fine, it's normal. Don't beat yourself up over where you were or what you did or didn't do or say (says me!) because no matter what, the end result would always (sadly) have been the same. If there were things left unsaid to your Mum, say them to her now - in your head, out loud, in a letter, whatever, but say them. I'm glad this thread has given you a tiny bit of support - that's one of the best things about PH IMHO. Just take time to grieve but remember the good times too. Above all, be kind to yourself. I'm sure that's what your Mum would have wanted.
Red 4 said:
Dibble said:
I'm glad this thread has given you a tiny bit of support - that's one of the best things about PH IMHO.
<stalker mode on>Dibble - I left something for you in "The Lounge" a while back. It was a thread you started.
Might help, might not.
<stalker mode off>
Apologies for cluttering up this thread - off topic, I know.
Good news.
My mate's finished his chemo and has had the follow up blood test and CT scan. The cancer has "gone", but his consultant still wants him to have the radiotherapy as an "insurance policy". His hair's beginning to grow back and he looks and seems more like his old self. He's not out of the woods yet and although he saw the consultant last Wednesday it still hasn't sunk in for him.
I went round for tea tonight and treated myself to a glass of wine with them (I'm off the booze at the moment). We toasted his "getting rid of cancer". It felt good.
So once again, that's a big "PHUCK YOU, CANCER, THIS IS ONE YOUVE NOT WON, SO YOU CAN PHUCKING DO ONE, WAKNER".
To all those still going through it or who've lost loved ones recently, my thoughts are with you.
My mate's finished his chemo and has had the follow up blood test and CT scan. The cancer has "gone", but his consultant still wants him to have the radiotherapy as an "insurance policy". His hair's beginning to grow back and he looks and seems more like his old self. He's not out of the woods yet and although he saw the consultant last Wednesday it still hasn't sunk in for him.
I went round for tea tonight and treated myself to a glass of wine with them (I'm off the booze at the moment). We toasted his "getting rid of cancer". It felt good.
So once again, that's a big "PHUCK YOU, CANCER, THIS IS ONE YOUVE NOT WON, SO YOU CAN PHUCKING DO ONE, WAKNER".
To all those still going through it or who've lost loved ones recently, my thoughts are with you.
Every time I come back into this thread, it makes me realise what a great place PH really is. It embodies the true meaning of a community IMHO. People feel able to tell their tales, the bad and the good, while others offer words of comfort. I think this is probably the best thread on PH I ever started (and as the author of the Wing'd Horse of Chav-Tat, that's saying something). Thanks to all those who've posted.
A quick update for some balance/positivity (although it really is down to luck and good medical care).
My mate Rick had his 3 weeks of radiotherapy, which finished just before Christmas. He had some pain/discomfort but he's now been discharged and 'only' has to have regular check ups for the next 5 years.
To all those still fighting, patient, friend or relative:
"PHUCK YOU CANCER, YOU INSIDIOUS LITTLE PHUCKER. PHUCK RIGHT OFF."
My mate Rick had his 3 weeks of radiotherapy, which finished just before Christmas. He had some pain/discomfort but he's now been discharged and 'only' has to have regular check ups for the next 5 years.
To all those still fighting, patient, friend or relative:
"PHUCK YOU CANCER, YOU INSIDIOUS LITTLE PHUCKER. PHUCK RIGHT OFF."
Well as the thread OP, a couple if things from me:
My mate has had a routine check up and it's all clear. The surgeon and oncologist are both happy. He's still not got full feeling/mobility back, but on the plus side, the critical illness cover has paid off the mortgage, so he's upgraded his boat on Windermere to a 34' six berth jobby!
To those beating it (ecain and co) bloody brilliant news. I'm made up for you.
To those who've recently lost people close to them or are going through difficult times themselves, "Keep on keeping on". Or as Winston Churchill (allegedly) said, "When you're going through hell, keep going". Don't worry about being "selfish", Bea use you're not. Take time to care for yourself as well as others. DMN always gives good advice.
And, as always, from me:
"PHUCK YOU, CANCER, YOU PHUCKING PHUCK".
My mate has had a routine check up and it's all clear. The surgeon and oncologist are both happy. He's still not got full feeling/mobility back, but on the plus side, the critical illness cover has paid off the mortgage, so he's upgraded his boat on Windermere to a 34' six berth jobby!
To those beating it (ecain and co) bloody brilliant news. I'm made up for you.
To those who've recently lost people close to them or are going through difficult times themselves, "Keep on keeping on". Or as Winston Churchill (allegedly) said, "When you're going through hell, keep going". Don't worry about being "selfish", Bea use you're not. Take time to care for yourself as well as others. DMN always gives good advice.
And, as always, from me:
"PHUCK YOU, CANCER, YOU PHUCKING PHUCK".
Yin and yang, ebb and flow. Without wishing to detract from anyone else's experience, the day after posting a positive update about my mate and reading other people's good news, today I found out a former colleague, friend and supervisor died today from cancer, which he'd been fighting a long time (he'd had to take an early medical retirement because of it). Peter was a true gentleman, always smiling and a consummate professional police officer. Facebook is alive with friends commenting in similar vein and it's abundantly clear just how well he was and is thought about.
RIP PS 2136. Honoured and humbled to have known you.
RIP PS 2136. Honoured and humbled to have known you.
mikees said:
It's all a bit pooh. I did the registry office today. Felt numb. Last time there was to discuss our wedding. It's only five years. Five effing years.
Funeral dirs tomorrow.
Quite cross with life to be honest.
All perfectly natural/normal to feel like that. One day, one hour, one minute at a time. Be kind to yourself. Funeral dirs tomorrow.
Quite cross with life to be honest.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff