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Experiences with cancer

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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152

Isn’t it strange that we now live in a world where doctors are able to tell you that you have a 100% of getting a specific type of cancer?

Heard on the radio the other day about a test that European Jewish women can do that will tell them if they have a certain gene—a gene that results in an 80% chance of breast cancer. Certain women testing positive for this gene are having their breasts removed just to be preventive. Its CRAZY how common breast cancer is. Will we someday live in a world where breasts are just automatically removed post-puberty?

My Dad was diagnosed with malignant melanoma yesterday.  We won’t know the stage of the cancer until tomorrow—everyone send out good vibes and for the religious—please keep him in your prayers.  As for me, because of my blonde hair, fair skin, green eyes, freckles, and multiple moles I was already high-risk for melanoma—I believe they said my odds were about 50%. Now that my dad has been diagnosed I have a 100% chance of getting melanoma.

I don’t even know how to feel about it yet, I suppose it hasn’t sunk in. It’s a little strange to be told that you have a 100% chance of acquiring a specific type of cancer.  They’re going to remove all my moles and I’m going to be scarred from head-to-toe.

Apparently there is a link between melanoma and pancreatic cancer, so because my Dad has melanoma and my Grandpa died of pancreatic cancer, I have a 20% chance of getting pancreatic cancer as well.

Anyone else have experiences with cancer?

Mar 7 2012 2:25PM
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*SNO*
Posts: 2575 - Karma: 925
my aunt died of it last year, never knew her that well but still upsetting to know that a member of the family died of it.
My family always donates clothes and money to cancer charity's now.
Mar 7 2012 2:28PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
my great aunt died from it like 2 years ago, but she also smoked a pack a day for decades, so I didnt really feel sad or anything as bad as that might be
Mar 7 2012 2:30PM
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.travis.
Posts: 1737 - Karma: 46
Vibes to you and your family. I hope everything goes alright.

I lost my dad to cancer 4 years ago when I was 18. He already had another disease that inflamed his veins making him unable to walk more or less. So he was going to the doctors every like 3 months. In between visits (so in a three month time span) he developed cancer in his lungs that spread quickly to his brain.
The cancer reaching his brain made him go crazy more or less. He got into an argument with his wife and drove from Maine to Rhode Island, a 6 hour drive, stayed there for like a week and drove back and had no recollection of it.
He was transferred to a hospital in the same city I was attending school so I went to see him right when he got there and I honestly thought he had gone insane (at this point we didn't know what was going on yet).
He was diagnosed with full blown lung and brain cancer in October and died December 31. It was crazy how fast it happened.

Anyway, that's my uplifting cancer story. Like I said best wishes to you and your family. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Mar 7 2012 4:05PM
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throatyogurt
Posts: 153 - Karma: 13
vibes to you and your family. my friends mom was just diagnosed with cancer and its not looking good. cancer fucking sucks
Mar 7 2012 4:08PM
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stoned_sorcerer
Posts: 659 - Karma: 72
This is stupid.


But seriously, vibes to you and your family, fortunately i have no experiences with cancer.
Mar 7 2012 4:26PM
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sherwood4099
Posts: 1173 - Karma: 22
My mother died from melanoma when I was 12. It's a brutal form too treat but treatment has come a really long way since I experienced it. Good luck to you and your father. Don't give up, don't buy into the holistic crap and stay focused. I really hope everything's ok
Mar 7 2012 4:28PM
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NL_twoplank
Posts: 118 - Karma: 40
Sucks to hear, vibes to you and youre family! My friends sister had cancer when she was 6. It was really crazy to follow her through the whole experience of living with cancer at such a young age. years later she is nearlly 10 and you still think its a girl of 6 to 7, by the way she speaks and acts. She got a real delay on growing up. I was on vacation with the family in Nepal, where the rooms are made out of plywood, her mother was wishing her good night, and she said: Evrytime you tell me sleep tight i think about when the doctors where putting me asleep for the operations to tae out my tumor.Thats not what a 10 year old girl should think off when her mother tells her to sleep well! It was probably the most shocking thing i had witnessed on that vacation...Also both my grandmothers had breast cancer, and my grandpa died of cancer aswell. I never heard doctors could give you a 100 percent chance on cancer,But I wouldnt let you scare it! My friends grandmother was told she would die in a weak and she lived on for about 10 years with no problem.
Best wishes to you and youre family again, Hope youre father recovers well
Mar 7 2012 4:49PM
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fillup
Posts: 4904 - Karma: 568
Vibes to you and your family bro

My mom had multiple myeloma (blood cell cancer). They discovered it after he spine hurt and they found multiple fractures because it weakens bones, then her kidney failed and they submitted her. Luckily we were living in houston where MD anderson is one of the best cancer hospitals in the US. She went into chemo and was in a special ward where everyone had to wear masks and sanitize heavily. She lost hair and then had a stem cell transplant.

She went thru it all and is in full remission, doc can barely tell she had it. What kept her going was believing that this was a journey she had to go thru and that she had to keep positive. She would draw smiles on her mouth masks and she kept her spirits high. It was a super rough time for my family but it brought us together and made us stronger.
Mar 7 2012 4:55PM
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ANTHEM16
Posts: 80 - Karma: 17
I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer back in 2008.  I had no idea that it was genetic and that my aunt had it.  The doctors say that it usually skips a generation but in this case it didnt.

Shit is pretty scary but they can somewhat maintain it.   
Mar 7 2012 5:57PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
I'm so glad your mom was able to recover!
Mar 7 2012 6:42PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152

Thanks to everyone for the vibes and sharing your stories-- they can be depressig but some can be inspirational as well, and even if it is a sad story, it makes me feel less alone and puts things in perspective for me.

Mar 7 2012 6:44PM
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andybob
Posts: 474 - Karma: 35
Vibes to you, I know how it feels.

A few years ago while I was a freshman in college I got a call from my dad saying he was just diagnosed with Leukemia. Fortunately, they found it in its very first stages and he was able to beat it rather quickly. He now has regular check-ups to make sure everything is ok, but there is a 50/50 chance it will come back someday.

Around the same time, I had a very close uncle get diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer of the bladder that had spread to a bunch of other organs. It was past the point of no return. Shortly after he passed away.

Right after this past Christmas I had an aunt on my mom's side of the family pass away after having a major heart attack.

Now I'm living knowing I have the possibility of cancer and heart issues as I grow older. Its inspired me to get back into shape and start taking care of myself.

Take care of yourself and good luck. I know it isn't easy having this stuff in the back of your mind.
Mar 7 2012 10:34PM
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SPskier543
Posts: 2413 - Karma: 324
At least skin cancer is relatively easy to treat compared to other types, hopefully it was caught in the early stages.
Mar 7 2012 10:47PM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9215 - Karma: 5,398
totally read this as prostate and then was going to go on and say, you're not a girl with a name like snobunny?

just know your ABCD rules and check often.
Mar 7 2012 11:01PM
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Ski_Alot
Posts: 5900 - Karma: 3,645
yeah i lost my grandfather to liver cancer last year, so im in a simalar boat...
Mar 7 2012 11:28PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152

As in-- this would be a stupid thing for people to implement, or it's a stupid thing for me to suggest as a possibility?

If you meant the latter, I think that there is a definite possibility of this in the future. Odds of breast cancer in women is something like 1 in 8 right now, and each generation has a higher risk because every generation has a higher likelihood of familial history of breast cancer-- so down the line we could be looking at 1 in 4, or even closer to 50%. I think if we got to a 50% rate for breast cancer, it might very well be common to remove breasts as a preventive measure. Cancer is becoming more and more common because people with histories of cancer are mating with others who have familial histories of cancer and it just multiplies.

I now have breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma in my family history-- if I have children with my soon-to-be husband, I'll be adding the cancers (colon, and possibly others) that are in his family tree to our offsprings list of familial cancers.

Mar 7 2012 11:46PM
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Toasty.
Posts: 6196 - Karma: 2,302
my mom was diagnosed with melanoma 11 years ago. She had no previous indications of likely getting it. She is just a red head with pale skin.

Last november was her 10 year anniversary of beating cancer. not a day goes by that i dont tell her how much i love her, and how much it would have sucked if the cancer took her life.

I was 7 when she beat it.

Hope everything goes good with your dad

And my aunt is 2 years into Breast Cancer.
Mar 7 2012 11:51PM
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HolySchimmel
Posts: 1601 - Karma: 1,297
Well first of all vibes to you and your family. Hope it will all turn out good!

My mom had breast cancer a few years back, it was an awefull time. But she pulled through it all and is now better then ever before.
Mar 8 2012 12:45AM
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SketchyMike
Posts: 539 - Karma: 71
a kid from my school and who i know very well was recently diagnosed with leukemia pretty damn sad
Mar 8 2012 1:18AM
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AT-AT
Posts: 3281 - Karma: 3,256
My great aunt passed on just a few months ago from ovarian cancer. she beat the ovarian, but it spread to her intestines, she beat that one, but it spread to her stomach. third time is what gets u i guess. Today actually would have been her 65th birthday. I shed a few tears in the library today not going to lie. She might be the only person i know who could be laying on her death bed in the hospital after just being told she has less then two weeks to live to have a smile on. She was laughing and cracking jokes and hitting on the male nurses, as everyone else in my family was crying like a bunch of babbling idiots.

Cancer is a terrible thing, that shows no bias. I hope that you beat your odds as well. Life has no definates so dont get down on your "diagnosis". I give your dad my blessing, and i hope he wins his battle.
Mar 8 2012 1:19AM
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,273
my grandma died of cancer, my great uncle died of cancer, a family we know very well lost a 19 year old son to cancer, and my former rowing coach is currently being treated for severe leukemia

people who say everything happens for a reason are pretty full of shit
Mar 8 2012 2:04AM
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stoned_sorcerer
Posts: 659 - Karma: 72
Well both actually, but yes i meant the latter. I mean it makes sense that there'll be mandatory checks for breast cancer or smth in the future because like u said, breast cancer is very common, actually in most countries (im not sure tho) breast cancer screening is free. I think it's just smth that people wouldn't do or let ppl do. Its not that hard to check first.
Mar 8 2012 11:08AM
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Mike-O
Posts: 14593 - Karma: 1,089
My mom was diagnosed with a fast-spreading breast cancer in Dec 2010 and operated, then both chemoed and radiated on, with her lymph nodes removed from both armpits, causing her a lot of pain and trouble for the rest of her life with her arms and hands swelling up easily due to lessened blood/whatever circulation, and she's going to be on some meds for the rest of her life, causing some grief. On top of all that, it could always come back.

At least she's still here, all that matters.
Mar 8 2012 11:15AM
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skithebert
Posts: 2163 - Karma: 16
just started working at MD Anderson!
Mar 8 2012 11:26AM
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Slowbro
Posts: 3865 - Karma: 21,326
my great aunt died last year of lung, breast and colonic (I think) cancer, and one of my other great aunts has brain cancer now.
Mar 8 2012 11:48AM
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Hamster.
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 26
My Great Uncle, who was like a 2nd father of me died of Leukemia, sad because it hit him like a train, we left for Mexico having dinner with him, then when we got back in port had a voicemail he passed away.

Also I'm family friends with the Paterno family, so Joe's death was a bit difficult to say the least, but we were the ones more helping the family, as tough as it was for me or other very close people, I can't imagine how it was for the children, they seemed to take it well though and I would visit from time to time and help out the best I could.

It's difficult, it really is. There are no right words, it's indescribable. Cherish every moment, and live life to the fullest. It's different for everybody, do what helps you cope with it.
Mar 8 2012 11:59AM
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kvan
Posts: 3085 - Karma: 1,225
Yeah my grandpa died of cancer I forget what kind but he was like 88. Sorry to hear that bro I know how you feel.

How old are you? Im pretty sure the younger you are and if you get them removed as soon as possible you should be good. Also if they arent super blotchy thats usually a good sign. I would go see a dermatologist and get their opinion.
Mar 8 2012 12:03PM
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5oup5teeze
Posts: 1259 - Karma: 74
yo, my mom died of liver cancer a year and a half ago. it's been really hard because now it's just me, my dad and brother at home. it's hard to have a stable family when it's incomplete. i've decided to take the tragedy and use it as strength for myself in my life and to better the lives of people around me.

vibes to you and everyone else dealing with stupid cancer!
Mar 8 2012 12:35PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152

update: thank you all for your replies. I found out today that my dad has stage 1b melanoma.

I guess there are 7 stages: 0, 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, and 5

His 5 year survival rate at stage 0 would be 97% or greater, at 1a would be 95% or greater, and at 1b with his breslow and clark numbers he's at 80-85%, so still really good odds, but obviously I'd prefer he be in the 97% survival rate range. Thanks for all of your well wishes. My appointment is March 29th-- will update then.

For those of you who think I'm a guy, I'm a girl, so I'm a little worried/nervous about having fresh stitches on my chest/back for my upcoming wedding, but in putting things in perspective I'd much rather my Dad and I be alive...so I can deal with the scars.

Mar 9 2012 12:12AM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,323

If this were true cancer rates would be decreasing or remaining constant in the population. Do 5 minutes worth of research on melanoma and you'll see that familial history increases your risk regardless. Also, props for arguing with the girl asking for vibes on her dad having cancer... real classy.

Mar 9 2012 12:50AM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152

This is only in comparison to breeding with someone who is related to you. However, you don't know that the same diseases that plague your family don't plague the family you procreate with.

I can't speak for every cancer, but your last two sentences aren't true when it comes to melanoma. I've been told I have a 100% chance of melanoma and a 20% chance of pancreatic cancer. Google FAMMM and you'll understand why I have a 100% chance...it's more complicated that just having moles and a relative with melanoma. There are multiple reasons why I'm put into this group.

Mar 9 2012 12:56AM
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Davy.Crockett
Posts: 5373 - Karma: 324
my uncle died of leukemia. vibes for sure, cancer sucks
Mar 9 2012 1:26AM
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fillup
Posts: 4904 - Karma: 568
Great hospital shitty parking
Mar 9 2012 12:39PM
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skithebert
Posts: 2163 - Karma: 16
I don't actually work at the hospital in Houston. I work at a science research division in between Houston and Austin so parking is not a concern. And I get to live in Austin instead of Houston! WIN WIN
Mar 9 2012 12:42PM
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sarahskis
Posts: 1587 - Karma: 41
My mom was first diagnosed 9 years ago. The first time she had breast cancer, they chopped off her breast and made her a new one out of her stomach. She had a 1/4 chance of making it to 5 years, and on the month of the 5 year anniversary, in October (breast cancer awareness month) she was rediagnosed. Fought it again, they took out her reproductive organs and found it in her ovaries. She was good for a few months and then she got it AGAIN a year later, but it had moved into her bones and her lymphs, her liver and her spleen.

She passed away on Christmas last year and I miss her too much to even try and describe.

I don't carry the gene, but then again neither did she.

Rest In Peace to all those who have fought and lost.

I'm sending good things your way, man. Its some rough stuff, thats for sure.
Mar 9 2012 12:45PM
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fillup
Posts: 4904 - Karma: 568
Oh fuck yeah! Houston sucks compared to Austin, i loved austins music scene and food on Guadeloupe street, specifically big bite.
Mar 9 2012 12:51PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
I'm SO sorry for your loss! :(
Mar 9 2012 1:59PM
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Bateman
Posts: 8591 - Karma: 8,600
Vibes to all of you good people out there for all your bad experiences and losses. Truly hope i never have to experience something like this within my closest family.

R.I.P, and good luck.
Mar 9 2012 2:03PM
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Bateman
Posts: 8591 - Karma: 8,600
Vibes to all of you good people out there for all your bad experiences and losses. Truly hope i never have to experience something like this within my closest family.

R.I.P, and good luck.
Mar 9 2012 2:03PM
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Haellgren
Posts: 792 - Karma: 86
Yes, my best friends dad died last year in cancer. Vibes!
Mar 9 2012 2:33PM
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Bateman
Posts: 8591 - Karma: 8,600
I feel so sorry for your loss. Hang in there, looks like she truly fought like a champion.
Mar 9 2012 3:05PM
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feihlination
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 1,084
although it wasnt diseases, this is what pretty much negated any chance of ever believing in nice and caring god.

cancer is downright scary. its not very common in my family (like only 2 cases in the closer 40-50 people and 1 was lung cancer due to smoking) but still scary to think about.

just appreciate every day we can live in one of the richest areas of the world. not much more that you can do.
Mar 9 2012 3:34PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152

Just tried to post and it didn't work...hmmm. Again, thanks to everyone for the well wishes and sharing your stories. Dad is doing well and it was confirmed that 100% of it was removed, so caught it early. 

I have surgery today at 3:30...nervous.

Mar 14 2012 11:57AM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
or by using simple reasoning and logic
Mar 14 2012 12:00PM
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feihlination
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 1,084
obviously
Mar 14 2012 12:11PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13083 - Karma: 18,725
Cancer sucks, but if you have a healthy lifestyle, eat well and do sports, the cancer will slow down its progression. But then again, you never have 100% chance of having cancer. It just means if you develop it, you can say genetics may have triggered the disease.
Mar 14 2012 12:12PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
get this out of this thread.
Mar 14 2012 12:15PM
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Rob.
Posts: 189 - Karma: 16
I know all too well, family and friends. My aunt first had breast cancer, which has long ago either gone into remission or is now gone (not sure which). A few years later, one of my uncles got lymphoma which responded well to treatment over the course of a year or two. Then my father was diagnosed with the same type of lymphoma. While undergoing treatments and periods of remission over the span of over 10 years, a friend got leukemia and recovered after a couple years, and another friend's father got cancer and died after about 4 months. My father passed away almost 11 years after his first diagnosis. It was very fast in the end (was helping shovel the driveway one day, was gone by the next morning). It's been three years since, and during that time another uncle was diagnosed with cancer and passed away within three months of it. They never knew where his cancer originated from.

The main things I take away from this is that cancer can get anyone, no matter your lifestyle or work environment. Just make sure to enjoy your time while you are healthy and able. Try not to let the probability hang over you.

One practical suggestion I would have for anyone who has the misfortune of having someone close to you being treated with cancer is to bring a notebook to every appointment you have. Write down any instructions, the names of medications you are on, contact information, etc. for future reference. It's a small thing, but it will help you keep your sanity when you need it most.

My best wishes to your father, you, and your family.
Mar 14 2012 1:02PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
Thank You. I'm sorry for you/your family. Sounds so hard to go through.
Mar 14 2012 1:05PM
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ryantheconnolly
Posts: 2027 - Karma: 108
my great grandpa and my grandma both died of cancer so i guess im more at risk. besides cancer, my dad's side of the family has a history of heart attacks. about a month ago my mom had a heart attack (no history of it on her side before this) so now i have the genetic factor on both sides of my family
Mar 14 2012 1:11PM
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