The Cancer thread: Cancer, early warning signs, and detection

Hey guys and gals.:HappyWave: I've made it my mission to learn more about cancer.

The recent sadness that Pebbles and I have been through makes me think that there are a lot of people out there who do not have all the facts on cancer, so I'm asking anyone out there who can help us, to post up in this thread with any links, articles, personal anecdotes, anything they feel will benefit someone else down the road.

Cancers like pancreatic cancer, spine cancer, and in some cases bone cancer, are probably to a large extent not curable. From what I've seen in life, anyone getting these types most often dies, albeit at different times.

And I don't mean to insult anyone who has or knows someone who gets any of the above cancers, my heart goes out to you people. :(

The main point I'm trying to make here is that not all cancer is curable, no matter how much we hope and pray. Prayer will not cure pancreatic cancer, if that person was meant to survive, they will. The best thing I have learned is that it's never too early to prepare for the possibility of death if you have a cancer diagnosis.

Death is the final destination for us all..... but on the way there, there is nothing wrong with taking charge and celebrating our life, mending the broken fences of failed relationships and hurt feelings, and in general making peace with those we are close to.

As mentioned. I'll try to focus on the allegedly treatable cancers, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, etc. Also the best suggestions for early detection.

I can't do this by myself, people, I need your help.

Each and every person in this world has in some way been touched by cancer, and I'm sure some of you have some painful stories to tell.

So I'm asking for your help and participation in this thread. If it's personal to you, and you absolutely cannot share it with the public, so be it.

But if you feel for one second that what you have to say could help someone else down the road, please share with us.

What knowledge or advice any one of you might have, and not feel is important, could help save a life down the road someday. http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...cons/icon3.gif

Just remember there are no right or wrong answers or opinions in this thread. All input is welcome as long as it is given respectfully in the spirit of helping others.

And I don't have to remind any fishermen out there that we have lost quite a few of our fishing brothers to cancer, one of the most recent being Gary Hull, the well-known maker of Gary2 plugs, who succumbed to complications from prostrate cancer last year. RIP, Gary.

Although I only got to talk to him a few times, I admired and respected him. I remember exactly where I was the night I heard he died, and where I was fishin. :(

He left us way too early. Who knows if his disease could have been arrested from early detection, but early detection is the best way we have now of saving someone's life.

So apologies if this is a little long winded, or if you feel it doesn't belong in the main forum, it is what it is, as JimmyZ says. :HappyWave:

Please help us if you can by contributing to this thread, opinions, comments, or any articles you find out there, as long as you post the link for the article as well. Thanks. :thumbsup:

I have heard that they can tranplant the pancreas for people with diabetis who have under gone kindey transplants. If this is the case can't the pancreas be transplanted for people with cancer?

Surferman, that makes sense to me, but I have not heard of too many pancreas transplants. In an older person I could understand them not wanting to take a risk.

My Mom had a friend who died a few years ago of pancreatic cancer. The lady was in her 50's and otherwise healthy. Her case seeemed ideal for a pancreas transplant. Instead she just died a slow death. Anyone in the medical profession who may have any more info about this, feel free to jump in.



We also have a thread here titled "Quit smoking and win a plug!"
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...and-win-a-plug!!!
Might be a litle extra incentive for anyone who was thinking about quitting.,,

This was released today by Johns Hophins. A DNA test would be a great step in the right direction.


http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas...-ndt081709.php

Public release date: 17-Aug-2009
Contact: Phil Sneiderman
prs@jhu.edu
443-287-9960
New DNA test uses nanotechnology to find early signs of cancer




http://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/corner_tl.jpghttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/corner_tr.jpghttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia.../16085_rel.jpg
http://www.eurekalert.org/images/eut...image_tiny.gif IMAGE: Jeff Wang, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering doctoral student Vasudev Bailey examine samples of modified DNA during a new test designed to detect early genetic clues...
Click here for more information.

http://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/corner_bl.jpghttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/corner_br.jpghttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gif
Using tiny crystals called quantum dots, Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a highly sensitive test to look for DNA attachments that often are early warning signs of cancer.

This test, which detects both the presence and the quantity of certain DNA changes, could alert people who are at risk of developing the disease and could tell doctors how well a particular cancer treatment is working.

The new test was reported in a paper called "MS-qFRET: a quantum dot-based method for analysis of DNA methylation," published in the August issue of the journal Genome Research. The work also was presented at a conference of the American Association of Cancer Research.

"If it leads to early detection of cancer, this test could have huge clinical implications," said Jeff Tza-Huei Wang, an associate professor of mechanical engineering whose lab team played a leading role in developing the technique. "Doctors usually have the greatest success in fighting cancer if they can treat it in its early stage."

Wang and his students developed the test over the past three years with colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Stephen B. Baylin, deputy director of the center and a co-author of the Genome Research study, said the test represents "a very promising platform" to help doctors detect cancer at an early stage and to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from a particular therapy.

The recent study, which included the detection of DNA markers in sputum from lung cancer patients, was designed to show that the technology was sound. Compared to current methods, the test appeared to be more sensitive and delivered results more quickly, the researchers said. "The technique looks terrific, but it still needs to be tested in many real-world scenarios," Baylin said. "Some of these studies are already under way here. If we continue to see exciting progress, this testing method could easily be in wide use within the next five years."

The target of this test is a biochemical change called DNA methylation, which occurs when a chemical group called methyl attaches itself to cytosine, one of the four nucleotides or base building blocks of DNA. When methylation occurs at critical gene locations, it can halt the release of proteins that suppress tumors. When this occurs, it is easier for cancer cells to form and multiply. As a result, a person whose DNA has this abnormal gene DNA methylation may have a higher risk of developing cancer. Furthermore, these methylation changes appear to be an early event that precedes the appearance of genetic mutations, another precursor to cancer.

http://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/corner_tl.jpghttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/corner_tr.jpghttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia.../16086_rel.jpg http://www.eurekalert.org/images/eut...image_tiny.gif IMAGE: In this illustration, quantum dots are depicted as gold spheres that attract DNA strands linked to cancer risks. When the quantum dots are exposed to certain types of light, they...
Click here for more information.
http://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/corner_bl.jpghttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/corner_br.jpghttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gifhttp://www.eurekalert.org/images/clear.gif

To detect this DNA methylation, the Johns Hopkins team found a way to single out the troublesome DNA strands that have a methyl group attached to them. Through a chemical process called bisulfite conversion, all segments that lack a methyl group are transformed into another nucleotide.

Then, another lab process is used to make additional copies of the remaining target DNA strands that are linked to cancer. During this process, two molecules are attached to opposite ends of each DNA strand. One of these molecules is a protein called biotin. The other is a fluorescent dye. These partner molecules are attached to help researchers detect and count the DNA strands that are associated with cancer.

To do this, these customized DNA strands are mixed with quantum dots, which are crystals of semiconductor material whose sizes are in the range of only few nanometers across. (A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, far too small to see with the naked eye.).These dots are usually employed in electronic circuitry, but they have recently proved to be helpful in biological applications as well. Quantum dots are useful because they possess an important property: They easily transfer energy. When light shines on a quantum dot, the dot quickly passes this energy along to a nearby molecule, which can use the energy to emit a fluorescent glow. This behavior makes the cancer-related DNA strands light up and identify themselves.

In the Johns Hopkins cancer test, the quantum dots have been coated with a chemical that is attracted to biotin–one of the two molecules that were attached to the DNA strands. As a result, up to 60 of the targeted DNA strands can stick themselves to a single quantum dot, like arms extending from an octopus. Then, an ultraviolet light or a blue laser is aimed at the sample. The quantum dots grab this energy and immediately transfer it to the fluorescent dyes that were attached earlier to the targeted DNA strands. These dye molecules use the energy to light up.
These signals, also called fluorescence, can be detected by a machine called a spectrophotometer.

By analyzing these signals, the researchers can discover not only whether the sample contains the cancer-linked DNA but how much of the DNA methylation is present. Larger amounts can be associated with a higher cancer risk.

"This kind of information could allow a patient with positive methylation to undergo more frequent cancer screening tests. This method could replace the traditionally more invasive ways for obtaining patient samples with a simple blood test," said Vasudev J. Bailey, a biomedical engineering doctoral student from Bangalore, India, who was one of the two lead authors on the Genome Research paper. "It's also important because these test results could possibly help a doctor determine whether a particular cancer treatment is working. It could pave the way for personalized chemotherapy."

In addition, because different types of cancer exhibit distinctive genetic markers, the researchers say the test should be able to identify which specific cancer a patient may be at risk of developing. Markers for lung cancer, for example, are different from markers for leukemia.

The other lead author of the Genome Research paper was Hariharan Easwaran, a cancer biology research fellow in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Along with Wang and Baylin, the other co-authors were Yi Zhang, a biomedical engineering doctoral student at Johns Hopkins; Elizabeth Griffiths, an oncology clinical fellow in the School of Medicine; Steven A. Belinsky, of the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque, N.M.; James G. Herman, a professor of cancer biology in the School of Medicine; and Hetty E. Carraway, an assistant professor of oncology in the School of Medicine.

Johns Hopkins Technology Transfer staff members have applied for international patent protection covering the testing technique and are in talks with a biotechnology company that has expressed interest in licensing the application.

The research was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute, the National Science Foundation, the Hodson Foundation and the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute

Too difficult for me to talk about right now.

However, I want to add for the time being that people don't want to hear that they can not be cured.

I hope all who post will be careful of being negative. When you are going through this you need to concentrate on living. Negative vibes just make it worse.

I was diagnosed with cancer in November of 2008. I am being treated and, so far, the scopes show no recurrence. I took another sample screen about nine days ago and am waiting for the results. If I can get two years under my belt without a recurrence, my chances for a full recovery are good. If not, it could get dicey. So I am using my time to set my house in order (personally, spiritually and financially) and keeping it positive.

One bit of advice, this is an insidious disease that can be caught early. Yearly physicals can screen out a lot of it while it can be treated. Don't ignore signs. A little embarrassment and discomfort can save a lot of grief and tears down the line. Don't ignore it. And life is for living. Get after it guys. There are no guarantees.

Thanks Mick, I know you almost died back then, and by the grace of God and early detection, you were lucky. Early detection can help us all, and this stuff might be painful to talk about, so thanks for posting. :thumbsup:


"And life is for living. Get after it guys. There are no guarantees. "

Amen to that too, bro. :clapping:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DarkSkies

Thanks Mick, I know you almost died back then, and by the grace of God and early detection, you were lucky. Early detection can help us all, and this stuff might be painful to talk about, so thanks for posting. :thumbsup:


"And life is for living. Get after it guys. There are no guarantees. "

Amen to that too, bro. :clapping:

---

The thing that ALMOST killed me was my appendix blowing up. The cancer was caught early, so we'll see.....

:2flip: cancer.

I'm sorry Mick, maybe I was confusing those 2 incidents in my head, thanks for having patience with me. :embarassed: Will continue to hope for the best for you, and put out a reminder for all guys over 30 to pay attention to signs.

If you're feeling a little "off" fatigue easily, etc, and you are sure it's not due to a weight or glandular problem, get your aZZ to a doctor. And it might involve them sticking something in your aZZ for a prostate exam, well man up and do it!

I had one done last year. I wasn't too eager to go, but they knock ya out with anesthesia, ya don't feel a thing (except when you're done and you see the Doc zipping his pants back up!) :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

Seriously, all those homophobic fears kept me away from exams like that, and if you think about it logically, it's just part of a routine exam to get all parts of your body checked. Don't ignore signs guys, and many times you might not even have evidence of disease.

A nagging cough that won't go away, a mole on your arm or back that suddenly changes color or shape, or starts to be painful.....Cancer takes more people than it needs to every year, all because some of us are too macho to go to the Doc, me included. :(


:2flip: eff cancer, no cancer allowed in the Effumall club. ;)

Some early warning signs of cancer, guys and gals:


http://style.uk.msn.com/wellbeing/mi...mentid=9510204



Cancer: how to spot the early warning signs


MSN's guide to ensure you catch all the early warning signs of cancer. If you're something's worrying you, take no risks and get it checked out...

Persistent coughs, sudden weight loss, mystery spots. Most commonly these unexplained symptoms are down to nothing more serious than a throat infection, inflamed hair follicle or even stress.

But in some rare cases these complaints can signal early warning signs of something much more serious, such as one of the various forms of cancer. Reality TV star Jade Goody, who was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer, reportedly ignored several health warnings before finally being told she had the condition while taking part in the Indian version of Big Brother.

We take a look at some of the red flags that could help you to catch cancer in its early stages and seek appropriate treatment.


http://estb.msn.com/i/B8/6675374F758...ADC22426B0.jpg
(Image © Rex Features)

Prostate
Cancer of the prostate is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in most western countries – there are 35,000 new cases in the UK every year. The condition is most common in men over 50, but all men should be aware of the warning signs as an early diagnosis usually leads to successful treatment. Symptoms include difficulty passing uring, passing urine often, pain when urinating, inability to urinate, interrupted urine flow, blood in the urine and pain in the lower back, hips and thighs. If any of these apply to you – make an appointment to see your GP straight away.

For more information go to - http://www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/

http://estb.msn.com/i/8A/12C0E58C5C5...5BECA853A5.jpg
(Image © Rex Features)

Lung
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in men and the second most common in women. The disease kills 1.3 million people worldwide every year. Smoking is the primary cause, so it should go without saying that giving up cigarettes goes a long way to preventing the disease. If you must (and you really, really shouldn’t) smoke tobacco, then be aware of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, coughing up blood, wheezing, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, pain when swallowing and loss of appetite.

For more information go to - http://www.lunguk.org/

Skin
Skin cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the world, but it is thankfully also one that is commonly caught in its early stages (any tumours are usually clearly visible on the surface of the skin). Overexposure to UV light is the main cause, so always wear sunscreen or sun-protective clothing when you are out in the sun. Symptoms to look out for include any unexpected changes to the skin that do not heal, ulcers on the skin and any change in appearance to an existing mole.

For more information go to - http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/

Bowel
Bowel cancer is the second most lethal cancer in the UK (lung cancer is the deadliest). Over 35,000 people will be diagnosed this year, and for roughly half of them it will prove fatal. However, bowel cancer is also one of the most curable variants of the disease – if it is caught early. So what symptoms should you be on the lookout for? Stay alert to any changes in your bowel movement habits (if you go more or less often that usual), bleeding from your bottom, abdominal pain, lumps in your stomach, fatigue or sudden weight loss.

For more information go to - http://www.beatingbowelcancer.org

This would be the freakiest cancer I could get, one I would not want to hear about if I got it. http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...ons/icon13.gif The thing is, early detection here and with other cancers could save your life. I know these things aren't comfortable to talk about, but if your life is at stake, isn't it worth knowing this info? :learn:


Testicles
Testicular cancer is most common in white men aged between 15-35 years, but has an unusually high cure rate of over 90%. So good news for men who worry about the disease (that should be all of you), but early diagnoses is, as always, desirable and experts recommend a monthly self-inspection for any small lumps. Other symptoms include, hardening of the testis, abnormal sensitivity, pain, loss of libido, blood in the semen and fatigue.

It’s all about ball control, chaps.

For more information go to - http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

Stomach
Stomach cancer causes around one million deaths worldwide every year and is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide after lung cancer. Common in the Far East, South America and Iceland, stomach cancer has been linked to a diet that is high in salt, smoking and poor diet. Unfortunately, in its early stages stomach cancer is very hard to diagnose, mainly because its symptoms are predominantly non-specific, such as indigestion and lack of appetite. When recognisable symptoms do occur, the cancer has commonly spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms which should give rise to concern are abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, sudden weight loss, constipation, bloating, fatigue, vomiting blood or bleeding from the bottom.

For more information go to - http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

(these symptoms and resources are all from the same source)
http://style.uk.msn.com/wellbeing/mi...mentid=9510204


Breast Cancer symptoms:

Breast
Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease amongst women. The disease killed over 500,000 women in 2005 and cases are on the increase thanks to modern lifestyles. The most common sign of the disease is a lump in the breast (80% of cases are discovered this way by the patient herself). Doctors will them conduct a mammogram to determine the seriousness of the lump. Other symptoms include changes in breast size, discharge from one of the nipples or dimpling of the skin. All women should check their breasts regularly and consult their doctor if any of these symptoms appear.

For more information go to - http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk


Cervical cancer symptoms:

Cervical
Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the woman’s cervix grow out of control. In 2003, 2300 women in England were diagnosed with the disease. Again, early diagnoses is essential if the condition is to be treated. Deaths from cervical cancer have actually fallen sharply over the last 20 years, primarily because of an NHS screening programme which detects the cancer at an early stage, before the patient is even showing any symptoms. If the condition is not spotted, however, symptoms to look out for include abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge and discomfort during intercourse. If you experience these symptoms, chances are it is down to something a lot less serious, but get yourself checked out just in case.

For more information go to - http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk

Related Links

20 foods that fight cancer

Cervical cancer: vital information

DIY health checks

An uncle died of pancreatic cancer. It was quick. He was diagnosed, and died 6 months later. I didn't know much about cancer then, but it was a traumatic experience for my aunt and cousins. Sad stuff, thanks for the thread Dark.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CR...itearea=&dt=34

Overview: Pancreatic CancerHow Is Pancreatic Cancer Found?http://www.cancer.org/common/images/shim.gifIt is hard to find pancreatic cancer early. Because the pancreas is deep inside the body, the doctor cannot see or feel tumors during a routine physical exam. By the time a person has symptoms, the cancer is usually large and has spread to other organs. This is the main reason that people with this cancer often have a poor outlook.
Right now there are no blood tests or other tests that can easily find this cancer early in people without symptoms. Levels of tumor markers such as CA 19-9 and CEA may be higher than normal in people with pancreatic cancer, but the cancer is usually advanced by the time the levels become high.
Tests for certain genes in people with a strong family history of the disease can help tell if they are at higher risk for this cancer. But if the results show that these people could be at higher risk they may not be able to get health insurance, or it may cost more. These tests are not used to screen the general public. To learn more, see our document, Genetic Testing: What You Need to Know.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
Jaundice: A yellow color of the eyes and skin is called jaundice. It is caused by a build-up of a substance (bilirubin) that is made in the liver. At least half of all people with pancreatic cancer (and all people with ampullary cancer) have jaundice. While jaundice can be a sign of cancer, more often it is caused by something else.
Pain: Pain in the belly area (abdomen) or in the middle of the back is a very common sign of advanced pancreatic cancer. Again, such pain is often caused by something other than cancer.
Weight loss: Losing weight (without trying) over a number of months is very common in patients with this cancer. They may also feel very tired and not feel like eating.
Digestive problems: If the cancer blocks the release of the pancreatic juice into the intestine, a person may not be able to digest fatty foods. Stools might be pale, bulky, greasy, and float in the toilet. Other problems may include nausea, vomiting, and pain that gets worse after eating.
Swollen gallbladder: The doctor may find that the gallbladder is enlarged. The doctor can feel this and see it on imaging studies.
Blood clots: Sometimes blood clots form in the veins or cause problems with fatty tissue under the skin. Clots can sometimes travel to the lungs and cause trouble with breathing. But having a blood clot does not usually mean that you have cancer. Most blood clots are caused by other things
Diabetes: This cancer can cause problems with blood sugar. Sometimes (but not often) it can cause diabetes.
History and physical exam
First the doctor will ask questions about your health and do a physical exam. The exam will focus mostly on the belly (abdominal area). Sometimes this type of cancer spreads to the lymph nodes or the liver so the doctor will check these for swelling, too. The skin and the white part of the eyes will be checked for yellow color (jaundice).
Certain other tests that make pictures of the inside of the body might also be done. These are called imaging tests.
Imaging tests
CT scan (computed tomography)
This is a special type of x-ray that creates detailed pictures of the inside of the body. CT scans are useful in finding cancer and in seeing how far it has spread. CT scans can also be used to help guide a biopsy needle into the place that might be cancer (see below for more about biopsy).
CT scans are often used to find out if a person has pancreatic cancer. They are also helpful in finding out how much the cancer has spread. This is called staging the cancer. CT scans show the pancreas clearly and often can confirm where the cancer is. CT scans can also show the organs near the pancreas, as well as lymph nodes and distant organs where the cancer might have spread. The CT scan can help the doctor to decide whether surgery is a good treatment option.
CT scans take longer than regular x-rays, but they are getting faster. You need to lie still on a table while they are being done.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
MRI scans use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays to take pictures. MRI scans are helpful in looking at the brain and spinal cord. MRI scans take longer than CT scans—often up to an hour. Also, you have to lie inside a narrow tube, which can be upsetting for some people. Newer, "open" MRI machines can help with this if needed. The machine also makes a loud thumping noise. Some places will give you headphones with music to block it out.
Most doctors prefer CT scans to look at the pancreas, but an MRI may sometimes give more information.
PET scan (positron mission tomography)
PET scans involve injecting a form of sugar that contains a radioactive atom into the blood. Cancer cells absorb large amounts of this sugar. A special camera can show where these cells are. This test is useful to see whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other places.
PET/CT scan: This new test combines the 2 types of scans to even better pinpoint the tumor. This test may be especially useful for spotting cancer that has spread beyond the pancreas and can't be removed by surgery. It may also be useful for staging the cancer. It may even be able to spot early cancer.
Ultrasound
This test uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are combined by a computer to give a detailed image. This test can help tell what kind of a tumor is in the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound is done with a probe placed through the mouth or nose into the stomach. The probe can be pointed toward the pancreas. This gives a very good picture and is better than CT scans for spotting small tumors. Patients are given medicine to make them sleepy (sedated) for this type of ultrasound.
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
For this test patients are given medicine to make them sleepy (sedated). Then a thin, flexible tube is passed down the throat, all the way into the small intestine. The doctor can see through the end of the tube and find where the common bile duct opens into the small intestine. A small amount of harmless dye is then injected through the tube into the ducts. This dye helps outline the ducts on x-rays. The pictures can show narrowed or blocked ducts that might be caused by a cancer of the pancreas. The doctor doing this test can also put a small brush through the tube to remove cells to look at under a microscope to see whether they look like cancer. ERCP can also be used to place a small tube (stent) into the bile duct to keep it open if a nearby tumor is pressing on it.
Angiography
This is a type of x-ray used to look at blood vessels. This test can show whether blood flow in an area is blocked or slowed by a tumor. It can also show if there are any abnormal blood vessels. The results help the doctor decide whether the cancer can be removed and helps them plan the surgery.
Angiography can be uncomfortable because the radiologist who does it has to put a small tube (called a catheter) into the artery leading to the pancreas. Usually the catheter is put into an artery in the inner thigh and threaded up to the pancreas. Medicine called a local anesthetic is often used to numb the area before putting in the catheter. Then the dye is injected quickly to outline all the vessels while the x-rays are being taken.
There are other tests, including blood tests, the doctor might use to learn more about a tumor. But the only way to know for sure if cancer is really present is with a biopsy.
Biopsy
During a biopsy a sample of tissue from the tumor is removed and looked at under a microscope to see if there are cancer cells. There are several types of biopsies that might be done. In the past, a biopsy was often done as part of surgery. Now, the FNA (fine needle aspiration) biopsy is most often used. For this test, the doctor puts a thin needle through the skin and into the pancreas to remove small pieces of tissue. Ultrasound might be used to place the needle through the wall of the intestine into the tumor. This test can be done while you are awake. It rarely causes side effects.
Another way to get biopsy samples is by doing 'keyhole surgery' (laparoscopy). For this you are given drugs to make you sleep. Then the surgeon makes small cuts and puts small, thin, telescope-like instruments into the belly. One of these instruments is connected to a video screen. The surgeon can look at your insides, see how big the tumor is, and see if it has spread. Biopsy samples can also be taken.
Most doctors who treat people with pancreatic cancer try to avoid surgery unless it looks like an operation might be able to remove all of the cancer. Even so, there are times when the doctor starts an operation only to find that the cancer has spread too far to be completely removed. In these cases, the doctor just takes a sample of the tumor and the rest of the operation is stopped.

Patrick Swayze succumbs to pancreatic cancer

‘Dirty Dancing’ star, 57, battled disease since January 2008

msnbc.com news services

Patrick Swayze, the hunky actor who danced his way into viewers’ hearts with “Dirty Dancinghttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2.gif” and then broke them with “Ghost,” died Monday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.
“Patrick Swayzehttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2.gif passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months,” said a statement released Monday evening by his publicist, Annett Wolf. No other details were given.
Fans of the actor were saddened to learn in March 2008 that Swayze was suffering from a particularly deadly form of cancer.

He had kept working despite the diagnosis, putting together a memoir with his wife and shooting “The Beast,” an A&Ehttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2.gif drama series for which he had already made the pilot. It drew a respectable 1.3 million viewers when the 13 episodes ran in 2009, but A&E said it had reluctantly decided not to renew it for a second season.
Swayze said he opted not to use painkilling drugs while making “The Beast” because they would have taken the edge off his performance. He acknowledged that time might be running out given the grim nature of the disease.
When he first went public with the illness, some reports gave him only weeks to live, but his doctor said his situation was “considerably more optimistic” than that.
“I’d say five years is pretty wishful thinking,” Swayze told ABC’s Barbara Walters in early 2009. “Two years seems likely if you’re going to believe statistics. I want to last until they find a cure, which means I’d better get a fire under it.”
‘Dancing’ made him a star
A three-time Golden Globe nominee, Swayze became a star with his performance as the misunderstood bad-boy Johnny Castle in “Dirty Dancing.” As the son of a choreographer who began his career in musical theater, he seemed a natural to play the role.
A coming-of-age romance starring Jennifer Greyhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2.gif as an idealistic young woman on vacation with her family and Swayze as the Catskills resort’s sexy (and much older) dance instructor, the film made great use of both his grace on his feet and his muscular physique.

It became an international phenomenon in the summer of 1987, spawning albums, an Oscar-winning hit song in “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life,” stage productions and a sequel, 2004’s “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,” in which he made a cameo.
Swayze performed and co-wrote a song on the soundtrack, the ballad “She’s Like the Wind,” inspired by his wife, Lisa Niemi. The film also gave him the chance to utter the now-classic line, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
And it allowed him to poke fun at himself on a “Saturday Night Live” episode, in which he played a wannabe Chippendales dancer alongside the corpulent — and frighteningly shirtless — Chris Farley.
A major crowd-pleaser, the film drew only mixed reviews from critics, though Vincent Canby wrote in The New York Times, “Given the limitations of his role, that of a poor but handsome sex-object abused by the rich women at Kellerman’s Mountain House, Mr. Swayze is also good. ... He’s at his best — as is the movie — when he’s dancing.”

Swayze followed that up with the 1989 action flick “Road House,” in which he played a bouncer at a rowdy bar. But it was his performance in 1990’s “Ghost” that showed his vulnerable, sensitive side. He starred as a murdered man trying to communicate with his fiancee (Demi Moore) — with great frustration and longing — through a psychic played by Whoopi Goldberg.
Swayze said at the time that he fought for the role of Sam Wheat (director Jerry Zucker wanted Kevin Kline) but once he went in for an audition and read six scenes, he got it.
Why did he want the part so badly? “It made me cry four or five times,” he said of Bruce Joel Rubin’s Oscar-winning script in an AP interview.

The music in this clip is a little gay, but Swayze kicks azz. I really thought that was one of his best movies.

You fought a tough fight, Pat. Most people with pancreatic cancer don't last a year, and you kept fighting. :thumbsup:

Thoughts and prayers for his family, RIP, dude. http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...cons/icon9.gif

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DarkSkies

The music in this clip is a little gay, but Swayze kicks azz. I really thought that was one of his best movies.

You fought a tough fight, Pat. Most people with pancreatic cancer don't last a year, and you kept fighting. :thumbsup:

Thoughts and prayers for his family, RIP, dude. http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...cons/icon9.gif

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That was a great movie. I wish peace and comfort for his family.

Bump for a good thread.

Can't really add much. Only advice I'd give is that if you're bleeding from any of the body's orifices get checked. Don't wait.

cheers

steve

Rich this is a great thread. I am no expert but just want to offer this. We can make a difference. Does not matter if you are 1 person or 100 in a group. For many years I sat on the sidelines while my Dad did great things to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. I always felt good about contributing to his efforts but those feelings pale in comparison to how I felt last year after getting involved myself. Each of us can make a difference no matter how big or small. And if we are able to find cures for cancer, then who knows, but the life we save may be our own

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Originally Posted by Doublerunner

Rich this is a great thread. I am no expert but just want to offer this. We can make a difference. Does not matter if you are 1 person or 100 in a group. For many years I sat on the sidelines while my Dad did great things to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. I always felt good about contributing to his efforts but those feelings pale in comparison to how I felt last year after getting involved myself. Each of us can make a difference no matter how big or small. And if we are able to find cures for cancer, then who knows, but the life we save may be our own

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Well-said, Doublerunner. Your post reminded me of the work you did to raise cancer for the Jimmy Fund. Tremendous effort on your part, considering you had to work extremely hard to get into the shape needed to make that walk. It was tough for you but you did it anyway. Who know how many people that could have motivated.

So I'm linking that thread to this. I invite you all to read the story of John, what motivated him, and the experience he had doing that walk. IMO it makes an interesting read. Thanks for trying, bro. :clapping: :thumbsup:





http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...to-beat-cancer

Here's the post #44 on page 5 where he details some of the thoughts going on while participating in the walk....

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Originally Posted by Doublerunner

Dear Stripers and Anglers members and administrators,

I am sending this letter to all the people who supported me in the 2010 Jimmy Fund Walk to conquer cancer. This is a re-cap of my thoughts and the events leading up to, during, and after the walk.

First, thank you so much for your support. I truly realized that we all can make a difference. I am but one man but the people that I have talked to and met are truly appreciative of my efforts and I can not do that without your support. I received so many pictures and letters of loved ones who have passed or who are battling cancer right now. Those pictures and letters moved me to great heights.

In my training leading up to the day of the walk the furthest I walked was 12 miles and for the next 3 days I had trouble walking normally. Once I got past 12 miles on this day I knew there was no turning back. I knew I would have physical issues but those will heal. And whenever I needed inspiration I would touch my pouch where I held the pictures and letters and I would close my eyes and think about their stories and faces and they would carry me on. These names and faces will continue on with me every year as I continue to do this. Hopefully they find cures and treatments real soon so I don’t have to put my old body through this for too much longer

My training. I basically had 6 weeks to train for this. In the beginning I was walking at night but in my business I have no air conditioning and I move a lot of heavy items on a daily basis so night training was just too hard. I switched to early mornings getting up at 4 am and walking most every day. This was much better except for having to adjust to going to bed at 8-9 pm. In the final week leading up to the walk I only trained twice and none after Wednesday

My sponsors. I reached out in many ways. I sent letters and emails to personal and business friends. I also contacted those who had donated in the past when my father did this walk. I was very fortunate to get a great response from many people as well as having 2 charity auctions held for my benefit from my fishing friends and also a meat shoot held on my behalf by my friends at the local Eagles club. As of this writing it is hard to determine exactly how much we have raised but I am estimating my own personal goal of $2,500 raised to fall a little short at about $2,300 and the total for our team, team SPIRIT, to be atleast $4,500. Team SPIRIT this year consisted of not only myself but also my wife Robin, sisters Kelly and Barbara, friend Jacob, son Ryan, niece Veronica and nephew Jack. And of course my Dad John Sr who was able to join us for the last mile of the walk. And even though she is not listed as a member of the team let’s not forget my Mom who has been behind the scenes of this event for 16 years now. Not asking for any recognition but always there to support my Dad with his efforts to raise money and in training. Always there on walk day to take pictures or provide food or drink or care

Walk day. The night before the walk I am anxious and having trouble falling asleep. It’s also Sept 11th, the anniversary of 9/11 and the TV shows all day are stories and footage of that day. The alarm goes off at 3:45 and I am up and in the shower. By 4:45 my wife and I are ready and head off to Hopkinton.

It’s dark when we arrive and the shuttles are not running yet so we walk from the parking area to the start line. This adds almost another mile to our walk. But the weather is perfect. It’s cool with cloud cover and a nice breeze. High’s of the day only expected to be around 70. We meet with my friend Jacob and we’re on our way at 6 am sharp. We’re all feeling good and strong and we are moving along well. The first 3 miles we averaged 18 minutes per mile which is excellent for me as I was averaging 20 minutes per mile in training. Perhaps it’s the excitement of the day but we’re not overdoing it and we’re all comfortable and moving along well. My friend Jacob is much younger than I and in great condition and I know I am holding him back from his pace but he doesn’t mind holding back and staying with me and I am glad he did. We go past my business in less than 2 hours at the 6 mile mark and everyone is still feeling good. I am starting to feel some burning on the balls of my right foot and at the 8 mile mark there is a rest area where I can get some medical attention and they apply moleskin to the balls of both feet to help prevent blisters and provide cushioning. This helps for a little while but a few miles later at Natick Center I stop again and ask them to apply more which they do and this really helps a lot. Along the way there are motivational posters and people cheering you on. There are also posters of children and adults fighting their own battle against cancer. And you can see many of the walkers have pictures and/or names of loved ones on their tee shirts. It’s a very moving experience. We are now closing in on Babson College where my son Ryan joins in with us. Great timing. His youth and energy give me a much needed lift and we cover the next 5 miles to Newton Lower Falls with ease and we stop at the rest area at mile 16 to grab some lunch and medical attention. I have the moleskin replaced on my feet and change into dry sox. As we’re leaving my Sister Kelly is just arriving. She started in Hopkinton an hour after us and is making great time. We head out knowing she will catch up to us shortly. We make the turn onto Commonwealth Ave and head towards the Heartbreak Hills stretch of the walk. As we finish those hills I am feeling a lot of tightness in the lower half of my body everywhere and my blisters have now also spread to my heels. It’s only a little further to Boston College and I figure I can get medical attention there. But, much to my surprise, there is nothing available there so we carry on and my sister Kelly joins us at Cleveland Circle. As the 5 of us head out from there my wife and I are having a lot of trouble walking. My wife’s arch on her right foot is severely cramping and she has a blister bleeding through her sox and sneaker on her left foot. But she fights through it. Her tenacity and willpower is amazing. But we are lagging behind the others.

It’s at this point, about 22 miles into the walk, that I am on the brink. But something inside me takes over and I decide that if I am going to be sore that I mine as well get this over as quickly as possible and I summon up the ability to walk as fast as I can. Before I know it I have passed my teammates and Ryan joins up with me and Jacob stays right with us. We are now starting to pass others and we’re looking for safe areas to pass when the sidewalk is congested with too many walkers. The pain is constant but we’re now on a mission. We motor past Fenway Park and turn the corner onto Boylston St. We’re getting close.

Just a little ways down the road we meet my Dad and he walks the last mile or so in with us. This is very special as my Dad has done the whole walk for the last 15 years. But the last mile bogs down with the amount of walkers all getting to the end and with the road roped off and narrowed down to funnel the walkers to the finish line the last mile takes much too long and there is too much standing around in traffic. During this slowdown my body is now starting to stiffen up and all the aches and pains are magnified.

We make it through the finish line and there is a tremendous release of satisfaction and joy. There are volunteers there clapping and cheering for us and to award us our medals. There’s a band playing and people enjoying the celebration. But all I want to do is get off my feet and get treatment. My parents have brought their vehicles in to a local parking garage and so we all head back to their house for a celebration. It feels good to get off my feet and get my sneakers off. Unfortunately I have 2 large blisters on the balls of my feet but the worst are my heels. Each one has a blister about the size of an egg. On the drive back my wife gets ill and we pull over so she can get some fresh air. I feel so bad for her. We’re all nursing our aches and pains but getting home and getting some good food and drink helps us all to feel better and we all get some treatment for our ills. It’s now 3 days later as of this writing and we’re all recovering. We’re having a lot of soreness and some funky movements when we walk but we’re healing fast and getting better.

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]This year was a record year for the walk. Over 8,500 registered walkers and approx 7 million dollars raised. I am proud to have been a part of it. The real heroes and warriors are those who deal with this every day. Those afflicted with cancer and those treating us. ]

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shaky

Can't really add much. Only advice I'd give is that if you're bleeding from any of the body's orifices get checked. Don't wait.

cheers

steve

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I know you're a cancer survivor too, Steve. You went through some tough times, glad you're still here. Good to hear from ya, I'll prob see ya at one of the LI shows this Spring. :HappyWave:

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Originally Posted by DarkSkies

Hey guys and gals.:HappyWave: I've made it my mission to learn more about cancer.

The recent sadness that Pebbles and I have been through makes me think that there are a lot of people out there who do not have all the facts on cancer, so I'm asking anyone out there who can help us, to post up in this thread with any links, articles, personal anecdotes, anything they feel will benefit someone else down the road.

A little knowledge can be a good thing. Too much can turn you into a hypochondriac. It also depends on where you get your facts. Here's a real kick in the *** study, not cancer, but important nonetheless. Too easy to get info on the internet very hard to separate fact from fiction. http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/...d_uncover.html

I have a cousin, who's like my older sister and a few years back was diagnosed with breast cancer. When it comes to politics and health care we are worlds apart. She's really got it in for US healthcare and the large pharmaceutical companies. Kind of ironic that in the end she chose the traditional western medicine approach as opposed to alternative treatments. Funny how that works out. I can't begin to tell you how much alternative stuff I was sent when i got my diagnosis. However when your life depends on your choice of treatment it's a whole different ball game.



Cancers like pancreatic cancer, spine cancer, and in some cases bone cancer, are probably to a large extent not curable. From what I've seen in life, anyone getting these types most often dies, albeit at different times.

And I don't mean to insult anyone who has or knows someone who gets any of the above cancers, my heart goes out to you people. :(

The main point I'm trying to make here is that not all cancer is curable, no matter how much we hope and pray.Prayer will not cure pancreatic cancer, if that person was meant to survive, they will. The best thing I have learned is that it's never too early to prepare for the possibility of death if you have a cancer diagnosis.

I dealt with two surgeons. The one who diagnosed me and set me up with the mad scientists and the one who performed my surgery. The first was a dull, serious demeanored gent who laid it out for me and frankly didn't sound very optimistic. The second told me after the exam, you're not going to die, if you had to get it, this is the most curable cancer. i said "what about the bag" and he said I won't know for sure until we open you up.

The first doctor talked to me as if the glass was half empty, the second as if it was half full. The second sounded a little more positive and that gave me Hope I guess hope is where that positive attitude that everyone talks about comes from.

I can't speak for everyone, but once you've been diagnosed, all the ads for new hospitals, new treatments, new doctors, new tests, all the celebrity patients that come out about their illnesses, news about their deaths, or talk shows where they talk about their mom or dad dying and you must go out and get your exams, all of that, that used to sound like so much buzzing or background noise, an interruption to your music or ballgame, now has you on some sort of sensory overload, where you just sigh and say to yourself, "my god this s*** is everywhere. It's like there is no balance, no happy medium. It's hard to stay upbeat listening to all that stuff, seriously!

As far as prayer, if it makes one feel better, if they find comfort in it, great. If someone takes the time to pray for me, I thank them. If nothing else it makes them feel better.
Death is the final destination for us all..... but on the way there, there is nothing wrong with taking charge and celebrating our life, mending the broken fences of failed relationships and hurt feelings, and in general making peace with those we are close to.

As mentioned. I'll try to focus on the allegedly treatable cancers, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, etc. Also the best suggestions for early detection.

I can't do this by myself, people, I need your help.

Each and every person in this world has in some way been touched by cancer, and I'm sure some of you have some painful stories to tell.

So I'm asking for your help and participation in this thread. If it's personal to you, and you absolutely cannot share it with the public, so be it.

But if you feel for one second that what you have to say could help someone else down the road, please share with us.

I'd say the one thing I could offer people who may have to deal with colorectal cancer is Hope. It'll be seven years in March. As far as dealing with it, humor worked for me and much of it was far from PC. That's just my personality. Didn't want any sympathy and I don't give it. Whenever I heard the words "sorry to hear that" i'd usually reply "why". Really ****s people up when you say that :laugh:I always tell people to laugh. When you laugh you feel better than when you cry and that's what it's all about.

I have mixed feelings about things like support groups. Never went to one. Some like them, others don't want to go near them after sitting in a few times.

For the friends and relatives. Some people seem to thrive on pity and sympathy, I'm not one of them. I've reached the stage in my life, that if i really need help I'll ask for it. While I appreciated the offers for help, quit nagging me.

I think most people who have lead a healthy, active, independent life, do not want to be constantly fussed over, pampered, or reminded that they're sick. That may be one of the reasons why people keep quiet about it. After awhile you get tired of people asking you "how are you feeling" being how they may never have asked before. If you normally greeted me with a "wassup" no need to change now.

I have one friend who i see a few times a year during the fall run. Ever since the operation he always asks me how i feel. I know what he means, but i make him squirm, tell him about my arthritis, or herniated discs, or pinched nerves or whatever else comes to mind. The man refuses to say Cancer. I'll string him along for awhile and then let him off the hook after he gives me a few "you knows" :huh: :laugh:

What knowledge or advice any one of you might have, and not feel is important, could help save a life down the road someday. http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...cons/icon3.gif

Just remember there are no right or wrong answers or opinions in this thread. All input is welcome as long as it is given respectfully in the spirit of helping others.

And I don't have to remind any fishermen out there that we have lost quite a few of our fishing brothers to cancer, one of the most recent being Gary Hull, the well-known maker of Gary2 plugs, who succumbed to complications from prostrate cancer last year. RIP, Gary.

Although I only got to talk to him a few times, I admired and respected him. I remember exactly where I was the night I heard he died, and where I was fishin. :(

He left us way too early. Who knows if his disease could have been arrested from early detection, but early detection is the best way we have now of saving someone's life.

So apologies if this is a little long winded, or if you feel it doesn't belong in the main forum, it is what it is, as JimmyZ says. :HappyWave:

Please help us if you can by contributing to this thread, opinions, comments, or any articles you find out there, as long as you post the link for the article as well. Thanks. :thumbsup:

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cheers

steve

"I have one friend who i see a few times a year during the fall run. Ever since the operation he always asks me how i feel. I know what he means, but i make him squirm, tell him about my arthritis, or herniated discs, or pinched nerves or whatever else comes to mind. The man refuses to say Cancer. I'll string him along for awhile and then let him off the hook after he gives me a few "you knows"



Maybe if you tell him about anal bleeding and bleeding from orifices he will ask less questions.
Sounds like you have been there and done that shaky. Good on ya for making it.:thumbsup:

I know you went through a lot. You would make a good national spokesman for the Cancer Society. You shoot from the hip and pull no punches. Thanks for sharing that, Steve.

*** I didn't even know what to say. A very close friend just called to tell me he may have cancer. Will find out more next week. I don't know what to do besides pray and hope

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Originally Posted by Doublerunner

I don't know what to do besides pray and hope

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Sorry to hear that. You can keep in contact with him and try to cheer him up when he is down. You can't change whether he will live or die, only God has a say in that. You can continue to be a good friend to him. Don't avoid him and take the time to listen to him. Good luck.

Sorry to hear the news DR, hope it doesn't turn out too bad.

Hang in there dude.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DarkSkies

I know you went through a lot. You would make a good national spokesman for the Cancer Society. You shoot from the hip and pull no punches. Thanks for sharing that, Steve.

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I don't know if the ACS is ready for me. I think i could handle a bigger stage given the chance, but I believe people prefer listening to celebrities. They see them at the movies,at the ballpark or on TV and they feel like they know them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Doublerunner

*** I didn't even know what to say. A very close friend just called to tell me he may have cancer. Will find out more next week. I don't know what to do besides pray and hope

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Having been on both sides of the fence I've found your side tougher. Having gone through all the crap I now have a better perspective, as this was my first serious illness and first surgery.

From a patients perspective, I'm not dead yet, stop acting like you're at a funeral or a wake. :2flip: If I need help and you're a good friend I'll probably ask for it. Don't feed me some bs like "if I need anything call" if you don't mean it. As I said before i always hated hearing the words "sorry to hear that". I would normally lead the conversation in the direction i wanted it to go. Much easier on the friends and family members. If i heard those words my response was usually, "if you're not laughing within the next few minutes I'm hanging up the phone". :kicknuts: Trust me i had them laughing. If you normally call once a week, keep it up. Don't need to hear from you every day. I suppose most people with family and friends get a hell of a lot more calls when they're sick. After awhile they get tired of answering the same questions over and over. :boring:

As a friend I believe it's your job to bring a little normalcy back to my life. :plastered: I know I'm sick. The reason i know this is because i have a team of doctors, nurses, chemists and nuclear physicists telling me I'm sick and their treatments are probably bringing me as close to death as they can without killing me. If my body wasn't telling me i was sick before, it probably is now. If I don't feel like talking I won't and if I do feel like talking, talk about whatever it is we talked about before, fishing, hunting, sports, women, work :rolleyes: suck it up and stop whining. :waaah:

Hope this helps :laugh:

I was glad to read your post shaky. When my sister was sick, I always felt as if she needed a break from the constant questions. I thought it was important that she had chance to not "think about the cancer". I am sure it was always on her mind. Yet it gives me a small bit of comfort that I was able to bring her mind some relief. I often wondered it I made the right choice. Once diagnosed she lived three months.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pebbles

I was glad to read your post shaky. When my sister was sick, I always felt as if she needed a break from the constant questions. I thought it was important that she had chance to not "think about the cancer". I am sure it was always on her mind. Yet it gives me a small bit of comfort that I was able to bring her mind some relief. I often wondered it I made the right choice. Yes Once diagnosed she lived three months.

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I figure most people go through the same things. There's the what would i do if they told me I had X amount of time to live thinking. When the diagnosis comes in all those things you may have said :laugh::laugh: So you go through a stage of feeling sorry for yourself, woe is me, what did i do to deserve this, I'm not ready to die etc.

Closest thing to that feeling was watching the trade center from across the river on 9-11. Real kick in the gut that stayed with you for awhile.

You spend some sleepless nights, while getting prepped for a battery of tests. Still haven't told a sole other than my brother and sister in law. Want all the facts first. Somewhere in the middle of all of this, I started seeing the humor in it. I suppose it's like public speaking where you imagine your audience naked. Laughing is easy. I could laugh all day without getting tired. Worrying and crying is stressful. Choice is easy for me, find a way to keep laughing.

You start getting calls and e-mails, people telling you how brave you are and what courage you have. Perhaps by definition, but I saw nothing courageous in my actions. I didn't choose to have cancer. It's not like running into a burning building to save someone. I had two choices, do nothing and eventually die. Get treatment and surgery and hopefully extend my life. Real tough choice there. I don't consider myself particularly brave, but this was a no brainer. I'm sure most people just sort of kick it into survival mode and do what it takes. You find the strength. The humor is something else. I think i'm just different, I managed to find the lighter side in all my tests treatments and surgeries and rather than avoid the subject, i just turned it into a comedy routine all i needed was an audience.

The worst feeling in the world is laying in the hospital bed with your parents looking on and you can see the pain in their eyes, but no matter how hard i tried, no matter how hard we laughed i could never make that pain go away.

Now I'll let you in on a little secret. That angler of the month story, with the swordfish slicing me up :laugh::laugh: That was my incisional hernia repair. Direct result of my colon resection, the muscles just came apart and they had to open me up again. I knew those pictures would come in handy one day. Don't be mad it's just the way I cope with things :devil:

cheers

steve

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shaky

I didn't choose to have cancer. It's not like running into a burning building to save someone. I had two choices, do nothing and eventually die. Get treatment and surgery and hopefully extend my life. Real tough choice there. I don't consider myself particularly brave, but this was a no brainer.

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That could be inspiring to anyone who gets cancer. :thumbsup: Thank you for the brutal honesty there, Shaky.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shaky

From a patients perspective, I'm not dead yet, stop acting like you're at a funeral or a wake. :2flip: If I need help and you're a good friend I'll probably ask for it. Don't feed me some bs like "if I need anything call" if you don't mean it. As I said before i always hated hearing the words "sorry to hear that".

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That's the first thing I usually say when I know someone is in trouble. Thanks for straightening those issues out. I would never have known that.

Great info there shaky, thank you! Hope you continue to remain cancer free. Angler of the month story was interesting. No worries. Thanks for sharing.