Cancer….

PeoplesElbow

Well-Known Member
I was told that the surgery I had for the pancreatic, a modified Whipple where I kept all of my stomach, acts on the body like a TBI. It is because the abdomen has as many nerve cells as does the brain.

Mild depression, and insomnia, have dogged me since.
You did an awesome job surviving and I find you to be an inspiration. I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer.
 

OysterToad

Member
Revisiting after a while. No one is ever fully prepared being told they have cancer, nor hearing that a loved one has been diagnosed.

I believe I was better prepared than many as one of my Boy Scout leaders tutored me in Classic Roman Stoicism using "The Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius. I still have the copy he gave me about 52 years ago.

Another one in this vein was written by Epictetus, Marcus' tutor. It is called "The Art of Living."

Life will hammer at you, but a buffer will to be Gain Knowledge, about yourself, the disease, the treatments, possible outcomes, and tools to help you cope, as Stoicism has helped me.

I've lost both parents to cancer, 3 maternal side to pancreatic (grandmother, uncle and a male 1st cousin), another uncle, both sisters are survivors as is a niece. Another uncle and aunt are survivors. Just yesterday we got the news that a college classmate of my wife's, who we both loved as dearly as a sister, passed away from cancer. Another very close college friend, who is like another brother, is also a survivor.

Cancer will beat you up. Do not let the bastard win and beat you down.
I have also lost both parents to cancer and my twin brother 2 and 1/2 years ago. Plus both grandfathers. Not going to let this bastard beat me without a fight...thanks everyone for your comments ...it really helps...so do a few prayers
 

spr1975wshs

Mostly settled in...
Ad Free Experience
Patron
On a lighter brighter note, the American Cancer Society announced today that the 5 years survival rate, across all stages, for pancreatic cancer is now 11%. When I was diagnosed in May 2015, it was 7% overall. I was told 9% as I qualified for surgery almost immediately.
 

SandieGarry

Well-Known Member
I've been battling cancer for 44 years. My first surgery was when I was 13. I've had 5 total. My daughter who is incarcerated is getting a double mastectomy in 2 weeks. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
 

OysterToad

Member
I've been battling cancer for 44 years. My first surgery was when I was 13. I've had 5 total. My daughter who is incarcerated is getting a double mastectomy in 2 weeks. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you for your response
What have you done to maintain your sanity?
 

spr1975wshs

Mostly settled in...
Ad Free Experience
Patron
What have you done to maintain your sanity?
Part of what keeps me this side of bananas, my Mrs. is a disabled vet. She can work, as her job is number crunching and data analysis. However, I do most of the cooking, cleaning and other jobs around the house.

Then there are the cats.

I also read a lot, write some, have other hobbies like making things in wood, leather, cloth and metal.
 

SandieGarry

Well-Known Member
Thank you for your response
What have you done to maintain your sanity?

I was first diagnosed when I was 13 years old. I had my first of 5 surgeries within days. The only way that I can begin to answer your question is to say that I've grown up knowing and expecting that it was going to return and I'd have to be operated on again. Kinda weird but it's true. My second surgery was when I turned 18, right after high school. I actually watched the Redskins beat the Dolphins from a hospital bed at Holy Cross hospital, days after my surgery. I'm trying to yell and scream with every Riggo run and I have a drain tube sticking out of the side of my face. Trust me, things like this give you a whole new outlook on life. I finally found a great Dr in Timonium. He was the leading surgeon on the east coast for my type of cancer. He did my last 2 surgeries. I believe that he said that I hold the record for the most procedures of this type. RIP Dr Price, he was a great human being.

I guess that I live life to the fullest. I take advantage of every opportunity that I'm given. God Bless and good luck to everyone that gets the dreaded diagnosis.
 

OysterToad

Member
I was first diagnosed when I was 13 years old. I had my first of 5 surgeries within days. The only way that I can begin to answer your question is to say that I've grown up knowing and expecting that it was going to return and I'd have to be operated on again. Kinda weird but it's true. My second surgery was when I turned 18, right after high school. I actually watched the Redskins beat the Dolphins from a hospital bed at Holy Cross hospital, days after my surgery. I'm trying to yell and scream with every Riggo run and I have a drain tube sticking out of the side of my face. Trust me, things like this give you a whole new outlook on life. I finally found a great Dr in Timonium. He was the leading surgeon on the east coast for my type of cancer. He did my last 2 surgeries. I believe that he said that I hold the record for the most procedures of this type. RIP Dr Price, he was a great human being.

I guess that I live life to the fullest. I take advantage of every opportunity that I'm given. God Bless and good luck to everyone that gets the dreaded diagnosis.
Thank you
 

RandalBeyal

New Member
I'm sorry we have to discuss such topics. Cancer is the worst, I had a similar experience, but I survived. Although there are no early signs of BPH and there is almost no chance of catching the disease in its initial stages, doctors advise you to be careful with your body and become alert if suddenly you lose appetite, feel discomfort in the stomach and pancreas or suddenly the weight begins to fall for no reason. Even such trivial symptoms as constipation, weakness, general malaise, and bloating can be associated with the onset of the disease. I had it too, but we diagnosed it in time and had an el4 cell line test to ensure it survived.
 
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