Helaine and I just spent some time with a friend of ours who’s just been diagnosed with breast cancer. It was caught early. She’s going to the right hospital. The outcome will be positive.
Today it’s very scary. The “C” word always is.
We’re glad she spoke with us. H and I learned a lot as we moved through the medical industrial complex. There’s a lot of ground we can help her cover more easily.
She is not the first ‘fellow traveler’ I’ve spoken to. There are three of you I’m chatting with on Facebook and Twitter as you or a parent undergoes treatment.
Let’s face it, I’m a good guy to ask. My treatment worked miraculously. Who wouldn’t want this outcome?
Our friend was shy. She didn’t want to intrude or burden us.
It doesn’t work that way. I know how helpful friends and family were to me. Cancer is not a one person job!
So, go ahead. Ask me about cancer.
I thought I’d let u know that the woman here in CT who had the same kind of cancer that u did just died 2 weeks ago. Her name was Karen. She said she had e-mailed you about it, but Geoff, she chose not 2 have the chemo or radiation. he just wasn’t a fighter and she died at 52 year old. Thought u might want 2 know.
Awful!! Sorry for your loss
Hi Geoff, I do not have to ask you about cancer! I had breast cancer and I guess you could say I’m a survivor because it has been 19 years cancer free.
Positive thinking and lots of people praying for you helps a lot!
Tell your friend I will be there praying for her!
Take care Geoff and family, by for now!
NOW, I have another blog to read……our PC Physician in Wallingford now has a blog like yours with a completely different tone. He was recently diagnosed with Stage 4B metastatic pancreatic cancer. We are all devastated. 57 years old. He has an awesome attitude just like you did, but he is dying. He is taking very strong chemo to hopefully prolong the 6 month prognosis. I learned a lot reading your blog every day and I am so incredibly happy for you where you are now…….your blog was interesting, sad at times, but mostly upbeat, funny at times and so Geoff-ish. Thank you for that. Now if we could only convince Ch. 8 to take you back. Our doctor’s blog is very difficult to read. And what to say when we see him at his open house? He converted to Judaism. Any special word(s)….. CANCER SUCKS
Do we all have cancer cells in our bodies? And, what specifically differentiates people who have cancer cells from those who don’t – at least in advanced stage(s)? And, most importantly, is cancer hereditary? That said, do you know of any ongoing scientific study that explores possibility to inoculate people from having cancer advancing in their bodies?
Al, I’m not a doctor. I’m pretty sure we all have some cancer within us, but is it malignant or benign?
Cancer is not a thing. It more describes a process where cells multiply out-of-control. Different cancers in different parts of the body are very different from each other. That’s why the treatment for each cancer is different and why an inoculation is unlikely.
Some cancers are hereditary, but each individual case is anecdotal and is hardly ever assigned a specific trigger.
Caregivers can have a thing or two to share for other caregivers, too. I learned many tricks during the three years I cared for my mother who had pancreatic cancer. Often it is the simplest thing that lightens the “load” or eases a pain. An OMG moment after weeks of doing something one way can simplify life. I try to share tips whenever I have the opportunity.