Foo - To Be, Or Not To Be...

Here's the situation. I've recently been diagnosed with Leukemia. Still waiting for labs results to determine exactly what type. Being the type of person who allows herself to be open to the entire field of possibilities, along with researching the disease, treatments, outlooks, etc. I'm looking into the possibility of making "informed decission" as well... Not that I'm ready to make any decission one way or the other. There's just not enough information at this point.


I'd like to hear/entertain discussion on the whole situational spectrum.

Man, that chews.

Just pray for now, 'cause that's what you god-ly people do, right?

I think that for those of us who haven't had to face this - either personally or with a close friend or family member - ignorance is bliss. I fall into that category. Not that I don't care, but I acknowledge that I have nothing useful to contribute - other than my best wishes and prayers. Hopefully there are others in Fooland who are more knowledgeable.

note to 56: last I knew - Stacey is not into religion

Well sis...you are right to look in to the disease and learn everything about it that you can. I would also try to look in to alternative treatments....good to have a backup plan if traditional treatments aren't working for you. I'd say it also presents the perfect time to start making sure you take care of yourself as best as you possibly can, eat right, no drinking, etc.....

I think that for those of us who haven't had to face this - either personally or with a close friend or family member - ignorance is bliss. I fall into that category. Not that I don't care, but I acknowledge that I have nothing useful to contribute - other than my best wishes and prayers. Hopefully there are others in Fooland who are more knowledgeable.

note to 56: last I knew - Stacey is not into religion

Well, I think she should be.

You need all the help you can get with things like this.

Having never been through this myself...let me say that I'm saddened to hear this. Only advice I can offer for the moment is, learn everything you can about the disease, it's treatments, alternative medicine etc... and know that we are thinking of you and hopeful that you will get through this. Best wishes for you Stacey.

For those of us with little or no knowledge of Leukemia:
http://www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/article.htm

Stacey: I am so sorry to hear your news. As a former cancer patient, however, I'd like to encourage you to keep going. It's going to be really tough sometimes, but you can get through it. If it seems overwhelming, think of it as climbing a big hill -- set yourself small goals, push yourself to get to that next tree, then the tree after that; the hill will take care of itself. My cancer treatment was 16 years ago, and strangely enough, when I look back on it I don't think of it as so much of a negative thing. If anything, it brought my family closer together. It's good you're going into this with an open mind -- make sure you talk to your doctor about any concerns you might have, and whether newer treatments are likely to help you. Take care, and be strong.

One step at a time, Stacey. One step at a time.....

Things will be okay. ;) ((hugs))

I'm going to make a suggestion that might not sound serious, but it is: Read, "It's Not About the Bike" by Lance Armstrong. His approach to a serious illness is a textbook case in what to do right:

1) Sought a number of medical opinions from the best doctors he could find.
2) Made informed treatment choices.
3) Followed his treatment plan.
4) Kept a fighting spirit throughout.
5) Relied on friends and family for needed support.
6) Expressed appreciation for those who helped him.

You might find some good info here: http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.jvKZLbMRIsG/b.695467/k.A163/Take_Control.htm

Best of everything to you!

Two words: Second Opinion. They diagnosed my sister with Leukemia, then it turned out that wasn't what was wrong at all (I can't remember what she actually had), cured whatever it was and she's been fine for years.

I'm going to make a suggestion that might not sound serious, but it is: Read, "It's Not About the Bike" by Lance Armstrong. His approach to a serious illness is a textbook case in what to do right:

1) Sought a number of medical opinions from the best doctors he could find.
2) Made informed treatment choices.
3) Followed his treatment plan.
4) Kept a fighting spirit throughout.
5) Relied on friends and family for needed support.
6) Expressed appreciation for those who helped him.

You might find some good info here: http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.jvKZLbMRIsG/b.695467/k.A163/Take_Control.htm

Best of everything to you!

I agree, I know many don't care for Lance but his book truely offers more then just information. His daily challenge to fight the biggest battle of his life, gave me hope that I could accomplish more then what I thought I could.
In his book he was ANGRY with the Cancer and I believe this made his fight worth every pain that he endured.
He seeked treatment and the harsh of the treatments out there.
I have experienced someone with cancer who lost that battle, I can tell you though that SHE NEVER GAVE UP.
You need to educate yourself and family members on your condition. Also, don't be afraid to be mad, once you can come to grips with your feelings I think the whole big picture will be as clear as day. I wish you well Stacey and your in my thoughts!!!

SNOWY!!

I really dont have any informative response for you.. but I wanted to tell you that mu thoughts are with you.

I got nothin'...except for well-wishes and whatnot, of course. I do believe you can beat it, tho. You seem awfully stubborn.;)

I love you stacey! <3 *huggles* I'm young and whatevs... but I say enjoy the time you have and love those around you :)

Stacey:

I'm sorry to hear this. The world is full of interesting people and the internet brings them together. You are one of the most interesting people I've encountered out here.

I wouldn't dare to advise you. I only want you to make any decisions you come to with as much information, confidence, support and peace as you can find.

I know that you are no fan of my God, but I'm putting you in my prayers anyway.

I'm another one of those folks without knowledge who just wants to wish you the best.

Please, please don't take this the wrong way, but...It doesn't sound like cancer was as bad as your dad, and you survived him. Makes you one of the stongest people I know.

Man, hope its not the bad kind. I know someone from church who died from leukemia a few days ago. :(

get well soon

Just party as hard as you can until the lights go off.

I got nothin'...except for well-wishes and whatnot, of course. I do believe you can beat it, tho. You seem awfully stubborn.;)

NEVER SAY "WHATNOT"!!!1

Stacey, i wish you all the best.




1) Sought a number of medical opinions from the best doctors he could find.

This was far easier for lance than it is for the average person.

www.garynull.com

Gary Null has saved the lives of thousands of people with life threatening diseases. His several decades of research provide anyone who is interested with great information on getting or staying healthy through extremely perfect diet, and plenty of exersize. He also reccomends radiation treatment and other typical western medicine when the situation warrants it.

A well known but little credited example of his success is the fact that Magic Johnson is still alive. On a personal note, his teachings saved my uncles life (he had extreme and wide spread cancer from decades of drug use, egh em.) My 89 year old diabetic grandpa read a couple of his books, and got off insulin. He is now walking 6 miles a day. On a lesser note, using some of his ideas I have lost 35 pounds.

He has done much to cure many people with many diseases, not to mention drasticaly slow down aging. I highly reccomend you look into him right away, because the sooner you take action, the better your chances are. There are several ways to contact Gary and his staff which the website can tell you more about. I honestly do believe that Gary's diet and exersize principals in conjuntion with proper medical treatment are your best bet for beating this unfortunate problem.

Best of luck Stacey, steel yourself for a hard fight, a friend just got the all clear after his fight with leukemia. He told me several times that he didn't think the fight was worth the way he was feeling during chemo, but he has changed his tune, and is looking at a long and happy life as a survivor. Look at all you've been through to have a happy life, you can do this too, carry on, we'll be here for you all the way.

This or That: stay sick or get well

Stacey, I wish you all the best in this battle.

Good luck Stacey.

There is one definate about chemo if that is one of your options: you will get far sicker before you get better.

Cancer runs in my family heavily...so I've had to see this quite a few times, it's not pretty at all. All but my grandfather have had chemo....my grandfather was too far into the cancer when he went to the ER to be saved, he didn't live out the week. He was 70 years old, and up until the night he had to go to the ER was the shining image of health...I just couldn't understand why.

Just be ready to put down the bike for a while if you do go the chemo route....don't strain your body during the treatment. Also keep in mind that if you think the treatment is not in your best interests when you are already into it, you have a right to have them stop. My grandmother did this, after the chemo nearly killed her. She decided the cancer was a lesser problem than the chemo. So far it's been 8 years and she is still doing just fine...actually pretty good for an 83 year old cancer survivor.

No matter what, it's a horrific battle...just be strong, you can do it.

Stacey,

my heart goes out to you, I am sure that these days of waiting will be very tough. It sounds like you are using your time educate yourself, which will give you some sense of control. I wish for you peace, clarity and strength to get through. I will be thinking of you.

Liz

I say make a list of everything you've ever wanted to do before you died, then go do it. Good luck, do what you gotta do, then go do what you want to do.

I have a cousin that survived leukemia. Go to a GOOD teaching hospital (like UNC :) ), get a second opinion or third, and decide on your options. Many times the teaching hospital will have options your local schmuck doesn't even know about. Integrative medicine can also lessen the side effects and help the healing process.

Hi all... I spent most of Monday in the ER in a Morphine induced euphoria. Pain in my splenic area was so extreme I thought for sure it had ruptured. I wish this rollercoaster ride would soon end... good day, dood day, bad day, good day, bad day x 3. It sucks.

I tried to help make dinner last night, Wednesday is our traditional "Breakfast for Dinner" day. I offered to make cheese omelets (my littlte bit of helping around the house for the day) while my partner made bacon. By the time I was finished I was too exhausted to eat. Yes, I know... my fault. But I'm stubborn.

In my search for information and alternatives I found these sites.

Starting to look real good (http://www.finalexit.org/index.html)

Makes a lot of sense (http://www.togopeacefully.com/)

God Bless Dr. Jack Kavorkian!

Good luck Stacey! I wish you the speediest, easiest recovery!

I think suicide is the lazy and greedy way out. (Kind of like breast reduction surgery). In this day and age, your odds of survival are not bad, and I certainly think you would have at least a couple of good decades left after you beat cancer. Lance Armstrong is a prime example with this being bike forums. Just the same, being a Libertarian I think you should do whatever you want. If you do choose the blow your brains out method, say hi to Sydney.

Easy for me to say, but stay positive Stacey. My very best, most positive thoughts are being sent your way.

I think suicide is the lazy and greedy way out. (Kind of like breast reduction surgery). In this day and age, your odds of survival are not bad, and I certainly think you would have at least a couple of good decades left after you beat cancer. Lance Armstrong is a prime example with this being bike forums. Just the same, being a Libertarian I think you should do whatever you want. If you do choose the blow your brains out method, say hi to Sydney.


Clearly you haven't reasearched life/death options fully.

"Lazy"? Hardly. It's the ultimate decision. Wether to continue to fight a loosing battle or make the doctors and drug companies richer when there's no way you could ever pay for it.

"Greedy"? Ok, if you say so :rolleyes:

Interesting in how you can prognosticate my odds of recovery, my oncologist hasn't. Nor does he yet know what type of Leukemia we are dealing with.

Lance is a prime example of what? Testicular cancer? Mine is in my freakin' blood dude, I can't go get my blood cut out now can I?

Thank you for allowing me the right to make an informed decission. Lots of people wouldn't. If I do decide to excersize that option, I surely will

Peace

Clearly you haven't reasearched life/death options fully.

"Lazy"? Hardly. It's the ultimate decision. Wether to continue to fight a loosing battle or make the doctors and drug companies richer when there's no way you could ever pay for it.

"Greedy"? Ok, if you say so :rolleyes:

Interesting in how you can prognosticate my odds of recovery, my oncologist hasn't. Nor does he yet know what type of Leukemia we are dealing with.

Lance is a prime example of what? Testicular cancer? Mine is in my freakin' blood dude, I can't go get my blood cut out now can I?

Thank you for allowing me the right to make an informed decission. Lots of people wouldn't. If I do decide to excersize that option, I surely will

Peace

Stupid leukemia in the blood and stuff!:mad:

While I don't think it's "lazy," I've decided that it's too easy a way out(for me). I might feel differently if I had a life-threatening condition, but I've been depressed/suicidal before and I'm glad I was able to put that stuff behind me. I figure I might as well try to stick around as long as possible...or at least until they can make cyberbrains and transfer my consciousness into an Adrienne Barbeau-bot. Hmm, methinks I've been watching too much telly....:o

Stupid leukemia in the blood and stuff!:mad:

While I don't think it's "lazy," I've decided that it's too easy a way out(for me). I might feel differently if I had a life-threatening condition, but I've been depressed/suicidal before and I'm glad I was able to put that stuff behind me. I figure I might as well try to stick around as long as possible...or at least until they can make cyberbrains and transfer my consciousness into an Adrienne Barbeau-bot. Hmm, methinks I've been watching too much telly....:o


I've been through the depression & suicide thing before and survived only stronger for it. Honestly, I tell you this is a completely different feeling. Being open to the field of all possibilities, even those that are less han conventional is so empowering when my power has been taken away by this illness.

I still haven't got the blood test results yet sowe don't even know the flavor of Leukemia we're dealing with. No decissions yet, just keeping things open.

I've been through the depression & suicide thing before and survived only stronger for it. Honestly, I tell you this is a completely different feeling. Being open to the field of all possibilities, even those that are less han conventional is so empowering when my power has been taken away by this illness.

I still haven't got the blood test results yet sowe don't even know the flavor of Leukemia we're dealing with. No decissions yet, just keeping things open.
I happen to think that you are taking a very practical and calm approach to this whole thing....Good for You!

Stacey, hang in there...

we both have been through alot in our lives, cancer, GID, etc... and having been where you are (cancer), I know it will be hard and there will be suicidal thoughts along the way...

You are not that old, and your body will recover...just get some rest, and get your opinions...

Remember lance almost died from testicular... at least we don't have to worry about that one :p , but for us the fight was be harder... just do your best.


Remember suicide is final, there is no second chances... and remember... you have someone who loves you

Mandy

Bump...any news on your test results, Stacey?

No, The Dr.s office said it was a specalized test and had to go to an outside lab. Probably be a week and a half for the results. A week was up Friday.

Good thing I'm not dying :)

Doctor: Stacey, you have 6 months to live.
Stacey: 6 months from now or 6 months from when the tests were taken a month ago?
Doctor: uhhh...

I know Dr. Kevorkian specializes in "assisted deaths" to allow people to die with dignity. Personally, I think a dignified death would be to strap some dynamite to yourself and jump on Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. But that's just me. ;) Hope you get good news from the doc Stacey!

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

Ewww, what a mess. The pulp of three bodies <shiver>

I want to leave a beautiful corpse when I go. :D

No, The Dr.s office said it was a specalized test and had to go to an outside lab. Probably be a week and a half for the results. A week was up Friday.

Good thing I'm not dying :)

Given your situation, I sure hope they don't do this to you, but a few years ago, my wife had some tests done to tell whether she had a serious (but not life-threatening illness). They told her that they'd have the results in 3 days. After a week of waiting, we got impatient, and called the doctor's office. We asked them about the test results, and were non-chalantly told "oh. The tests came back a few days ago. They were negative". Apparently this is standard practice at a number of clinics. Thanks for letting us worry for a few extra days guys.

I'm praying you hear soon - and with encouraging news.

Mmmm jummmping on Britneyt Spears :lol:

Best of luck Stacey :)

Given your situation, I sure hope they don't do this to you, but a few years ago, my wife had some tests done to tell whether she had a serious (but not life-threatening illness). They told her that they'd have the results in 3 days. After a week of waiting, we got impatient, and called the doctor's office. We asked them about the test results, and were non-chalantly told "oh. The tests came back a few days ago. They were negative". Apparently this is standard practice at a number of clinics. Thanks for letting us worry for a few extra days guys.

I'm praying you hear soon - and with encouraging news.
I think I would probably be talking to a lawyer and sueing for emotional distress and all that stuff :)

this is so tough, i can only imagine, my thoughts are with you

On the upside, I've using IP-6 w/ Inositol, a natural cancer prevention/fighting supplement for about 3 weeks now and after having two weeks of really feeling like *****, the past two days I've felt remarkably good. I can even draw a deep breath without my spleen protesting. This stuff is amazing. I hope it a lasting thing and not just a freak revelling.

Believe in yourself, and you can do anything.

(I know it sounds like a bad Hallmark card, but mind over matter does work)

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

Ewww, what a mess. The pulp of three bodies <shiver>

I want to leave a beautiful corpse when I go. :D
Sacrifices must be made Stacey. I'm willing to sacrifice your beautiful corpse if it'll rid the world of two people that shouldn't ever be allowed to reproduce or make albums or be allowed to interact w/ the public. Don't worry, we'll erect an abstract art statue of you next to the Rocky statue in Philly. It'll be a statue of you kicking him in the 'nads.