jppe

My sister is married to an airline pilot that is 55 and is with a major carrier. She sent us an email last week that he had to come home early from a flight to the far East as he was feeling very sick. Turns out he had pneumonia. During the doctor visits back at home for the pneumonia the doctor saw some questionable spots on the x-rays.

After biopsies and more tests the initial diagnosis was breast cancer-very rare for a male, but we were relieved and ready for the treatment regime. However, after more visits to the oncologist they have found that the cancer has spread. It is in his lungs, bones and lymph nodes-now metatastic breast cancer. Just devastating.

We also learned that the FAA does not allow pilots to fly unless they are cancer free. The initial comment from the doctor was that with this type of cancer patients are never considered "cancer free". Flying is his life and it's just hard to imagine having to end a 30 year career this way.......

Not to drag it out too much but he just lost both his parents within the last six months. My other sister is just finishing up chemo and radiation and will begin her second round of chemo soon for her breast cancer. This C stuff is just way, way too close to home.

Thanks for letting me share..............I think I need to go ride my bike on a big hill somewhere..........

Beverly

Sorry to hear the bad news. It seems impossible that we have such advancements in the medical world and can't find a cure for this terrible disease. I lost my mother and both of her sisters to cancer several years ago. They are the reason I do the cancer charity ride each year.

The bike ride sounds like a good idea but I'll pass on the hills

the engine

I just lost my Dad to cancer in June, my mother-in-law 9 years ago, and an uncle 10 years ago ... I have two close friends fighting cancer right now.

I know how you feel ... it screws up everything that seems right.

I am riding the Livestrong Challenge in Philly this month ... I will continue to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation as long as I live, because I can't sit on the sidelines any longer. I may not be able to do much against the evil desease that cancer is, but I'm doing something.

The bike is (and always has been) my therapy ... I look for big hills and long rides on bad days.

Jet Travis

Sorry, jppe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. And a long bike ride is never a bad idea, especially now.

BluesDawg

Very tough news. My condolences.

George

You have my condolences jppe, Myself and my family has to deal with cancer more than we care too , but it keeps knocking at our door. Myself, my mother died and 2 sisters died as well and many cousins, it just runs in the family. I feel bad for anyone, that has to deal this horrid disease.

Terrierman

Whooo, no fun. Sorry to hear this news.

Kurt Erlenbach

Whenever I read a story like this, my reaction is to get very, very angry. Cancer is a ***** of a disease. The treatments, while frequently effective, are devastating. Research is essential if we are to find a cure for the myriad diseases that constitute "cancer."
The budget for the National Cancer Institute is about $5 billion per year. The US is spending over $10 billion per month in Iraq. About 500,000 Americans die of cancer each year. But we accept that toll because cancer is an old person's disease, and we all have to die of something. Well, bull****, I say. The 65 year-old who dies of lung cancer should have lived to 85, and seen another child graduate, and have gone to another grandchild's dance recital. We are far too accepting of this state of affairs. I encourage all of you to show your sympathy for jppe, his sister, her hsband, and their entire family. I also encourage you to get very, very angry.

Yen

jppe, I'm very sorry.

Kurt Erlenbach

And with that anger:
1. Vote
2. Support leaders who understand the issue.
3. Support stem cell research
4. Vote
5. LiveStrong - Lance may be hard to take sometimes, but he gets it. Support them.
6. Teach those not so enlightened.
7. Support universal health care so that deadly disease in everyone can be caught and treated early, when it is easier, more likely to work, and much less expensive.
8. Write your legislators and ask them to adjust their priorities.

Hermes

Tough news. Hang in there.

Louis

Sorry to hear that jppe. Best wishes for your sister and her family.

Digital Gee

jppe, that's overwhelming! Please share whenever you can or feel a need. We're here, we'll listen. Cancer is a scary, awful disease. Everybody's pulling for your loved ones.

cgallagh

Red Rider lost both parents to cancer. We do relay for life every year. Our prayers are with you and your family.

SaiKaiTai

There has been far too much cancer around me for as long as I can remember.
Even now it brings memories I'd rather not have.
I can only imagine the shock this must have been for you and your family.
My thoughts are with you. Go ride. Ride long. Ride hard.

maddmaxx 

Hang in there jppe.

DnvrFox

I hope that long ride up majestic hills helps with the stress. This is terrible news. My sis has had 2 bouts of cancer, my mom (who is 94) one bout. I have regular minor skin cancer, but it is controllable. I underwent the male breast cancer scare a few years back - had to have a mammography with all of the ladies, etc. Everything was fine, but males DO get breast cancer.

Our best to your brother-in-law and sister. Share when you like. This group is a great support group.

The Weak Link

It's a shame to see a personal tragedy exploited for a political agenda. That's like blaming Bush for the existence of pancreatic cancer. Not an enlightened view.

One thing we must keep in mind: no matter what the New York Times tells you, our mortality is 100%, no exeptions. The Baby Boomer generation has largely forgotten that, I fear.

DnvrFox

Agreed - this belongs in P&R. No matter what my feelings are for or against these statements, they just doesn't belong in 50+.

stonecrd

I also have had too much experience with this. My sister had breast cancer at 30 and my mother died last spring due to breast cancer at 73. We believe the females in my family have the BRCA gene and my daughter will have to get tested when she gets older. The good news is that cancer is much more treatable to day than in the past and this will continue. Good luck to your family.

tlc20010

Thanks for taking the time and trust to share this with us, Joe. No words can express the depths of our sorrow for this pain that has visited your family. Just know that we care deeply.

freeranger

My condolences to the families. Sometimes a good exhausting ride can temporarily ease the torment. I know I had to do that after my mothers funeral (which, on top of her funeral, found out about 9-11 and the twin towers on the way). I really needed to exhaust myself just so I couldn't think of anything else. Go find that big hill and go hard at it!

jppe

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your responses. Unfortunately after a very restless night of sleep the issues did not go away and are not any better nor clearer. However your expressions are excellent medicine and I really appreciate your thoughts more than you will know.

What is clear is that the road is calling.

Terrierman

Answer it.

eldenh

I've enjoyed the support of my local cancer support group. There may be such in your area.