Experiences with cancer

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MindDetective

MindDetective

After hearing about Chazwozel's wife, I was reminded of my mother, who was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer about 7 years ago. I thought other people might want to share their stories about loved ones or their own personal experiences.

I have several:

My mother, as described, identified a lump, which was biopsied and found to be cancerous. She underwent an aggressive treatment regiment, which included surgery, chemo, and radiation therapy. I'm glad to say that she's still going strong years after treatment ended.

My best friend's mother went through something similar years before my mom did. I don't have all the details of her treatment but she is also alive and kicking.

My grandmother was diagnosed late with pancreatic cancer, which had metastasized to other organs. She underwent one session of chemo and was so sickened by it that she chose to forgo treatment. It came suddenly enough to surprise everyone but progressed slowly enough after that that people could prepare themselves for her death.

The hardest thing for me, with both my grandmother and my mom, was not being able to be there. I was hundreds or thousands of miles away and felt pretty helpless. I think that was the worst thing for me. I wanted to do something and felt like there was nothing I could do. I figure that is somewhat true for most people that are close to a cancer patient. It's not entirely true, though. I and my family were very supportive of both my mom and my grandmother and I think that it helped them both in different ways.

Anyone else have similar or different cancer tales?
 
Z

Zonker

Oh, boy. My mom got cancer when I was in seventh grade. That's a long story.

Then she got cancer again about seven years ago, had a masectomy, and my dad decided she wasn't attractive any more and left her. Yeah, that's a REALLY long story.

And now my mom has uterine cancer and it's advanced and she's getting her second round of chemo on october 26th after the first round nearly killed her. That's an ongoing story.
 
K

Kitty Sinatra

My grandmother beat 3 different cancers during her life. The 4th one finally took her after more than a year of treatment.

Um, I don't really want to talk about it beyond that.
 
MindDetective

MindDetective

Zonker said:
Oh, boy. My mom got cancer when I was in seventh grade. That's a long story.

Then she got cancer again about seven years ago, had a masectomy, and my dad decided she wasn't attractive any more and left her. Yeah, that's a REALLY long story.

And now my mom has uterine cancer and it's advanced and she's getting her second round of chemo on october 26th after the first round nearly killed her. That's an ongoing story.
Click to expand...
Ouch, Zonker. I hope she hangs in there. Chemo is a rough treatment to go through, let alone multiple times.
 
Cajungal

Cajungal

Staff member
My drama coach was diagnosed with breast cancer, as was my grandmother's best friend. Both are in remission and doing ok. The drama coach was also my boyfriend's uncle's girlfriend, so I used to see her a lot before they moved to Colorado. She was kind of a role model for me in school, too.

I walk for them in the relay for life when I can.
 
Jake

Jake

My mom had breast cancer about 8 years ago. She kind of played it off as no big deal. Went through radiation and chemo and seems to be fine now.

My aunt had breast cancer and a double mastectomy about 15 years ago. She was fine up until she died with my uncle in a plane crash a couple years ago.

I had a bit of a scare about 10 years ago when a huge lump appeared in my armpit. After a surgery and no idea what it was, a test finally came back positive for cat scratch fever (not just a Ted Nugent song, apparently).
 
Adam

Adam

My grandfather suffered from pleural mesothelioma as a result of repeated exposure to asbestos in his workplace. My parents and my grandparents weren't on speaking terms at the time so I was placed in the unfortunate position of relaying messages back and forth. This went on for two years, some days good, some days bad. They only lived 15 minutes away so it was easy enough to stay in touch with both sides. One day, I received a phone call from my grandmother who said that he had been moved into the hospital and he wasn't doing very good.

I rushed out of work to go see him. He was fairly drugged to keep the pain down and was not lucid for the visit. I talked with him as I normally would, told jokes, laughed. I stood for a good 45 minutes talking with him as he lay back in the bed looking older and frailer than I had ever seen the man who formed such a huge part of my life growing up.

At the end of the lunch hour, I was fixing up to go back to work as it seemed he was doing okay and suddenly he perked up.

He rolled over on his side and said "Adam, never forget me." I replied I never would and I left the room.

He died 10 minutes later before any of my family could see him. I curse him to this day for leaving me with that.
 
General Specific

General Specific

My grandmother died of pancreatic cancer as well. Almost identical to your story, MD, except my Grandma continued the chemo and whatnot. She survived for a year or so before it took her.
 
Cheesy1

Cheesy1

I was diagnosed with Leukemia ON my fourth birthday. Technically only had it for about two months, but continued to get treatment for it for the next three years to make sure it was eradicated. Living in Alaska getting blood tests every week, driving north to Anchorage to get marrow taps every six months. After some final tests at the children's hospital in Seattle when I was seven, I was declared in complete remission.

Within the last year, my Aunt Joetta has been battling breast cancer. She had both of them removed about four months ago. She finished up her major chemo work about a month back, and she appears at the moment to be heading towards a nice recovery.

People do survive these things Chaz, both my aunt and I are proof of that. Be strong!
 
T

ThatNickGuy

It might be the thing that Chaz might like to read, though, to hear about other people's battle with cancer, as well.

When I was in Grade 8, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I don't remember much of it, aside from visiting him briefly in the hospital after the surgery and still being worried sick for him (I didn't understand what was going on, honestly).

I remember Mom telling me about when she drove him home, though. He was incredibly sensative about every single bump. We lived in Prince Edward Island, which is like the Captial of Potholes. So, he'd groan and complain about every single bump hit.

I also remember how he had a cathader (sp?) for awhile after. How he'd have to empty the bag out and how one time, I accidentally walked in on his changing and a shiver ran up my spine when I saw a tube going into the "pee hole".

My aunt also had breast cancer, but I was never really close to her, so I didn't hear a lot of details on that.
 
Piotyr

Piotyr

About 10 months ago, my youngest brother had an MRI to figure out why he had some crazy headaches and hormonal imbalances. Doctors found a golf-ball sized tumor causing his pituitary gland to stop functioning. Unsure if it was cancerous, but something had to be done regardless. Surgery was a risky option and highly intrusive, so doctors thought they'd be able to treat it medically and shrink the tumor.

So, after 8 months of treatment, it appeared as if medical treatments had been ineffective thus far, and he went in for another MRI to see what to do next. That MRI showed bad news: that the tumor had hemorrhaged, and there was bleeding in his brain and on his optic nerves. Doctors were amazed that he wasn't blind or having constant headaches.

So, they scheduled emergency surgery to clean up the hemorrhaging, and see what to do about the tumor. When the surgeons got in there, they discovered that the tumor had actually essentially ruptured/liquefied, and doctors were able to remove 75-90% of the tumor without issue. Also, further testing showed that his pituitary was functioning at a normal level again.

Three weeks later, while he was working, he started having an awful nosebleed that wouldn't stop (brain surgery was through the nose, so it was due to that). So, he was rushed via ambulance back to the hospital for yet another MRI that thankfully showed that the bleeding wasn't coming from the brain cavity, nor was seeping into the brain cavity.

Which brings us to today. He's scheduled to head back for another MRI in the next few weeks to see what remains of the tumor, and how to proceed from here.
 
Hylian

Hylian

My sister was diagnosed with cancer. They went in and removed what they believed to be the cancerous part. Luckily they removed it before it spread so they were able to remove it safely. So far she hasn't (at least to my knowledge) had any more issues. T
 
Gusto

Gusto

Mr grandfather died of lung cancer from YEARS of smoking.

My aunt was successfully treated for leukemia, and my other grandfather for skin cancer. :)
 
Shegokigo

Shegokigo

My adoptive mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 50s, she got through it with treatment. Later she got it again and had her breast removed, but stopped it. I'm hoping round three finishes her off.

Now for a less vitirol reply on the subject. My GF's mom has had the same issue as mine and we're hoping there's no round 3.

As far as Chaz's situation, I couldn't possibly imagine what it's like for your SO to get it. Just work with the best treatment possible and hope for the best. Personally I'd probably go feral if I were to lose someone to a disease like that, so I can't imagine what others feel/do in those situations. Perhaps "survivor" group get togethers?
 
Hylian

Hylian

Several years ago one of my dad's best friends and a great family friend had cancer and struggled with it for a few years. I still remember the last few months he was weak and we didn't get to see much of him. My dad would go over and visit him as often as he could. One night my dad got a call that he wasn't doing too well so my dad went over and he died that night.
 
drawn_inward

drawn_inward

I had a paternal aunt die in her 30's from breast cancer that metastasized, and a maternal great-uncle that died of colon cancer.

My aunt's death was rough. It was a long and painful process.

I don't like this topic.
 
Bubble181

Bubble181

I have plenty of stories, unfortunately,, but most aren't very positive.
My grandmother has terminal cancer, spread over lungs, liver, and bowels, but she hasn't died yet, despite refusing all treatment for it - she was supposed to die several months ago now. Heh. She's also had one breast removed because of breast cancer, about 10 years ago.
A close friend of mine had a brain tumour right above his left ear at 21; he was studying slavistics (Russian and Polish), and unfortunately, the tumour rested on his language center. He lost all capacity to learn new languages or new words, and lost a lot of his vocabulary even in his mother tongue. He started his studies over a year later, and he's been getting great results again. Still, he's pretty much lost 4 years of study because of that....Still in complete remission, though.
Than there's my brother's best friend, who died of a brain tumour at 19....a friend of mine who died of a tumour between the optical nerves when she was 22...Oh, and our ironing lady's daughter who had a tennisball-sized brain tumour when she was 6; another tumour when she was 11, and several other problems so far. Still alive, thoguh slightly mentally handicapped as a result.
And, let's see, my grandfather died at 57 of lung cancer, my grandmother died of lung cancer when she was 81, and my other grandfather died of bowel cancer at 84. Man....Too many people I know have, or have had, cancer.
 
Cajungal

Cajungal

Staff member
I kind of love the way my grandma's friend deals with it. She's really old, and her hair just won't grow back, so she's always wearing a wig. When she first met my boyfriend, and they were having a conversation, she gave him a little surprise. I forget what they were talking about, but he replied to her with something like, "I bet you were surprised." And she grinned and ripped off her wig and said, "No HERE's a surprise!"

She's a cool lady, and very strong. :)
 
Tinwhistler

Tinwhistler

My cousin Larry had some kind of cancer in his lymph nodes in his neck several years ago. Don't really know what kind. He had all those lymphs on that side removed, and while he's a little scarred, he seems to have come out of the situation with flying colors.

My older brother developed melanoma on the tip of his penis. I'm sure that was a bitch. He seems to be doing fine now, also.

I really feel for Chaz. I'm sure his life is a great big ball of fear and drama right now, and I wish there was something we could do for him.
 
Bubble181

Bubble181

Adammon;279173][quote=Bubble181 said:
Too many people I know have, or have had, cancer.
Click to expand...
You just stay the hell away from me Mr Bubble.[/QUOTE]

...But....but....:sad:

Seriously though, I only mentioned, like, half of my family and friends in there who've had cancer. My aunt's had cervical cancer, my father had some sort of growth on his prostate, and I have several colleagues in defferent jobs...oh, and our previous cleaning lady also had cancer, though she's recovering slowly. And the upstairs neighbour. And....Man.
 
Adam

Adam

Bubble181;279201][quote=Adammon;279173][quote=Bubble181 said:
Too many people I know have, or have had, cancer.
Click to expand...
You just stay the hell away from me Mr Bubble.[/QUOTE]

...But....but....:sad:

Seriously though, I only mentioned, like, half of my family and friends in there who've had cancer. My aunt's had cervical cancer, my father had some sort of growth on his prostate, and I have several colleagues in defferent jobs...oh, and our previous cleaning lady also had cancer, though she's recovering slowly. And the upstairs neighbour. And....Man.[/QUOTE]

Have you been bitten by a radioactive radiation machine lately?
 
Bubble181

Bubble181

Adammon;279206][quote=Bubble181;279201][quote=Adammon;279173][quote=Bubble181 said:
Too many people I know have, or have had, cancer.
Click to expand...
You just stay the hell away from me Mr Bubble.[/QUOTE]

...But....but....:sad:

Seriously though, I only mentioned, like, half of my family and friends in there who've had cancer. My aunt's had cervical cancer, my father had some sort of growth on his prostate, and I have several colleagues in defferent jobs...oh, and our previous cleaning lady also had cancer, though she's recovering slowly. And the upstairs neighbour. And....Man.[/QUOTE]

Have you been bitten by a radioactive radiation machine lately?[/QUOTE]

Now that you mention it, I always found it odd that the fish 'round here have three eyes....
 
North_Ranger

North_Ranger

Staff member
Both my aunt and my godmother have had cancer. Aunt survived it well, skin cancer treated with surgery and skin grafts (which, incidentally, looked like salami, if you ever wonder what that is like). She's been doing well since the surgery, and she goes to check-ups religiously to make sure she's not going into remission.

My godmother, on the other hand... well, she's getting closer to the big 8-0, and having complications... Still, she's got her family around her, so she's putting on a brave face.
 
M

meyoumeyou

Charlie Dont Surf;278861][quote=Dave;278846][quote=Charlie Dont Surf said:
My grandma that lived with us got cancer and died rull fast.
Click to expand...
I don't call people out very often and I get what you're trying to say, Charlie. But could pick a less sarcastic way of making a point?[/QUOTE]

I'm not being sarcastic? I say "rull" as a kind of joking way of saying really, I guess, but it's mostly just in my vocabulary now[/QUOTE]

Just who the hell are you to decide what type of inflection and feeling to add to your posts involving you, your own family member, and any experiences from stated happenings :whoo:
 
W

Wasabi Poptart

My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with cancer inside of his nose. He went through radiation treatments which destroyed his salivary glands and caused such swelling in his throat that he needed a tracheotomy and a feeding tube. He had a good prognosis, but the side effects and complications he experienced were terrible. So he shot himself in the head one Sunday morning while my grandmom was at church. In about a week it'll be 15 years since it happened.

My grandmom, a few years later, started having digestive problems. There was a tumor blocking her bile duct. She had a surgery called a modified Whipple, which I've been told is as hard on the body as open heart surgery, and a stent was placed in her bile duct. Six months later, she found out that the cancer had spread to her liver and pancreas. There was nothing that could be done for her. She died at home, nine months after the surgery.

I had a great-aunt and great-uncle who both had brain tumors. Another great-aunt had lung cancer though she never smoked a day in her life. Another great-aunt and great-uncle who had leukemia. And a great-uncle with intestinal cancer.

All of this is on my mom's side of the family. She tells me to mind my own business when I get on her about having her annual exams.
 
HCGLNS

HCGLNS

I met BIL in the summer of 1993. I was spending the August long weekend at the family cottage helping my parents and relaxing as best I could. My sisters eventually showed up and brought with them a gaggle of boys from university. BIL was among this group. Everyone remarked how eerily similar we were, both tall with short red hair and glasses. I didn't really see it, though until I watched how he acted around my sister Liz. Not only did he not dote on her, he actively tormented her, called her out on her foolish behaviour and teased her constantly. Just like me, I knew then that I liked BIL a lot.

It wasn't long until I was informed the BIL and Liz were dating, and that it may be serious. May be, turned into actually is, and an engagement was soon forthcoming. They were married in September of 1996, and BIL and Liz were happy. I was happy as well because I finally had a new ally against my siblings, but I was really happy that my sister had found some one to spend her life with.

The years went by, various holidays came and left where I had new avenues of teasing my sister, and BIL would often join my side. This was appreciated as I myself eventually got married and my wife and Liz became good friends, Liz constantly feeding my wife all sorts of embarrassing stories about my childhood.

Eventually Liz and BIL were graced with a daughter Libby. As Libby's first birthday was approaching, BIL was coughing and hacking like crazy. Concerned that it might be pneumonia, he went to the doctor and got checked out. Tests were ran, blood taken, all the things doctors do got done.

About a week later he got a call from the doctor. The doctor wanted him to come to the hospital immediately. It wasn't pneumonia, it was leukemia, and it was bad. They wanted him there that day, it couldn't wait until the next.

More tests and a battery of treatments, they took as aggressive a treatment as possible against the cancer. At one point, Liz was summoned to the hospital for a last chance to say good-bye. But BIL didn't know that he was supposed to die that night, so he survived.

A few months later, the tests revealled that his leukemia was in full remission. The cancer was now in his glands.

More treatment, more chemo, more tests. Again Liz was summoned to the hospital for a last chance to say good-bye. But BIL didn't know that he was supposed to die that night, so he survived.

A few months later, the tests showed that the cancer in his glands was gone. The cancer was now in his spine.

More treatment, more chemo, more tests. Again Liz was summoned to the hospital for a last chance to say good-bye. But BIL didn't know that he was supposed to die that night, so he survived.

A few months later, the tests showed that the cancer was gone from his spine. The cancer was now in his brain.

More treatment, more chemo. The cancer is now every where. BIL is drifting in and out of lucid thought constantly. Completely bedridden, barely functional, he came out of unconsciousness one day while Liz and Libby were visiting. He asked them what day it was and they told him. Then he asked for the doctors and nurses and spoke with them in whispers.

I called my sister the next day, but there was no answer. So I left a message wishing everyone well and to call me when they could. She called the following day, and I asked how everything was and she told me that BIL had passed away early that morning. It was devastating but expected, he had taken a turn around supper time and the doctors had tried everything they could, but he passed shortly after midnight. Then she told me what he had asked of the doctors, "Don't let me die tomorrow, don't let me ruin Christmas for Libby."

He had fought one of the most aggressive cases of cancer in Canadian history for almost 3 years, and when he knew he couldn't fight any longer he fought for one last thing, for his daughter not to remember Christmas as the day he died.
 
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