"Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
5.250...
| On Sun 31 May 2009 08:44:03p, Chuck Kopsho told us...
|
| > This is mostly for TFM, but anyone can give their $.02. Recently I was
| > diagnosed with colon cancer, I had the surgery two-weeks ago, but they
| > didn't get it all. Now it's spread to my lymph nodes, and now I I have
| > to be put on a regimen of chemo and possibly radiation treatments. The
| > reason I said delurking in the header is that I've been keeping up to
| > date about Christy's condition, condolences to you, TFM. Could you
| > please tell me how I deal with this? The oncologist said that if I don't
| > have these treatments, I have at minimum 5-years life expectancy. I am
| > going through this like a trouper, at 50 I'm to young to die. Any
| > thoughts?
| >
| > God Bless,
| > Chuck Kopsho
| > Oceanside, California
|
| Chuck, it's doubtful I can give you any coping skills since I have no
| direct experience with this. But perhaps I can give you some words of
| encouragement. One of our VPs at my office is a colon cancer survivor of
| 12 years. At the time he was diagnosed he was in his 50s. He went through
| surgery, chemo, and radiation treatments and is considered cured today.
|
| Take advantage of every treatment available to you, even if experimental.
| If a specific diet is suggested, follow it. If not, make most of your
| protein fish, include plenty of cruciferous vegetables (see
| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruciferous_vegetables), minimize animal fats,
| and increase fats like olive oil, avocados, etc.
|
| You have my most sincere empathy in getting through this ordeal...

Wayne speaks great wisdom. I am finishing year 4 of survival of lung
cancer N2T2 Stage 3A, you will know what that means. Listen to your
doctors. Find one or two to whom you relate and who you feel sympathize
with you, and think about what they say, and when you are comfortable
follow their advice. Look until you find such doctors, then don't let go of
them. If necessary ask around everyone you know about good and
sympathetic oncologists. Note that I used the term "sympathetic" twice,
it is of the utmost importance.

I feel that it is paramount that you follow advice once you are with your
chosen care-givers. Cancer is a huge unknown; take the available treatments
and follow the recommended protocols whatever they are, as long as your
comfortable doctors are in agreement. They will know far better than any
internet group what you should be doing. Also, though, look around at
everything you can that relates to you. Call anyone you know who may
have had a similar experience. Quiz everything, but accept what you decide
on as the best advice, and weigh the doctors' advice well above that of
newsgroup contributors. Every doctor in this field is trying to help.

Remember that hundreds of thousands of people are going through exactly
what you are facing. It can be tolerated and it can be conquered.

Recall the Desiderata: "And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the
universe is unfolding as it should."

Continue the dialog here if you wish. I am sure if you ask any of us will
be glad to communicate privately. Best of luck and godspeed.

pavane