Cancer

SpartanCat · June 2012

Hey guys

I got a phone call from my mom today that my dad has stage two prostate cancer. I know prostate cancer is one of the more treatable kinds of cancer but I'm still struggling to keep my emotions in check as I can't go home. I'm afraid to do any research right now while I still have half a day of work to go so I was hoping some of you guys could share some happy stories about cancer that you or a loved one has beaten? I really appreciate any support.

Sincerely,

Freaked out Spartan

gurrlballa10 · June 2012

My mom will be three years in remission on July 1st from stage II breast cancer. I'm on the mindset that the more I know about what's going on, the less I freak out about it, so I started researching everything she would have to go through. I don't know, I guess it helped me cope better.

Matty143 · June 2012

OMG, Im so sorry.

My Dad had to have surgery earlier this year. It was very difficult, but he is doing very well now.

My H's cousin's husband, was diagnosed last year and they were giving him 3-5 years. It was so far advanced that surgery was not an option.
He has had a complete lifestyle change, diet, etc. and is on hormonal medication amongst other things.
The doctors are now talking about how this is something that can be managed and we are no longer talking about "years left"

Again, I am SO sorry.
::hugs::

gurrlballa10 · June 2012

Oh and I'm very sorry to hear about your dad. Throwing good thoughts y'alls way.

kikirst33 · June 2012

My MOH's dad is going through the same thing right now. My MOH actually got her PhD on Cancer so she knows all the ins/outs about what he is facing. When she told me her dad had Prostrate Cancer she told me that it is the "best" one to have and that it is very treatable.

The treatment will make your dad tired at times but he has a good outlook - and very good that they caught it and are treating it. Try not to let it worry you to much.

anna.oskar · June 2012

I'm so sorry Spartan. Cancer sucks majorly.

My dad almost didn't make it to my wedding due to his pancreas necrotizing and poisoning him from within. 3 years later and after a coma, dozens of surgeries, and seriously thinking it was over multiple times.... dude is fine. Like, was just up on his roof repairing his chimney and planning a BBQ fine. So don't give up hope.

acaponi87 · June 2012

I'm sorry Spartan.

My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few years ago. Like you said, it is one of the more treatable forms. My dad didn't even want to tell me that he had it at risk of stressing me out (I was still in college) lol but my sisters made him.

After a few weeks of research, talking to doctors and to other men who had been diagnosed my dad and mom decided that the best option for him was to get his prostate (and obviously the cancer) removed. The surgery went fine, though I remember being so scared the day of. There was a week or 2 where he had a cathader. It was funny to see him walk around with his pee on his side.

A few years later and he is still happy and healthy. He goes in every couple months (6 months? Maybe more often..not sure). He went the removal route because it seemed the quickest and most sure. He heard of people going through chemo or radiation and then it would come back and he did not want that.

It's scary but just have faith and be supportive of your dad and things will be okay. I'll be keeping you and your fam in my thoughts. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions or need anything.

SpartanCat · June 2012

Thanks guys. I do tend to research the crap out of stuff but I'm behind on a project I need to finish so I can't really take the time to do it and have to go straight to my second job after work. I'm glad to hear so many people have had positive experiences, it does really help.

The part that bothers me the most is that I am a state away and can't afford gas to go home and see them even if I didn't work weekends at my other job.

Honestly, Anna that whack a kitty gif is probably my favorite thing in the world right now.

acaponi87 · June 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_cancer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:9ddc1949-0565-4a38-96b9-dcb37f2126e2Post:516822d4-ec05-4e78-98c8-d9022520febf">Re: Cancer</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks guys. I do tend to research the crap out of stuff but I'm behind on a project I need to finish so I can't really take the time to do it and have to go straight to my second job after work. I'm glad to hear so many people have had positive experiences, it does really help. The part that bothers me the most is that I am a state away and can't afford gas to go home and see them even if I didn't work weekends at my other job. Honestly, Anna that whack a kitty gif is probably my favorite thing in the world right now.
Posted by SpartanCat[/QUOTE]

Are you a MSU grad?

Girlie1030 · June 2012

I don't have any words of wisdom but I'm sending hugs and good thoughts your way.

[Deleted User] · June 2012

Hey Spartan,

I'm a lurker but I thought I'd share. My grandpa was diagnosed with leukemia in December 2009. I was devastated when I found out, so I know the emotional toll it can take. My grandpa had to do regular cancer treatments, but not chemo (the treatments took a lot out of him, but the effects weren’t a severe as what chemo normally is.) Last fall he actually went into remission, and although he has to go back for regular check-ups, he has been all clear since then. They are even spacing his check-ups farther apart now. Considering that my grandfather was in his mid-70s and not exactly in the best shape when he was diagnosed, we were all really surprised by how well he responded to the treatments.

Hopefully your father will also respond well to treatments. I’ll put out positive thoughts your way.

SpartanCat · June 2012

Yes Ma'am. Class of 2010

midgetthemighty · June 2012

I'm sorry to hear this Spartan. *hugs*

My uncle has beaten prostate cancer twice. He is doing wonderfully now and for his second round of treatments, he only needed one shot when they expected way more than that. He has a clean bill of health again.

My grandma has beaten breast cancer and has been cancer free for four years now.

I'll be keeping your dad in my thoughts and prayers.

brandichamberlain · June 2012

Spartan- I am so sorry to hear about this diagnosis. I would be struggling also with this type of news. I don't have any specific stories to share, but I do hope that things go well and I'll be sending T&P's your way.

jcg98 · June 2012

::hugs::

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last February. I felt like my world had tilted on its axis. Fortunately, they caught it early, her surgery went really well and she had minimal side effects from the radiation and drugs. She's been in remission for a year and counting!

It's tough news to get, and definitely takes time to process. Sending good healthy healing vibes for your dad!

acaponi87 · June 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_cancer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:9ddc1949-0565-4a38-96b9-dcb37f2126e2Post:92557a1c-b790-4951-9a6f-97d1285d05c1">Re: Cancer</a>:
[QUOTE]Yes Ma'am. Class of 2010
Posted by SpartanCat[/QUOTE]

Well parents of Spartans are badasses and can beat anything so your dad should be good!

Both my sisters are MSU grads :)

SpartanCat · June 2012

These stories are amazing. Thank you so much everyone for sharing. Going through it twice, remission from stage 4, it really makes it less scary to know it's not a life sentence. Just difficult to process.

Go Green! Actually my dad's a Spartan, too, so I've got nothing to worry about right? lol I am a proud third generation Spartan : )

Starqueg · June 2012

A really good friend of ours had prostate cancer earlier this year. I think it was stage 1. He had surgery, short stint of chemo/radiation (not sure which) and is fine. He's young too, only 27.

My FMIL had breast cancer around 10 years ago I think. She's also fully recovered, minus one breast and some lymph nodes.

I know too many people that have had or currently have cancer. I just realized that as I was writing this, trying to remember who has had what, when, and how bad it was.

NicoleSahara · June 2012

Sorry Spartan

thoughts and prayers going out to you and your family. Hopefully something opens up so you can go visit your family, I'm sure that alone would help.

anna.oskar · June 2012

Spartan, i did a bit of Googling for you and hope this makes you feel a tad better:

Survival rates can be calculated by different methods for different purposes. The survival rates presented here are based on the relative survival rate. The relative survival rate measures the survival of prostate cancer patients in comparison to the general population to estimate the effect of cancer. The overall 5-year relative prostate cancer survival rate for 1995-2002 was 99 percent. The 5-year relative prostate cancer survival rates by race and sex were:

99.9 percent for white men
97.6 percent for black men.

brandichamberlain · June 2012

I also got involved with Relay For Life about two years ago and a lot of the people I did it with found a huge support system there for similar things. I looked up some events based on the location in your profile if you want to check it out!

http://www.relayforlife.org/getinvolved/findanevent/app/findanevent.aspx?searchQuery=46544&resultsPerPage=10&StartIndex=51

msuprincess04 · June 2012

I'm a stage 2 Hodgkins survivor. 10 years this October.

They caught it early if it's only stage 2, and it's much easier to treat then.

kd.joseph · June 2012

Sorry Spartan, thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

H had a prostate scare last year, so I know how scary it is. But, I know from our neighbors who had to have his removed, it is very treatable. Glad they found it when they did.

SpartanCat · June 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_cancer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:9ddc1949-0565-4a38-96b9-dcb37f2126e2Post:7c904595-8929-4363-89a7-bc69e8bb17cd">Re: Cancer</a>:
[QUOTE]Spartan, i did a bit of Googling for you and hope this makes you feel a tad better: Survival rates can be calculated by different methods for different purposes. The survival rates presented here are based on the relative survival rate. The relative survival rate measures the survival of prostate cancer patients in comparison to the general population to estimate the effect of cancer. The overall 5-year relative prostate cancer survival rate for 1995-2002 was 99 percent. The 5-year relative prostate cancer survival rates by race and sex were: 99.9 percent for white men 97.6 percent for black men.
Posted by anna.oskar[/QUOTE]

<div>That is amazingly helpful.</div><div>
</div><div>Thanks everyone for your thoughts and payers. I'm late back from lunch now but I feel much better able to avoid breaking for the rest of the afternoon : )</div>

krose83013 · June 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_cancer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:9ddc1949-0565-4a38-96b9-dcb37f2126e2Post:2f1aeefb-9958-45eb-bd14-eb762faade8d">Cancer</a>:
[QUOTE]Hey guys I got a phone call from my mom today that my dad has stage two prostate cancer. I know prostate cancer is one of the more treatable kinds of cancer but I'm still struggling to keep my emotions in check as I can't go home. I'm afraid to do any research right now while I still have half a day of work to go so I was hoping some of you guys could share some happy stories about cancer that you or a loved one has beaten? I really appreciate any support. Sincerely, Freaked out Spartan
Posted by SpartanCat[/QUOTE]

So sorry, stay strong!

My mother had thyroid cancer in 2005, went through with the surgery and radiation and everything turned out fine. Her only concern is maintaining her weight without a thyroid can be challenging. But she lived through it and she helped my uncle recover from the same surgery and radiation treatments. My FFIL had prostate cancer and he handled it really well. They thought it was likely due to his tour in Vietnam with agent orange. I guess it's fairly common and treatable. But he went through everything and hardly used his pain medication. Just keep a positive outlook on life and pushing through.

And maybe since you can't travel you can skype with your dad? Just an option.

achiduck · June 2012

I'm sorry to hear that. I've had two uncles be diagnosed with stage II prostate cancer and my MOH's father and they've all survived and are now thriving.

kroot87 · June 2012

My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2007 at age 47. It was stage 1, but extremely aggressive (9 out of 10, according to his oncologist). He had a robotic radical prostatectomy, followed by radiation, and has been cancer free since December 2008. Most cases of prostate cancer are extremely treatable, especially when caught early (I see PPs have posted some statistics that illustrate this). I know that the cancer diagnosis is terrifying, but rest assured that there are amazing treatment options available and your dad will kick this no problem.

Wiscisbliss · June 2012

Doctors told my parents I had a rare cancer treatable mostly by amputation when I was 4. They were wrong

Information and research get better everyday. Thinking of you!

SpartanCat · June 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_cancer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:9ddc1949-0565-4a38-96b9-dcb37f2126e2Post:a67f7716-a9af-451e-b6b2-8b637a26cfe3">Re: Cancer</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Cancer : So sorry, stay strong! My mother had thyroid cancer in 2005, went through with the surgery and radiation and everything turned out fine. Her only concern is maintaining her weight without a thyroid can be challenging. But she lived through it and she helped my uncle recover from the same surgery and radiation treatments. My FFIL had prostate cancer and he handled it really well. They thought it was likely due to his tour in Vietnam with agent orange. I guess it's fairly common and treatable. But he went through everything and hardly used his pain medication. Just keep a positive outlook on life and pushing through. And maybe since you can't travel you can skype with your dad? Just an option.
Posted by krose83013[/QUOTE]

<div>Dad hasn't quite figured out texting yet (he'll get one from me and then ask mom to call me back) and I think mom said he still uses the AOL browser so I don't think Skype is within our technological realm right now lol plus I don't have a webcam. But thanks for the suggestion : )</div><div>
</div><div>I'm supposed to be working but wanted to check back really fast. Thanks again for your stories and thoughts. I am feeling a lot less panic-y. </div>

willywally5 · June 2012

So sorry to hear this ...

BUT,

I personally know several people who have had prostate cancer and completely recovered.

Shoot, my father has had cancer three times (skin, colon, throat) and we are celebrating his 85th b-day next month!

CANCER is an ugly, terrifying word. But it's not a death sentence by any means!

Ts & Ps headed your way!

NuggetBrain · June 2012

My grandpa had prostate cancer, and survived.

My grandmother and my mother both had thryoid cancer and had to have their thryoids completely removed (well, 3/4s removed in my grandma's case), and survived.

Stage 2 isn't the worst, and with treatment there's a good chance he'll recover.

Sending thoughts your way.

Cancer

Re: Cancer

Choose Another Board

Search Boards