Cancer

by **Tommy Boy** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 10:37 am

I am sorry that I was not around for the big unveiling of 1.6 over the weekend (did you guys even notice no Tommy to shoot up? LOL), but my uncle was just diagnosed with Cancer. He is much more than an uncle to me as he basically raised me and is like my father. I was back in the city that he lives in taking care of him...it is spreading pretty quickly and he is already on very heavy doses of morphine.

He has an appointment with a cancer spcialist tomorrow to see if treatment is even an option at this point. 6 weeks ago he was fine, just had a small pain in his back which he thought was a muscle pull. Now, is is bed-ridden and is suffering with some of the most undignified and embarassing side-effects you can think of.

As some of you may know, I lost a very close friend to Cancer just 6 months ago, and now my uncle is suffering a great deal, with no great prognosis at this time.

I am sorry to rant here, as I am sure that most people are touched by cancer in some form, but for those who are not, count your blessings because it is such a terrible disease that I do not wish on anyone.

I will keep you posted, but if you do not see me around much, you know why...sorry to drop this out to everyone.

by **Bagginses** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 10:42 am

You have my deepest sympathy. My father had a cousin who was diagnosed with brain cancer. She suffered a very untimely death as her children were only 8 and 10 at the time. I genuinely hope that your uncle can find some sort of treatment. I'm sure we're all pulling for him.

-Bagginses

by **Tommy Boy** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:05 pm

Thanks Bagginses...I appreciate it. A lot....

by **RCglider** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:07 pm

what type of cancer is it Tommy?

by **BladeRunner** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:17 pm

very sorry to hear that Tommy.
stay strong, he needs your help.

by **Tommy Boy** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:25 pm

thanks guys, I appreciate it. part of the problem is that they have not been able to positively determine the type of Cancer. They think that they have it narrowed down to either rectal cancer of lymphatic cancer...either way, it is not really good news and if treatable, would be very painful.

I honestly think that after spending the weekend with him, that it is a quality of life issue. If he has to endure very painful and violating treatments which only add limited amounts of time to his life, and in doing so, significantly reduce his ability to function on his own, it is not an easy decision to make.

I do appreciate it...and will not thank everyone for their posts, but know that I do appreciate it a lot. It is strange that a group of strangers that I have never met are so supportive, but I do appreciate it. I have not told many of my real-life friends, but I guess felt that I had to share it with someone...

Thanks again everyone...

by **Folic_Acid** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:27 pm

Tommy - I'm really sorry to hear that. You can be sure that you, your uncle and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Best of luck!

-Sam

by **Agent-Commando** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:45 pm

Tommy, about a year ago and give a few days, I lost a friend to leukemia.. He was diagnosed with leukemia at age 14, fought valiantly and bravely until he was 17... On January 28, 2003 he died at Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital. I had only saw him two days earlier at church, we made plans to see the first two LOTR movies later that week, who knew he only had two days left. He suffered a massive brain hemohrage as a result of the countless medicines he was on in order to survive... I know how you feel, but never forget that there is always hope. For now, just make the best time with your uncle as possible. Don't take loved ones for granted...

by **Tommy Boy** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:56 pm

Originally posted by Agent-Commando
Don't take loved ones for granted...

Isn't this the truth...

Thanks for sharing your story. It really is amazing how many people take health for granted, until something gives you an abrupt reality check!

by **Hellacious** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 1:15 pm

I know how you feel my stepfather passed away from cancer, And he was there for me when i was like 5 yrs, He raised me. also i took it to heart when he passed all i have to say is stay strong and stay by his side and never show him that you are scared that will only make him scarded. Good luck and best of wishes for you and your uncle.

by **RCglider** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 1:30 pm

Personally, I wouldn't let them touch me beyond diagnostic prodedures. My brother-in-law had inoperable stage 4 colorectal adenocarcinoma and refused all conventional treatments. He lived 2 years (expected was less than 6 months). He opted to go the alternative route, with the exception he was already hooked on Vicodin, then later Oxycontin which was what ultimately killed him. There are other alternatives.
Other than that, he had a good quality of life compared to what the "approved" methods would have done to him.

by **Casus** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 2:17 pm

Tommy - god bless you and your uncle my friend.

My family has been through this quite a few times, most recently my father-in-law, still in the middle of treatments, etc.

Keep his spirits up, you'd be amazed how much that helps!

My family and I will say some prayers this week for you and yours man, keep the faith!

Tom

by **Harry Canyon** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 2:25 pm

Same thing here Tommy....

Keep thinking the good thoughts!!!

by **Hunter/Killer** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 2:30 pm

Tommy

Sorry to hear it. My prayers and hopes go out to you, your uncle, and your family.

I have been there. I lost a sister to breast cancer. She was 37 with 4 small children at the time she went.

Cancer is just pure evil!

Hunter/Killer

by **Buliwyf** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 2:38 pm

Originally posted by Tommy Boy
I am sorry that I was not around for the big unveiling of 1.6 over the weekend (did you guys even notice no Tommy to shoot up? LOL), but my uncle was just diagnosed with Cancer. He is much more than an uncle to me as he basically raised me and is like my father. I was back in the city that he lives in taking care of him...it is spreading pretty quickly and he is already on very heavy doses of morphine.

He has an appointment with a cancer spcialist tomorrow to see if treatment is even an option at this point. 6 weeks ago he was fine, just had a small pain in his back which he thought was a muscle pull. Now, is is bed-ridden and is suffering with some of the most undignified and embarassing side-effects you can think of.

As some of you may know, I lost a very close friend to Cancer just 6 months ago, and now my uncle is suffering a great deal, with no great prognosis at this time.

I am sorry to rant here, as I am sure that most people are touched by cancer in some form, but for those who are not, count your blessings because it is such a terrible disease that I do not wish on anyone.

I will keep you posted, but if you do not see me around much, you know why...sorry to drop this out to everyone.

I am sorry to hear Tommy

My thoughts are with you and your family.

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