Eric: First I would like to say that your girlfriend is in our prayers tonight and until she overcomes this.As others have stated before,compassion and understanding on your part will play the biggest role in her recovery;this I cannot overemphasize. Three years ago(Friday July 13th to be exact;if I were inclined to be superstitious,I might take that as an omen)I was diagnosed with squuamus cell carcinoma;a very primitive and unpredictable form of cancer of the lymph glands,tongue,and throat. Three weeks later they operated and what was supposed to be a 3 hour operation took nearly 7 1/2 hours as the cancer had spread so rapidly. A long convalescence was followed by a lengthy bout of radiation(5 days a week for 2 months)and chemotherapy(once a week for 6 hours at a stretch for the same time)beginning on the morning of September 11th 2001(is there a pattern emerging here?).I lost 65 lbs.,a lot of my hair and beard,and what food I managed to eat. There were times when I would say(after throwing up for an hour and a half),FUCK THIS! I aint taking it anymore!And this is when my wife would take my hand and say,YES you ARE going to take it because I'm holding you to a promise you made to me when we got married:namely;we spend our 50th anniversary together.And if it wasn't for her,I wouldn't be writing this right now. I tell you this only because there are going to be rough times ahead and there will be times when you feel like giving up.When you do remember this and maybe it will help you both get through.Hang in there for both your sake. Ray Smith a 3 year-plus survivor
Dude my wife was diagnosed 2 years ago with the same type We have 2 teenage daughters, suddenly our life changed, with that phone call. My wife underwent the radiation treatment,and so far everything is good.You my friend have to be the most positive supporting person in her life belief that you can win is half the battle.
Eric, Take care of HER. In 1990 I was told I had 6 mos to 1 1/2 years to get my stuff in order.(Multiple Myeloma a bone Cancer) Been going thru treatments every year to year & a half. Non cureable. Fast forward to 2004. Just returned from the HAMB drags, something I didn't even know existed in 1990. I have 6 children and 10 grandchildren. If it had been one of them instead of me, I would have been devestated. It was only me, and I have lived a good life. Told the MAN UPSTAIRS If he would leave my kids alone, he could do anything he wants to me. I look at it as one of lifes little test's. Give her your all. Best of luck, she's in my prayers. McCray
Hey man, life is definately more important, Cars and material things take the back seat. My girlfriend has felt something on her body that she will be seing a doctor soon, I am hoping and praying that everything will work out, keep all faith and trust in the big man up-stairs, keep ya head up...
She can beat it and all you have to do is keep a positive attitude about things and stick by her. The both of you are in my prayers. Keep your head up man. Greg
I cant thank all of you enough. The words are so kind and reassuring. I am sorry to hear about your stories as well and My best to all of you. I dont even know what to say this is really cool. This is What the HAMB is about. A big family in an even bigger garage helpin eachother out. Again thanks so much I will send all the nice words to her. Eric
You guys are in my prayers. My father had non-hodgkins lymphoma. Had surgery and chemo. Positive attitude and lots of love helped him kick it. Been over 20 years now! My girlfriend has diabetes and had had it since she was 12. Now 34. In the last 4 years, had to call the paramedics half a dozen times or so to bring her back from the brink of a coma. REALLY SUCKS! But that is life, ups and downs all the time.In and out of hospitals. The downs let you know who your friends are and lets you know your alive. My familys and my prayers are with you! ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!!!!!!!
Eric, AS some of you may remember, I became very close to losing my wife of 30 yrs. She had a busted appendix and was unaware of it. Finally three days later was taken to the hospital. I agree.. At that time, I would have given every hotrod and everything I own to keep her. I'll pray for your girlfriend very often. I hope she gets through this. Be prepared though... Its going to take a long time for her. PJ.
SlamIt, the best to you and especially your girlfriend. I know its not much, but know that you're backed. Its a tough road, but you'll pass it well.
A good friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer last year at 22 years old. She went through radiation & chemo and is doing GREAT. She has been given a clean bill of health and just got engaged. Please make sure your girlfriend has some of her eggs frozen for future use (that is, if she wants children down the road). They did that for my friend so the eggs would not be affected by the treatment. Good luck & God Bless...the human body has an amazing capacity to heal, especially when you are young. Take care~
Become as knowledgable as you can--read up on standard treatment, experiments going on, the drugs she is given and their side effects so you can ride herd on the doctors (who don't have enough time for their own research reading) and ask the right questions. Here's a good starting place: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html look in the alphabetical arrangement and click away. If you have trouble finding info you need, I might be able to help as a librarian.
[ QUOTE ] It's 90% positive attitude and 10% finding it early enough. She's got both going for her. Hang in there [/ QUOTE ] Truer words were never spoken! I lost my first wife at 33 years young to a rare form of breast cancer. They said it un-curable, un-treatable, and the best to hope for would be a few months to a year. She made it 3 years. The docs said it was her amazing attitude that kept her going so long. I've been were you are Eric. It hurts like hell. You all are in our prayers brother!
man, i really wish her/you the best. you've really got to stay tough on this... cancer is a bitch that sneaks up on you and stays - courage is the only thing that will get you through it. the mind has to stay tough for the body to win. this is going to sound like a public service announcement, but i know a lot of us have lived a tough life - you've gotta see a doctor every now and again to stay in front of these issues. i went through a couple months ago. a routine exam turned up *severely* advanced skin cancer on my shoulder (i'm 34) - scared the shit out of me and i had to get surgery immediately. they took a HUGE chunk out of my shoulder and i have to see the doctor every 3 months for the rest of my life. this is what i was left with: WARNING: gross photo of stitches and tasteless tattoos they took five inches out, basically stretching my shoulder over the front. my sincere hopes for both of you. health is a gift. -- raaf
slam, i'm really sorry about this. y'all will be in my prayers and thoughts. sure hope she can kick it.
You guys are great. This definately helps to keep me positive. I cant thank you enough. Bruce thanks for the links, Good info. RAAF. that is some crazy shit man. Sorry to hear about that. Thankyou all Eric
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