Cancer Survivors

RAZD,I just saw references to this thread yesterday. I have to say THANKS, your courage, optimism and determination are an inspiration. I am really glad to hear that you are feeling better.I have been ill for the last month and a half and have spent a lot of time here reading threads, but not posting anything of substance. Over and over I have been tempted to join in but you and many others have already answered more clearly and eloquently than I could. I have studied evolutionary biology most of my life, but I have learned so much more in the past month from you and others here on the evolution side of the debate. It has really helped me clarify my understanding of the evidence of the evolutionary history of life on the earth and also my personal intrest group, the dragonflies.The reason I am posting here now, is that I was diagnosed with bladder cancer this week. It is early in the process for me, since my treatment (Chemo) will not start until my bladder heals from the biopsy, but the prognosis is very good that I will fully recover.Any way I just wanted to thank you and the others for the enlightment and entertainment. I don't know how you guys remain so patient with the posters who refuse to get the point. I do also enjoy reading aloud some of the incomprehensible postings from the Creo/IDists. It always makes me laugh and laughter is always good medicine.I know there are many good hearted people on this forum, but I don't need or want any prayers on my behalf. I do not believe there is a god that cares or intecedes in our lives..... or that would be bothered with someone who does not acknowledge it/him/her, just because someone else asks. If I am wrong about god and sometime we meet, it/he/she has a lot to answer for.

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What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty PythonYou can't build a Time Machine without Weird Optics -- S. Valley

Jar....You're just an old softy. Thanks for the prayers and while you are at it how about asking for some inspiration dealing with insurance and red tape.

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What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty PythonYou can't build a Time Machine without Weird Optics -- S. Valley

RAZD Actually Wednesday, the first information I had was that the biopsy showed cancer, but no other details. It was too late in the day to get ahold of the urologist for more information so I was experiencing some pretty wildly fluctuating thoughts and emotions. Once my wife and I had a few tears, we started trying to get ourselves organized and making tentative plans depending on how serious my cancer turned out to be. I had not expected the biopsy to show cancer because the urologist really thought thought something else was causing my symptoms, so I had put the possibility of cancer out of my mind. Thursday I got all the details. I have grade 2/3 papillary transitional cell carcinoma. It is only affecting the inner layer of the bladder. The recovery rate for this cancer is very high, about 85%. It often recurs, so I will have to be monitored for the rest of my life. The treatment is pretty straight forward. A solution containing Bovine Tuberculosis Bascillus is injected into the bladder and held for a couple hours. This bacterium is pretty nasty and can be fatal if introduce into the bloodstream. The doctor said that by the second or third treatment I will swear he injected me with liquid fire, so I guess I am in for some interesting times.Compared to many people, you could say I have a pretty mild case and I certainly do not face the ordeal that you and many other have had to endure. Catching a dragonfly is a bit like trying to hit a baseball that can dodge. I am pretty good with a net, but I have some friends that are absolutely amazing at bagging dragonflies.Thanks for your encouragement!

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What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty PythonYou can't build a Time Machine without Weird Optics -- S. Valley

Thanks for your thoughts, Granny! It helps.

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What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty PythonYou can't build a Time Machine without Weird Optics -- S. Valley

I'm voting too, but while the candidates and congress talk about health care a lot, they never make it better. I just cannot believe that a government agency could possibly do a worse job managing health care than insurance companies whose purpose is to maximise profits by avoiding paying out benefits. They seem to think if they bury us in incomprehensible and contrdictory paper work we will drown before they have to pay. Well they better watch out.....THE BABY BOOMERS ARE COMING....... Thanks Jar, I will check it outEdited by Tanypteryx, : spelling

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What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty PythonYou can't build a Time Machine without Weird Optics -- S. Valley

Molbiogirl,As far as I know that is the only treatment. I have to stay awake so I can hold the solution in and I have to lay down, changing position every 15 minutes...belly, side, back, side, etc. This is to make sure the solution coats the whole inside of my bladder.Thanks for the wishes and fingers and toes!

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What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty PythonYou can't build a Time Machine without Weird Optics -- S. Valley

RAZD, I was going to say that is mine also.

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What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty PythonYou can't build a Time Machine without Weird Optics -- S. Valley

RAZD, Glad to hear that your remission continues!I made it through chemo treatments without complications and had a biopsy last Monday, 4/21. I got the results on Friday and no cancer cells were found. I will still have to have periodic chemos and biopsies over the next 3 years, but the news is that I am now a cancer survivor! Life is good and full of possibilities.

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What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty PythonYou can't build a Time Machine without Weird Optics -- S. Valley

RAZD, I just saw this thread and I am so sorry to hear you have to go through this again. I am glad you have been proactive and caught it early! Reading your posts has been one of the things that helped me get through my own battle with cancer. I just got back from a month long dragonfly photography expedition in Ecuador, which shows how well I am doing.Thank you for all the lessons in evolution and critical thinking! Be well my frind!

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What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty PythonYou can't build a Time Machine without Weird Optics -- S. Valley

RAZD, if you send me your email address I can send you some. I shot about 2800 images and I just starting to process them, but the ones I have worked on so far are looking good. It would probably be better to send them privately rather than clutter up EvC. I also have posted some on my Facebook. My email is ore_dfly@comcast.netThey are very Ecuadorable!

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What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty PythonYou can't build a Time Machine without Weird Optics -- S. Valley

RAZD,My thoughts are with you my friend!

Asgara & RAZDI'm hoping it all goes well for you both!I just recently dodged the bullet myself. Not cancer this time, but a close call.take care!