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Author
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Topic: Cancer Survivors
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Message 146 of 325 (448076)
01-11-2008 9:08 PM
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Reply to: Message 145 by Phat
09-29-2007 11:54 AM
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Re: Update
Thanks Phat. Small words with big effects. Just thought I would post another update with before and after:   It's been 6 months since the transplanted white cells and things are getting back to normal. I still have some fatigue issues (but everyone my age tells me its also an effect of my age  ), but I'm back to work and looking forward to spring. When the cycling starts over. (yes Ned, that's hair, sorry) Enjoy. Edited by RAZD, : mymy
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we are limited in our ability to understand
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RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 145 by Phat, posted 09-29-2007 11:54 AM | | Phat has seen this message but not replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Message 148 of 325 (448089)
01-11-2008 10:02 PM
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For ICANT and anyone else who wants to comment
ICANT Dogs thread message 31 I was stating an observation.
You are a much different person than you were back in March.
If you disagree go back and read your post then and compare them to now. March 2007 I was just finishing my second program of chemo, after finding out the first one didn't work. At that time I already knew I would need the stem cell transplant. That was probably my low point mentally. One "change" I have made was conscious -- to post less, and to pick the points to reply to for most "need" -- and this is due to having less energy. I simply can't afford to get run-down tired when I have a jeopardized immune system. As a consequence I don't engage in "banter" as much, and it takes me a couple of days to put together some posts that take a few hours of work to research and document. Like the ones on the "Dogs will be Dogs" thread. If that makes me less "fun" for now, that is a price I'm happy to pay. We'll have to wait and see what happens. Enjoy.
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we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
| Replies to this message: | | | Message 149 by ICANT, posted 01-11-2008 11:46 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Thanks ...
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. Keep us posted. This is now your thread too. If you are like me you had some direction, knowing what was coming, but also some uncertainty about what it was like. There are lots of sources of information, to the point of being overwhelming. At some point you just set it aside and trust in the future.
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. You too will find the strength to get through this. Do you know what your stage is yet?
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. My dad tells a story from when we (3 boys) were still in elementary school. He used to take us to potential sites for field trips for his students for his (university) intro biology classes. This particular site was a bog, and there was a dragonfly there that I remember as having a ~4" wingspan two brown bars across each wing - I know this because I caught one and we put it up on the butterfly and bug board we had at home a 4'x8' board that got pretty covered over the years. I don't remember the species. Anyway, he went with the college students and there were a couple of football players that were not getting much done, so he assigned them to catch this dragonfly. By the end of the day they were wet, dirty and tired ... and not successful. That taught me that size, strength and athletic ability didn't always win the day. Enjoy.
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we are limited in our ability to understand
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RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Re: Update
Ask your doctor and nurses about cancer support groups. I have one that pays for prescriptions and expenses up to $500 per year. I also live in a state (one of two) that paid a portion of my wages while I was in the hospital, and that was a major assistance. Ask your hospital what programs they have available. It's like looking for grant money or scholarships - there is help available but it won't necessarily look for you. Good luck.
Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click)
we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 155 by Tanypteryx, posted 01-13-2008 7:46 PM | | Tanypteryx has not replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Re: Thanks ...
It often recurs, so I will have to be monitored for the rest of my life. Welcome to the club. I asked my Doctor when I can be considered cured, and he said "when you die of something else." New Years resolution: die of something else. Enjoy.
Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click)
we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 158 by Tanypteryx, posted 01-13-2008 8:51 PM | | Tanypteryx has not replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Message 163 of 325 (448539)
01-13-2008 10:27 PM
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Reply to: Message 162 by kjsimons
01-13-2008 9:58 PM
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Re: Thanks ...
Well my other resolution is to live forever ... or die trying
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we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 162 by kjsimons, posted 01-13-2008 9:58 PM | | kjsimons has not replied |
| Replies to this message: | | | Message 167 by Tanypteryx, posted 01-14-2008 12:39 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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checking in.
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! Any update on your condition? Me, I'm still in remission, but still low on energy: did one set of Tai Chi yesterday (International Tai Chi day), and was exhausted, particularly in my legs (knees bent in many postures). I really need to get out cycling. May 31st will be one year from my transfusion\transplant, and I am thinking of doing a 35 mile (57 kilometer) bike ride for it.
we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
• • • Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click) • • •
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Re: checking in.
Excellent!
Life is good and full of possibilities. When I got out of hospital I was struck by how green trees were, it was like augmented perception. Each day is a victory. Enjoy.
we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
• • • Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click) • • •
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 169 by Tanypteryx, posted 04-27-2008 6:28 PM | | Tanypteryx has not replied |
| Replies to this message: | | | Message 171 by Herbie, posted 04-27-2008 7:15 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Birthday
My transplant was one year ago to day. One year without cancer. More to come. Enjoy.
we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
• • • Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click) • • •
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 169 by Tanypteryx, posted 04-27-2008 6:28 PM | | Tanypteryx has not replied |
| Replies to this message: | | | Message 173 by ICANT, posted 05-31-2008 11:05 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Message 180 of 325 (470983)
06-13-2008 6:16 PM
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Reply to: Message 174 by Stephen
06-11-2008 5:58 AM
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mesothelioma
Stephen,
It's great to read about someone who is not willing to give up Thanks. The kudos really go to the medical experts that every day make cancer less and less of a problem.
My dad got diagnosed two weeks ago and the family is still in shock. Since then I tried to search the internet for mesothelioma but that's all I could find. Yeah the first few weeks can be kind of topsy-turvy, and the answer for me was to find out as much as I could about the disease, treatements, side effects and cure rates. The effects of asbestos on people is not pretty. I used to have a neighbor that years previous had worked at Thetford Mines (Canada) and it was the asbestos in his lungs that killed him. http://www2.brevard.edu/reynoljh/thetfordmines/ophiolite.htm Another thing to look for is support groups, as they can help you be proactive instead of reactive: Mesothelioma Treatment - Resources for Mesothelioma PatientsPage Not Found - NCI Some of the support groups help you pay your medical costs, or costs to go to where treatment is, hotels, travel, etc. You may also want to look into clinical trials. Good luck, good hunting, and keep me posted. Edited by RAZD, : added support groups paying costs Edited by RAZD, : .
we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
Rebel American Zen Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
• • • Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click) • • •
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 174 by Stephen, posted 06-11-2008 5:58 AM | | Stephen has not replied |
| Replies to this message: | | | Message 181 by onifre, posted 01-11-2009 11:38 PM | | RAZD has replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Message 182 of 325 (493992)
01-12-2009 12:31 PM
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Reply to: Message 111 by Tusko
06-11-2007 7:07 AM
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tusko or ADMIN
tusko, can you use [thumb=300] ... [/thumb=300]
to reduce the size of the picture (admin - same for Message 106 and Message 108 Thanks.
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 111 by Tusko, posted 06-11-2007 7:07 AM | | Tusko has replied |
| Replies to this message: | | | Message 185 by Tusko, posted 01-12-2009 2:29 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Message 183 of 325 (493994)
01-12-2009 12:35 PM
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Reply to: Message 181 by onifre
01-11-2009 11:38 PM
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update
Thanks, onifre, I've just passed my 18 month checkup since the transplant, and I've been given a clean bill at this point. The probability of recurrence drops exponentially, so things look pretty good. I look forward to getting in my kayak this summer and cycling to work, and more. No looking back. But the doctor says I will be "cured" when I die of something else. Enjoy.
we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
Rebel American Zen Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
• • • Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click) • • •
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 181 by onifre, posted 01-11-2009 11:38 PM | | onifre has replied |
| Replies to this message: | | | Message 184 by Coragyps, posted 01-12-2009 1:02 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 186 by Tusko, posted 01-12-2009 2:33 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 187 by onifre, posted 01-12-2009 7:08 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 189 by CosmicChimp, posted 01-14-2009 4:52 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Message 190 of 325 (531298)
10-16-2009 10:03 PM
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Update is not good news
For those that have been following my battle with cancer, it's been pretty good for the last two years since the transplant, and I felt like I was finally climbing out of the valley to reach the peaks of life once again. Unfortunately the chasm posited by Phage0070 in Message 116 has once again opened under my feet, and I have plunged down once more into the depths of chemo-therapy. The next session is 26OCT09, as I see no point in putting it off even though the lymph nodes are small now, and it is early in stage one development now (I was 2.5 to 3 out of 3 when originally diagnosed). Those who are interested will note that I chose to add the sprinkles of frequent medical examinations to monitor these developments, and to add medical treatment to control the growth of the cancer, rather than sitting back and assuming that "the model works" on how life should be lived. I will be making my summary on Pseudoskepticism and logic, but my time is limited at this point and I want to treat it in depth. Something to look forward to eh? My personal opinion is that this kind of cancer (non-Hodgkins lymphoma) is one that could benefit from stem cell research, as one of the best options is to kill your entire immune system (it's the white blood cells that are cancerous and multiply uncontrolled throughout your body, rather than a tumor in a specific location) and then replace it with a new one. With stem cells that then identify themselves with my body I don't have to worry about rejection where a transplanted immune system would reject my body (the ultimate pink slip). Curiously, I still feel better than I have for the last several years, but I expect this to change with the start of treatment. Thanks for your support, and the odd toast or two in the EvC Pub (alas poor robinrohan, we miss you) is always welcome. For all, take life as it comes, embrace it, and above all enjoy ps -- those who want to help, even just a little see EvC Forum: HIV research - from wester to easter ... ? Thanks. pps -- that first step is a dilly B.C. by Mastroianni and Hart for June 06, 2007 - GoComics Edited by RAZD, : added BC commic link
we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
Rebel American Zen Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
• • • Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click) • • •
| Replies to this message: | | | Message 191 by NosyNed, posted 10-16-2009 10:16 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 192 by Granny Magda, posted 10-17-2009 7:29 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 193 by Larni, posted 10-17-2009 8:18 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 194 by Hyroglyphx, posted 10-17-2009 8:35 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 195 by bluescat48, posted 10-17-2009 9:16 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 196 by Phat, posted 10-17-2009 9:40 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 197 by CosmicChimp, posted 10-17-2009 2:52 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 198 by Straggler, posted 10-17-2009 3:14 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 199 by Legend, posted 10-17-2009 6:06 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 200 by Meldinoor, posted 10-17-2009 6:49 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 201 by roxrkool, posted 10-18-2009 1:19 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 202 by onifre, posted 10-18-2009 5:46 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 203 by cavediver, posted 10-18-2009 6:10 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 205 by DevilsAdvocate, posted 10-18-2009 1:04 PM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 206 by Son Goku, posted 10-19-2009 5:56 AM | | RAZD has seen this message but not replied | | | Message 207 by Perdition, posted 10-19-2009 11:20 AM | | RAZD has replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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Message 208 of 325 (533556)
10-31-2009 10:07 PM
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Reply to: Message 207 by Perdition
10-19-2009 11:20 AM
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More news
Thanks all for all the good thoughts, they mean a lot to me. I've finished the first session - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 to 8 hrs per day - and am just getting to the point where I don't get nausea thinking about food. Even still, my concentration is not at top notch, so I hope my posts don't seem disjointed or abrupt. Thanks.
we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
Rebel American Zen Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
• • • Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click) • • •
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 207 by Perdition, posted 10-19-2009 11:20 AM | | Perdition has not replied |
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1435 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: 03-14-2004
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pictures - I want pictures! are they ecuadorable?
we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
Rebel American Zen Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.
• • • Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click) • • •
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