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• Living with cancer

• December 30, 2011 9:06 p.m.

  I found out today that I have prostate cancer. I can't believe I have cancer. I am 50 years old. I cried when I first found out. I don't know why. Maybe I am scared or sad because both my parents died from cancer. I have talked to people who have had prostate cancer. I will see my doctor to discuss treatment options. I just don't want my family to be distressed with my cancer. But God bless my family. My brothers and sisters.

  - John

• December 28, 2011 12:56 p.m.

  For Laura, Laura i am so sorry you are going through what sounds like a very depressed period right now. I know that if anyone has a reason to feel depressed its those of us who suffer with any form of cancer. However as crazy as it may seem and sound, your attitude determines your altitude. Try to celebrate life as best you can although your capabilities may be limited. Develop or enhance your Spiritual life. Another thing that has helped me has been creativity: write, sing, sew , crochet, knit, and find some way to encurage someone else. You CAN do it: no matter how litle we think we have some one needs us. Be encouraged.

  - Norma

• December 28, 2011 12:41 p.m.

  Thanks for this encouragement. My blog, " A Higher Place " is about encouragement. I am a cancer survivor , but the blog us not limited to cancer. I am , however adding this blog to my "links we love" feature , so other survivors can receive the same information and encouragement. Once again, thanks. Be Encouraged, Norma

  - Norma

• November 12, 2011 2:10 p.m.

  Teri You have a heavy load. I would advise you to seek spiritual support thru your church or perhaps the American Cancer Society. Perhaps they can refer you to a support group. Many hospitals have patient support groups, so ask around. In the meantime I will pray for you. It is important to try to develop a more positive attitude, and to "see" yourself with your kids as they grow up. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing!

  - Alayne

• November 10, 2011 12:53 p.m.

  It is very tough finding out u have cancer. I'm only 19 and i got diagnosed with asteo sarcoma in my knee. Also on top of that i was preganat with my second son. He is ok thank god. Nothing affected him. I still have not found out if it is gone yet. I am always stressed and Ib try so hard to stay strong and not be so emotional in front of the kids. I dont know how to cope with it yet. Im very scared to loose my life so young and not being able to see them grow i dont want to think bout that happening but its so hard i just dont know what to think. i know i have to be strong for them cuz they need me. I think i really need some advice.

  - teri

• October 27, 2011 8:00 a.m.

  Keep it coming, wiretrs, this is good stuff.

  - Hawk

• October 20, 2011 10:23 p.m.

  I need some advice for my friend who has many, many problems including malignant biopsies from his lung and stomach, nodules on his lymph nodes (not biopsied), high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and kidney failure (20% functioning). It's strange because he still functions quite normally every day with the exception of being very achy mostly in his legs. He also has water retention in his ankles and feet. They have had a hard time getting his blood pressure under control and it normally runs 180-200 (top number) over 130-170(bottom number). Now they have him on 2 steroids, 2 drugs for stomach ulcers, a water pill, 2 drugs for kidneys, a drug for the bones to make the RBC's produce faster, and a shot he has to give himself for the cancer. They have also put him on a diet in which he basically can eat only certain fruits and vegetables, no protein, no potassium, no starches, and I'm not certain on what else he can't eat. Does anyone have some helpful suggestions? He is not getting better and I'm afraid of what the outcome will be if he doesn't get the proper help asap

  - judy

• October 13, 2011 11:19 a.m.

  I am 6 wk.s post op from a mastectomy; had stage 1 invasive mammary cancer. I'm trying to deal with going back to work as a HOSPICE nurse. . .of course, all my patients die. God has used me in this job (R.N.) for 5 yrs., but am wondering, at age 72. if it is time for me to retire and concentrate on my 10 grandkids...I know that I am the only one who can really answer this question, and I also know it is important for me to keep my mind active and give back. . .am confused and thought you might have something to add. Thanks so much! phyllis

  - Phyllis

• October 13, 2011 8:37 a.m.

  you have done a good job. I really appreciate you. I also know the best destination for cancer treatment that is Germany cancer clinic. Germany cancer clinic

  - Sahil

• October 2, 2011 11:32 a.m.

  Debbie, I strongly urge that she get a 2nd opinion. There are many ways to treat. My husband had chemo & radiation then surgery followed by more chemo. The outcome was very good. Tell her to remain positive and keep looking for a favorable treatment. My husband had stage 3 rectal cancer. The process was rough but the outcome was well worth the effort. Let us continue to lift up each others spirits. God bless!

  - Alayne

• September 30, 2011 9:32 p.m.

  My mother-in-law just found out after having a colonoscopy that she had two large polyps that were cancerous. I'm a little confused, does this mean then that she has colon cancer? After the doctor told her about the polyps, he also told her he cannot operate. So I was assuming that she in fact has colon cancer? She cannot have surgery as she has lung cancer and about 8 years ago they only gave her 18 months to live and she is still alive. Any info you can give me would be much appreciated. Thank you.

  - Debbie

• September 30, 2011 7:20 a.m.

  Living with cancer is a burden and a blessing. When I tell people that I have a rare form of lymphoma, they start a death watch waiting for me to show signs of decline. An indolent or smouldering cancer tears at the very core of my soul. There are no visible signs of suffering, so people around me aren't aware of any changes. I am blessed to have a "treatable" but incurable cancer that will probably take my life at some point, but there is no way of knowing if it will be next week or 10 yrs from now. I have convinced myself that self-denial helps to get me through. I have a diagnosis code for most of the time, but cancer when I have the next appointment in oncology. When a new symptom begins, I have to find my own way through the system to figure out if anyone but me should be concerned. I will always live with cancer, but I can't identify with "survivors" because most have been through chemo, surgery and radiation. Although Rituxan is a poison, it has limited side effects and the only thing I survived was an allergic reaction and the time sitting in the chemo room.

  - Linda

• September 29, 2011 5:51 p.m.

  can anyone share their feelings, opinions or experiences about Femara?

  - gail

• September 29, 2011 5:42 p.m.

  I don't know if I want to take femara. What can I expect if I choose to take femara?

  - gail

• September 11, 2011 5:48 a.m.

  What is cancer? It is an all consuming ogre that takes over your life and devours your soul. Treaded early on you may live for many years after. I believe that not treating it with chemo and radiation is probably the better alternative. Every cancer is different, but at the core they are all alike. It will consume your mind forever more. Mayo doctors and staff are probably more concerned with the patient; but for the rest of us that do not live near a major facility where doctors really care, we are out of luck. I know this sounds gloomy, but this is my opinion. The worst part of cancer is the pain: emotionally, physically and psychologically. It is debilitating. God help us to help each other. God bless.

  - laura

• September 11, 2011 5:33 a.m.

  I had chemo and radiation for nasal pharyngeal cancer in 2000. I am glad I found this blog because ten years later I am doing worse than I was before treatment. I sometimes wonder if the radiation that was directed at the back of my throat could lead to the amount of pain that I am presently in. Moreover, my doctor stopped practicing and I have seen my new doctor twice. I need to find another doctor that will fully evaluate me so that perhaps I can find some joy in life at the age of 60, right now it does not look promising! Everything in my body hurts. I have a history of cancer on both sides of my family. I already lost my younger sister, my older sister had to have her left kidney removed and I am peeing brown! It is hard to find a good doctor in my area, and I lost my health insurance and I do not qualify for any type of aid, so I pay as I go. What a joke, if you are not insured, no doctor wants to take your case. I would welcome any thoughts you might have on how I should proceed with this. I am going to lose it soon. God help us all! We need it. Chemo and radiation are very hard on a person long after the treatments have ended. Thank you for listening to my concerns.

  - laura

• September 9, 2011 12:22 p.m.

  This post is for "What is cancer". Go to the Mayo Clinic home page and click on Diseases and Conditions. Click on "C" drop down menu and select Cancer. It will give you the information that you are seeking.

  - Alayne

• September 9, 2011 11:21 a.m.

  Thank's for the post... what is cancer

  - What is Cancer

• September 8, 2011 12:39 p.m.

  This message is for Carol. I don't know where you are in your spiritual walk, but you might consider prayer, simply asking God or a Higher Power to help you in once again enjoying food so you can regain the weight you have lost. Good luck, and I will be praying for you!!

  - Alayne

• September 7, 2011 8:16 a.m.

  Have had chemo and radiation for stage 4 lung cancer. Cancer is quiet at this time and no new cancer has been detected. Problem is I have lost my appetite and cannot gain weight. I am able to maintain my weight by counting calories but need to gain at least 15-20 lbs. Food turns me off. I have to almost force-feed my self. Any suggestions:

  - Carol

• September 4, 2011 2:05 p.m.

  Sheryl Please consider a blog focusing on Colorectal Cancer since it is so common. Thank you

  - Alayne

• September 4, 2011 1:34 p.m.

  My husband was treated for rectal ca. Treatment consisted of surgery, radiation & chemo. He still has frequent digestive upsets. Certain foods will cause frequent bowel movements and sometimes diarrhea. Most of the time it is at night so his sleep is disturbed. Also he has peripheral neuropathy from the chemo. Have any other rectal cancer survivors experienced similar problems? Please post your comments in reply. Thank you.

  - Alayne

• August 10, 2011 3:47 a.m.

  This post is for Danna. You mentioned that your initial staging was T3 N1 M0. If you are referring to breast cancer, this would be a stage 2 or 3. Staging also depends on your cancer type. Each cancer type will have different staging. The TNM staging system includes three key components: This example is for Breast Cancer- Tumor (T). How large is the tumor, and has it spread to the skin or chest wall muscle? Tumor size is one of the most important predictors of how a cancer will behave. Node (N). Have cancer cells spread to nearby lymph nodes? Doctors note how many lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes) test positive for cancer, because lymph node status strongly relates to prognosis. Breast cancers may be described as "node positive" or "node negative." Metastasis (M). Has the cancer spread to other, distant areas of the body? After treatment, with a T0 N0 - this means that your tumor and nodes are both clear. Discuss your long-term plan for follow-up and status checks along with any tests you need in the future.

  - Sheryl

• August 6, 2011 3:17 p.m.

  There is another site which may interest you all. Inspire.com. Everyone there is either actively involved in treatment or is a caregiver.

  - Linda

• July 26, 2011 6:54 p.m.

  I was clinically dx'd as "T3 N1 M0". After chemotherapy and after mast. I was told I was "T0 N0". This is wonderful but I don't understand what stage I was at? Anyone understand?

  - Danna