18 February, 2008
This mortal coil
Am reeling from the news that one of M's second cousins, a bright, vibrant 25 year old, has been diagnosed with advanced stage cancer. The cancer doesn't appear to be an aggressive form, but it has metastised into his lungs, body cavity and back. He will start chemotherapy immediately and faces at least one operation. His chances of survival at the moment are rated as 50% - 90%. I'm very busy trying to see the glass as half full....
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7 comments:
Oh, Betsy, I'm so sorry. Let's shoot for that 90%. What kind of cancer is it? With some, even advanced stage can be reversed with quick treatment. My heart goes out to you, M, and M's cousin.
I honestly don't know what kind of cancer it is, only that he's got a 10-13 cm growth (!!!) in his body cavity that's started to metastize.
His mother is a nurse and his father is an EMT so she sent the extended family a detailed email with his condition and treatment choices. He starts chemo tomorrow and is considering participating in a clinical trial of some newer, more aggressive treatment option.
The basic facts in the email sound so clinical so you can distance yourself a bit; but then I got to the part about them taking sperm cells to freeze for later and the fact that the only position he's comfortable in is on his knees and elbows, which relieves some of the pressure on his spine.
It's all just completely devastating...
I'm hoping for the 90% too. He's young and healthy and has a great support network, so that has to count for something.
He and his family are extremely devout and have asked everyone to pray for him. If any of you have any spare positive energy to send his way then they could certainly use it!
oh that's the kind of news you never ever want to receive from a beloved one. 50-90% is a substantial good chance...but you can't get the 10-50% out of your head, right? it gives me shivers right now.
I really really hope the treatment goes well and that the pain he suffers right now gets relieved as well!
Oh, Betsy, this is hard news, even with the promising prognosis. I hope treatment relieves M's cousin's pain and helps him fully recover. Sending all my wishes for the best possible outcome speeding your way....
Betsy, How difficult to take in and live with such news? How awful these realities. My thoughts are with him and his family...
I'm so sorry to hear this Betsy!
All my prayers, thoughts and love to your family and especially M's cousin for a speedy recovery!
How sad for everyone concerned. I'm so sorry, Betsy.
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