'A Patient Voice' Community

I think you will agree that chronic conditions are a way of life. The illnesses overtake us and take over. The chronically healthy do not understand us how every facet of life is affected. Our ability to work, to succeed in relationships are altered. Our view of ourselves, our self-confidence and faith in the future are challenged.

I am glad you are getting something from these exchanges. And I hope you draw support.

I have to go now. Colonoscopy. Just kidding. I had colon cancer twice. I figured they would just leave the tube in.

My best,

RMC

Yes, I agree that chronic ailments or conditions become a way of life. They totally alter our whole perspective on life. And I'm glad you coined the expression 'chronically healthy'. I know the 'chronically healthy' can become chronically ill, but can you go in the other direction? Speaking of Perspective on Life, what about Perspective on Death? Most people with chronic illnesses, both terminal and incurable, must come to face this prospect at some point, sooner or later. I read somewhere that if a person could truely imagine their own death, they would go completely mad! Might this explain some alterations in "our" psychological makeup? Well, to update my situation: I got my colonoscopy, and the doc took five biopsies. I was told it would take two weeks to get the results back from pathology. That gives me fourteen days to ponder the full meaning of life. Don't these labs have an express line? I think the nurse who told me about the two week thing belonged to the chronically healthy section of humanity!

The more urgency you feel, the more time it seems to take. Don't expect the worst. Polyps are a dime a dozen.

My best,

RMC

That's so true. Thanks for reminding me. It's like watching a pot boil. But guess what! My pcp got my results back...in 4 days, not 14. Some ulceration and inflammation, but NO cancer! Thanks for the encouragement, though. I needed it. I also love your attitude. It's "healthy"!

Thank you for your writings and glad to see a sence of humor, you give hope.... I was told I am the healthiest sick person ever known..lol How looks can be deceiving. With your colon cancer had that metastisized? I am only 49..tomorrow I find out if this cancer has gone to my brain from lungs and lymph nodes, hopefully not my heart but it's right there- all this since aug 30th.. They couldn't do the heart ablation , I was the other 5 %... the cancer is out of the box. It developed on a large blood vessel and they can't for sure tell me where it's gone ... I have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best... diabetes , RA , my diseased heart with heart failure, now the cancer.. both the top causes of death.. I'm so off balance and dizzy with headaches...a brain scan tomorrow--maybe it's a God send..hmmm maybe it's the meds. Im not sure to pursue any medical cures now, will it ever end?Chemo on Friday. My greatest fear is not dying but waking up on the O.R. tables, it's happened twice....

Dear ronanngilbert1,

I am so glad for the good results--and early! I hope you continue to get only good news on future visits.

We're cheering you on,

Byroney

Dear leahquestions,

I hope that your visit tomorrow shows that the cancer has not gone to your brain. I also hope the chemo goes well on Friday without any bad side-effects.

It's good to see your posts here and the support you offer others.

Let us know how you're doing,

Byroney

Dear Byroney: Thanks for the vote of confidence I appreciate the moral support. I just posted a new source of frustration (lymph node abnormalities), but I'm trying to keep my chin up and think happy thoughts. And after reading leahquestions' last post, I really feel quite weak and insignificant. Leahquestions must be drawing from a phenomenal source of inner strength. Perhaps through these discussions we can collectively tap into this source. Leahquestions: (if you read this) I extend my deepest and best wishes to you.

Dear ronanngilbert1,

I am sorry to hear of your most recent frustrations. I agree with you about keeping a positive mindset, and that Leahquestions is a source of inspiration.

I'm sending more upbeat wishes your way. Don't feel you have to only share the good things here. You're always welcome no matter how you're feeling and we'll do out best to support you.

Byroney

Dear Byroney: Just checking in, and happened to notice your upbeat wishes and had to grab them before they got away. I'll take all I can get, and pass them around as fast as I get them. My personal concerns have temporarily shifted from my cancer to my out-of-control OA. I have an upcoming TKR which will be followed by a 2 yr revision of my left THR. My surgeon isn't sure why my hip is loosening up, but thinks it might be due to preexisting osteonecrosis. But, one thing at a time. He said he won't do the knee and hip in the same surgery. I've read that OA and cancer are both auto immune disorders, so I've got a new question: Has anyone heard of the asparagus cancer cure? If so, I'd love to get some feedback. My brother-in-law just recently sent me an email article about this and I'm very interested in getting more relevant info.

Dear Ronanngilbert1,

It's nice to hear back from you! I'm sorry your OA has been so troublesome. I imagine the recovery of the knee and hip will both take time for recovery and different physical therapy approaches, so getting them done individually sounds like a good plan.

Snopes.com (a place to find out about those e-mails that are being passed along by everyone), indicates there is a mixture of fact and fiction in the e-mail (this is not a WebMD site and we cannot guarantee content).

I hate to say this, but there are many sites and many people out there who prey on cancer victims and people with chronic illnesses, and offer miracle cures. Please verify any "facts" with your doctor and be on the look out for hoaxes and snake-oil "cures." Discuss with your oncologist about any complimentary therapies or alternative treatment plans available.

Sending more upbeat wishes your way,

Byroney

Dear Byroney: Just passing through again and noticed your reply and "more upbeat wishes". For some reason I am compelled to reply to your replies. Your reply was in regard to the 'asparagus cancer cure'. I realized the author of that email was not claiming asparagus to be a cure for cancer.He was mostly suggesting that asparagus contains certain complex chemicals which seem to strengthen our immune system response to certain pathological conditions. Certain cancers, he added, seemed to fall into that group of conditions. This statement did manage to grab my attention. I am very interested in the connection between weakened autoimmune systems and diseases such as cancer and OA. In 2006 I was hospitalized for a life threatening MRSA blood infection. The following year I could barely walk and was hospitalized for a THR due to osteonecrosis. The following year I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and was hospitalized and underwent a LAR. In two weeks I will be hospitalized again for a TKR. After I recover from that I will have to return to the hospital for a revision of my left THR. It seems my hip implant has loosened up. And I am a person who DOES NOT like to be in the hospital. Believe me, I thought hard and long before making each of my recent visits. So now I am looking for any way possible to reduce the number of future visits. So I am beginning to wonder: is my immune system completely "shot"? And if so, is there any proven way to restore its original integrity and strength? Please, Byroney (or anyone else out there), can you possibly offer me an "upbeat answer" to this question? Even if you cannot, I will still very graciously accept all the "upbeat wishes" you care to send.

Dear Ronanngilbert1,

That does sound like a lot of visits to a place you don't want to visit--the hospital. I agree with you on that.

I have some things for you about the immune system that I hope will help:

Slideshow: 15 Immune Boosting Foods

Article: Meditation Heals Body and Mind. "In the study, people who meditated regularly for six weeks showed less activation of their immune systems and less emotional distress when they were put in a stressful situation"

Video: Boost your Immune System

Video: Which Mushrooms Boost Immune System?

If anyone else has suggestions about what has helped them with their immune system, please share them in this thread.

Best upbeat wishes as always,

Byroney