Cancer All Around

Life is good for me when the blog is not overloaded with entries. It’s been about six weeks since my last note and a lot has happened in the cancer world; not so much for me, but for people around me.

My brother-in-law, who is going to be 75 this year, has been diagnosed with cancer. He has growths on both vocal chords. We all suspected something was up. His voice has been raspy for months now. But he had also been told many years ago the raspy voice he was experiencing at that time was precancerous; that he should stop smoking immediately. He did. For awhile. At least he quit the cigarettes. But he started smoking those little cigars instead. Too bad. He’ll be starting his 35 radiation treatments in the next week or two. At 5 treatments per week, that’s 7 weeks (not including weekends) that he’ll spend at the hostile. Hopefully there are no complications for him; there is the possibility that the reduced airway passage could become blocked during treatment. That’s a scary thought for all of us; but probably much more frightening for him. Although he will be the last to admit it, I’m sure.

My brother, who is also in his mid 70’s, has been receiving chemo treatments in an effort to keep his Multiple Myeloma at bay. He’s not doing so well this past week. The treatment has recently turned on him and he is having a lot of problems like shortness of breath and stomach issues. His wife, who is not well herself and suffers from what is commonly known as “the sleeping sickness,” is very concerned. This is my brother’s second experience with cancer. He won the battle over prostrate cancer many years ago.

And, to add insult to injury, his daughter just went through an ordeal that started out as a simple day surgery and blossomed into an all out major ordeal with the removal of a lump in her breast the size of an orange along with several other smaller masses. She is home, sore but recovering. The doctor is certain that her lumps were benign! Yahoo!

My friend’s husband, who is only 57 years old, had prostrate surgery a few weeks back, but thankfully his news was very good. The cancer had not spread and he does not have to face any type of treatment!! Way to go, my friend!

A friend of my nephew’s was also diagnosed with prostrate cancer a couple of months ago but he, unfortunately, did not receive the same good news. At 54 years of age, his prognosis is only 3 years with treatment and 1 year without. I can’t imagine what he is going through at such a young age.

My cousin’s brother-in-law, who is in his 80’s, recently had a serious fall and through a series of tests and x-rays, it was discovered that he has spots on his lungs and bone cancer and really has a lot of other strikes against him right now, including dementia. How sad for his wife and family who now visit him on a daily basis, a 40 minute drive one way. He, and they, are dealing with a lot more than any of them can probably handle.

My blogger friend, Jen, has also been diagnosed with a recurrence of GCT and has, fortunately, found a new and promising physician who won’t put her through any unnecessary treatments. She’s an upbeat lady and I know that the road she is travelling is rough, but she will persevere and remain strong through her faith.

So, although I am presently feeling fabulous and hopefully cancer free, cancer is still forefront in my mind. And it will also be the main topic of my prayers.

I do hope that those I have spoken of today can keep their eyes on the prize and remember to ……

~ B-Optimistic ~