Cancer ( my Story )

[catmando]

I'm writing this for those who don't do annual testing after the age of 45 and anybody who thinks it can't happen too you. I was one of those guys till the age of 53 ( last year ). Zero history of cancer in my family. Still not sure why but had some time off and thought I should go do a full medical and blood work just too make sure everything's all good. Felt great, no issues . Got all the stuff done and went on my yearly sled trip beginning of dec, got home too find out I had a very rare (1%) type of colon cancer. Kind of Fawked up the rest of my sled season not too mention the scariest thing I have ever been through in my life. I could not have detected it any earlier and with it being a rare aggressive type I went through 3 colonoscopies and major surgery in less than three months I was done , clear and on my way too recovery. October I will go for my 3rd screening. With that being said while I was recovering in the hospital I seen what goes down when early detection is missed, it's not good. I consider myself very lucky and very grateful that I got it early so even if your not being checked get your ass in and getter done.. This is personal and I wasn't going too post this but a few of my good friends told me I should so hopefully it will help someone who is second guessing those yearly checkups, I was that guy ! Sleds ready...Bring on the Snow!

 

[LUCKY 7]

I had cancer when I was 19 years old. Felt great except for a small pimple that turned out to be a small pimple on the surface and a nasty mess under the skin. one major surgery and many trips to the cross cancer clinic. great until I was 33 then found 3 lumps on the side of my face. The surgeon had only seen this type 4 times in his career. Could have left me crippled if the surgery went bad but it turned out bang on. I found cancer is more of a head game then anything else. After my second time I went out and bought 2 sleds and the gear and that was the recovery for me. still alive 24 years later and still sledding. I get checked out EVERY year and so make sure I look at every pimple or mark etc. That's my story and I am proud to be still kicking and hope to for many years!!

 

[Bisch]

Thanks for sharing. I know first hand how scary that can be, and encourage everyone to see a Dr. regularly.

Happy things are good for you man!

 

[Scrambled]

Yup get checked regularly,I had a scare last December but got it in time just a cool face scar now but I'll be going once a year for sure now

 

[doorfx]

X4 my sister is in stage 5 colon cancer and only has a few months left to live. She is only 54 and was always a person that lived a healthy lifestyle. Early detection is critical with colon cancer. GET CHECKED

 

[neilsleder]

My dad 66 years old was just diagnosed with prostate cancer. He's one of the healthiest 66 year old guys I know. He just found out on the 5th what type of cancer he has, it's a bad type that usually spreads to the bones. So he's waiting a bone scan to see if has spread. But they hope they caught it in time because he gets checked often.

Best of wishes catman and hope this works out in you favour in the end! It's a scary thing to go through as my family is just finding that out.

 

[snochuk]

I get checked every year for the past 11 years now.
It is usually recommended that if there is cancer in you family to start checks 10 years before theirs was first detected.

Early detection is the key as cancer can be beaten in most cases if detected early.
I have two uncles that are clean for about 15 years each now.

 

[SLEDBUNNYRACING]

Just received the results from my PSA (prostate cancer) test and I'm good.
Did the 'ManVan' mobile testing in Stettler a few weeks ago.
Next is my annual physical with blood tests to continue making sure all is well.
Every year since I was 45.

Lyle, I'm so glad it's nearly over for you. Cancer is not a nice thing.
CheerZ

 

[Caper11]

These stories scare the **** out of me. I lost my dad to cancer back in 2006 and he was 46.
I had my first test done a couple of weeks ago just to check things out. Im 38 and I feel great with no issues that im aware of, I just want to know.

Im glad to hear the positive side to these stories.

 

[Summitric]

Yup... Good to hear all okay, lyle.... Have dealt with more than my share of "cancer" related problems. Lost my dad when he was 49 to pancreatic/colon cancer, my brother when he was about 40 to brain cancer, my grandmother when she was in her 80's to brain cancer... My grampa had colon cancer, in his 70's, and they operated and he lived to 98. I go fairly regularly for checkups and went every 3 years for colonoscopy since i was 45... They told me i can go every 5 years now, as i may not have that specific gene? I was involved with a cancer research study of family genetics and cancer, as our family seems to be hit hard on my dad's side... Just wish my knees were feeling as good as the rest of me .... Please everyone, get annual bloodtests and checkups.
Our latest battle was my wife with breast cancer, but early detection and an operation and chemo and radiation and she's given clean bill of health again. 1 scary year out of the way!!!

 

[eclipse1966]

I have had my share of health issues (per my posts in the past) but non cancer related. With all these health issues I started yearly tests approx 3 years ago. Knock on wood all ok but would love to kick this non-treatable illness in the balls as it sure is a game changer in life. Anyway, we all need to do preventative maintenance not only on our motorized vehicles but our bodies need it the most! Oh and pls pls become a organ donor and blood! A very good friend of mine has a daughter and is currently in Edmonton hospital with CF and just got a lung transplant at 18! This was last week.

 

[Cdnfireman]

Two words. Annual physical. Start that habit. Get checked out, as much as we all hate going to the doctor. Most chronic diseases that would have killed 50 years ago can now be detected and managed. Unfortunately two of the biggest cancers in men ( prostate and colo-rectal ) involve testing that can be, shall we say, "probing". That's why I have a female doctor. To me it's somewhat less perverse that it's a woman at the end of the finger that's up my keester.
And if you smoke, the doctors can do lots there too to help you quit.

 

[Radical Rider]

Had complete check up all good but wife not so lucky,pain in stomach she got checked they cut her open to get at lymph nodes in stomach came back that she has lymphoma did treatments,now two years of treatments every third month,not good but was detected early,early detection is the key for all of us,this sickness does not discriminate.Everyone young or old needs regular checkups.Best of health to everyone

 

[Revgirl]

Thanks for sharing Lyle. It was definitely a surprise to hear what was going on with you. Glad things are looking up for you and can't wait to sled together this season!

 

[Mare]

Thanks for sharing.. Glad your doing well now. I to know about cancer.. lost my parents to it. My Mother to Stomach cancer and Father to Colon.. Earlier this year, I was tested and have been cleared of any colon issues but not good new for my stomach. Been diagnosed with the very early stages of what they believe to be stomach cancer. Awaiting to see another specialist. Havent made it known to many people yet, as there is more tests to be done. A few people here know me, so Im OK with sharing it. Needless to say,, scared sh!tle$$.

 

[catmando]

Stay positive, I know how you feel and it sucks. You will be fine!

 

[oldrzr]

Since we are on illnesses i am 64 years old and have been fairly healthy most of my life but this summer I took a turn to the left. Was feeling quit tired first week of July but thought it was from doing more than normal for my grandaughters wedding on July 15th. Day before the wedding I stumbled and fell down and had a hell of a time getting up. Next day of the wedding I had a few drinks but not out of the normal and fell down numerous times. Next day couldn't walk without help. To make a long story short a month later [August 8th] I was diagnosed with Guilliam Barre Syndrome. A 1 in 100,000 chance of getting this. I guess my lucky day. LOL
Been off work since then and could be off for a year or more until I get better. Can't walk more than 20 steps without the help of a walker. Then I have to sit down and rest. So the moral of my story is enjoy life as much as you can as you never know when it will take a turn for the worse. sure missed riding my RZR this summer.
Stay positive.

 

[catmando]

Please read the first line of the first post I wrote, there is only one reason I wrote this . If it goes to far off topic it will be removed , thx.