The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsI'm so distraught about Aliengirl's passing.
To be completely honest with you, I never knew her or spoke to her personally, but I did follow her posts about her being sick and her diagnosis with cancer again.
A big part of my connection with her (well, she didn't even know I was alive, but still) was the fact that I have cancer too. I'm only 32 and I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer. I'm fighting with everything I've got, and Ive been going through an extensive amount of chemo and radiation (and surgery in about a month) to get through this. I guess it just breaks my heart that her cancer came back. Because I'm afraid too..I'm afraid that I can't fight hard enough to permanently beat this thing. I'm afraid that someday, my girlfriend might have to come on DU and tell you that I've passed away.
RIP Aliengirl. I hope I can face my own struggle with the strength and dignity you did.
Broderick
(4,578 posts)It's a frightening battle.
Peace.
one_voice
(20,043 posts)healing vibes for you! Hang in there.
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)Not the same thing as going through it yourself, but it is still frightening.
It has come back in a few family members a few times, and been fought off. One doctor said it is like a chronic disease for many - and need not be fatal. Just 'maintained'. I hope that is what happens with you - you fight it off, and that it never comes back, but if it does, it is managed. There are many advances all the time - there's a video up about new ways to treat cancer, too - check out the video on the front page of www.novamir.org
I believe Alien Girl's was a very virulent form of cancer. I miss her very much; I've been here at DU for over 10 years and she was an old-timer, too.
You're doing fine.
Lydia Leftcoast
(48,217 posts)I hope you have it in you to keep fighting and know that you have all of DU rooting for you.
Tikki
(14,537 posts)And we are here to listen....anytime.
Tikki
Evergreen Emerald
(13,069 posts)I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)progressoid
(49,825 posts)But I imagine it's even more difficult for you.
Be strong - We're all pulling for you!
Tsiyu
(18,186 posts)emilyg
(22,742 posts)I survided breast cancer and most recently colon cancer. Don't give up - fight like hell. Hugs.
VenusRising
(11,252 posts)We're here for you, Evoman.
Evoman
(8,040 posts)I'm not ever going to give up. But days like this make it harder, that's for sure. Thank your for your support
hlthe2b
(101,714 posts)May you find the strength to fight the fight and be rewarded with a return to health. Very best wishes....
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)I am so glad to hear from you. I betcha that is tough. It seemed to short a fight for her. I want the very best for you. Know, people here are thinking of you, missing you and wanting to know how you are. There have been a couple threads asking about you. We are with you in thought. Lots of love, from my heart.
K8-EEE
(15,667 posts)Love to you Evoman!
Starry Messenger
(32,342 posts)We're fighting with you evoman.
Grantuspeace
(873 posts)Old and In the Way
(37,540 posts)I had a very minor skin cancer surgery 5 years ago....medical technology is amazing and new breakthroughs are occurring that can extend or effectively treat these conditions, all the time.
JI7
(89,173 posts)LeftishBrit
(41,190 posts)PassingFair
(22,434 posts)If there is a way to survive, you will find it.
You have the support and admiration (even before your illness was known)
of everyone here on DU.
I am so sorry that you have to go through this.
Odin2005
(53,521 posts)Highway61
(2,568 posts)nt
soleft
(18,537 posts)roguevalley
(40,656 posts)through the internet. that was our aliengirl. I wish you well and all hope and peace.
classof56
(5,376 posts)We need your strength and caring here on DU, and your commitment to causes that count. So sorry to hear you're going through this difficult time, but hope it helps to know how many here care for you and send positive thoughts your way.
Blessings.
demtenjeep
(31,997 posts)and that it doesn't return
femmocrat
(28,394 posts)I can understand how this is hitting you so hard. Thank you for sharing with a bunch of total strangers and giving us the privilege of caring about you.
Your case is not the same as hers. Don't let fear keep you from positive thoughts and fighting as hard as you can. You need all of your strength right now. We are here for you when you need us.
Sending DU vibes and my own prayers your way. S
GreenPartyVoter
(72,377 posts)go for prayer or vibes, but I would happily send out either for you!
snacker
(3,619 posts)for strength and healing.
denbot
(9,894 posts)Peace to you.
RFKHumphreyObama
(15,164 posts)I can extend to you and your family as you battle this horrible disease
We're always here for you:if you need us
iverglas
(38,549 posts)but I looked in tonight and just thought my little sister's story might buck you up.
She was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer at age 42 -- a lifelong non-smoking vegetarian. That was nearly 3 years ago. First the colostomy, then the chemo, then the radiation, then the surgery, then the colostomy reversal -- a little over a year for the entire process. And she is completely good to go. No indication of any further cancer. It's a beatable one. Not that everyone will beat it and there's no guarantee you will, I don't mean to be flippant. But we found it can help a little to hear the good stories when you suddenly find yourself dropped in it.
My mum was diagnosed with lymphoma at almost exactly the same time. Her chemo and radiation (surgery wasn't possible) paralleled my sister's, a few weeks later throughout the process. Hers may recur, but she's good for now.
For several weeks, I was the only one who knew about my sister (apart from her partner), as she decided to keep it from my mum and brothers, and then flatly refused to discuss any of it with anybody, and just got on with it and that was it. The day I came in from out of town and went with my mum to the hospital for her first biopsy, and my sister was there for her first chemo down the hall, and I was looking after her kid in the cafeteria and running back and forth making up excuses to my mum for why I had wandered off and why my sister couldn't come to drive her home and trying to make sure they didn't cross paths accidentally ... I finally swore the nurses to secrecy and told them what was up, so they didn't decide I was an insane and neglectful daughter ... Anyhow, my sister decided to break the news to my mum later that day, and what a relief that was! But I'll tell ya, that was a tough year.
Everybody does it differently. My sister, with her everybody-shut-up approach, was one extreme. I don't know that I'd go the same way; I am bad enough with this broken leg, just a whiner. If talking about it helps how you feel, it's good you can do that. And if hearing about people who have gone through and come out the other end (maybe not the best metaphor for rectal cancer, hmm) ... well, my family would be glad if that helped a little.
Evoman
(8,040 posts)If there is anything in this world that makes me feel better, it's stories of rectal cancer patients who made it past the cancer.
I think it's funny how people cope with cancer. I told everybody right away once I learned about the cancer. Hell, after I told my family, I even went as far as to post it on facebook. I've also written a bunch of blog post about living with cancer and fighting it. I think a big part of my being so open about it, is that I want other people to understand what I'm going through. It also opens up other people about their experiences, and they can tell me about their own good stories.
Thank you for helping me out.
FirstLight
(13,352 posts)and you know that our little Internet family here will be holding light for you as you venture through the tough stuff...and we will celebrate with you as you win your battles as well
BanzaiBonnie
(3,621 posts)Let your joy in life move you forward.
What brings you joy Evoman? Laughter? Love? Trees? Your dog?
Love life and take a joy ride!
auntAgonist
(17,252 posts)It's ok to be afraid. Lean on family and friends.
Best wishes to you Evoman.
aA
kesha
OneGrassRoot
(22,917 posts)I am going to hold you in a space of wellness, and focus on your wellness, Dear Sir. I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to share your distress and give us the opportunity to offer support.
geardaddy
(24,924 posts)and comfort vibes to you and your loved ones.
riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)hunter
(38,264 posts)yellerpup
(12,249 posts)You can beat it. Here's to your complete and speedy recovery and a long, happy life ahead.
Mojorabbit
(16,020 posts)If you ever need to vent you can pm me anytime.
lillypaddle
(9,580 posts)Cancer IS scary. But you're young, and I know you can successfully fight. Try to keep your spirits up if at all possible. Sending you the very best of wishes and hopes ... keep us updated.
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)At one point she said her doctor said hers was one of the worst prognosises (what is the plural of that?) he'd ever delivered to anyone. So it was a rare thing.
I've already told you that I've had two close family members fight and win rectal cancer in the past year. I have a good feeling that you will get a clean scan, too.
We're with you!
Evoman
(8,040 posts)You have no idea how much that meant to me. Is was during a time when I was really low. Thank you so much.
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)TZ
(42,998 posts)I've been wondering how you've been. Take care and keep us updated.
Fla Dem
(23,347 posts)Ecumenist
(6,086 posts)internal GANGRENE! I wasn't supposed to make it out of the hospital and then to March of last year and according to the doctors, I'm not supposed to be here with a deadly cancer that has stopped DEAD STILL. You can do it, honey, you can do it, We'll help one another, how about that?
I understand the fear but you have to believe that you can beat this beast, once and for all. The only reason your girlfriend will have to come to us is to announce that you broke a bone dancing the jig nonstop for a week after you're declared free and clear of cancer, you hear me? LOL!!
Chile,, you're going to be just fine, this is just a test and bump in the road of life.
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)That's so great! Big Congrats to you!
BlueIris
(29,135 posts)I can feel you've got a lot of strength left.
Tumbulu
(6,267 posts)sending light and hopes and for a future that holds much laughter and happiness and relief from these worries and painful treatments.