just found out a friend has brain cancer

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cowprintrabbit

cowprintrabbit

Contributor
Messages
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Location
Denver, CO
# of dives
25 - 49
I've worked with her for 5 years now and it seems like she's had more than her fair share of bad luck - now this. I'm still reeling inside.

Does anyone have any success stories about beating it? All I can think about is bad stories I have heard...

Why does this always happen to the type of person my mom would call "the salt of the earth"?
 
Geeezuz, sorry to hear, my best wishes for your friend..........
 
cowprintrabbit:
I've worked with her for 5 years now and it seems like she's had more than her fair share of bad luck - now this. I'm still reeling inside.

Does anyone have any success stories about beating it? All I can think about is bad stories I have heard...

Why does this always happen to the type of person my mom would call "the salt of the earth"?
Click to expand...

Christine, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Although I do not have any stories to share, I will be here for you to let off steam. You can cry on my shoulder or call me if you want. We are a family here and anything you need just let us know.
Please take care of yourself.
 
cowprintrabbit:
I've worked with her for 5 years now and it seems like she's had more than her fair share of bad luck - now this. I'm still reeling inside.

Does anyone have any success stories about beating it? All I can think about is bad stories I have heard...

Why does this always happen to the type of person my mom would call "the salt of the earth"?
Click to expand...

It doesn't have to end badly. A few years back I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was very scary for me as my dad died from a brain tumor when I was just thirteen. Thankfully my tumor was caught very early (thanks Dr. Brown and Dr. Franklin) so a successful treatment was a good possibility. I chose radiation therapy as I did not want anyone cutting in to my head if at all possible. A friend that is a neursurgeon made it very clear that cutting in to the brain was just not a great idea and should be avoided if possible. I had treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital by Dr. Lederman and the tumor was killed. Subsequent MRI's have all been positive with no regrowth. My only lasting symptom is that I'm pretty much deaf in my left ear.

This website may be useful in explaining things:

http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk/Cancertype/Brain

Best thing you can do is be there for your friend and just listen. A tumor in the brain is very scary and a shoulder to cry on really helps.

DSDO

Alan
 
I am quite familiar with at least one case.

In February, the patient presented to an ENT with tinnitus in the right ear. An MRI conducted as part of the hearing screening revealed a mass in the right temporal lobe.

The patient was referred to a neurological/neurosurgical practice. Subsequent MRI's and blood tests eliminated MS and indicated a strong probability of a brain tumor straddling one of he major arteries in the brain.

In May, the patient underwent a stereotactic biopsy at Mass General Hospital. The biopsy revealed an inoperable level 2 astrocytoma.

Subsequent monitoring has revealed no growth. The patient exhibits no symptons continues his regular routine, including diving, and undergoes regular MRI's and neurological screening.

It is quite common for tumors of this type to exist for years, possibly decades, without requiring intervention. Should the tumor grow, it will be treated with a combination of radiation and out patient chemotherapy.

The patient's wife and his best friend both followed the patient through surgery and were there when he came out of recovery. The patient expressed how helpful their presence was in a particularly difficult period.

Good luck to your friend.
 
Thanks, guys. It's nice to know I have somewhere I can come to vent. Most of my friends are through work, so I can't talk to them about it because she works here also...

Alan, I'm so glad you are doing well! You are the kind of stories I am looking for if I'm not to burst into tears every time I see her.
 
cowprintrabbit:
I've worked with her for 5 years now and it seems like she's had more than her fair share of bad luck - now this. I'm still reeling inside.

Does anyone have any success stories about beating it? All I can think about is bad stories I have heard...

Why does this always happen to the type of person my mom would call "the salt of the earth"?
Click to expand...

Pycnogynol. All natural. Been working for centuries.
 
So sorry to hear about your friend. I had a friend who found out he had brain cancer. He fought it for a long time but it eventually took him. I know you want to hear he made it. The positive aspect is he was able to make peace with it and live the days he was given to the fullest. It's still hard to this day, I miss him. My prayers go out that she will beat it. Be there for her if you can.
 
Scott Riemer:
So sorry to hear about your friend. I had a friend who found out he had brain cancer. He fought it for a long time but it eventually took him. I know you want to hear he made it. The positive aspect is he was able to make peace with it and live the days he was given to the fullest. It's still hard to this day, I miss him. My prayers go out that she will beat it. Be there for her if you can.
Click to expand...

There is a lot of truth in this reply. I have worked with many cancer patients. Some were cured and some didn't make it. It was some of the most difficult and demanding work I have ever done but it was also some of the most rewarding experiences with people that I have ever had. You will be there for your friend at times and your friend will be there for you at times. Savor these times for as long as they last.

Best wishes and best regards to both of you.

jbd
 
I would be lying if I said I knew anything about this, but Christine, I am soo sorry to hear about your friend. I really hope she makes it through, I don't think we all hear about the good stories enough. She will be in my thoughts and especially in my prayers. Our synagouge has a list of people we say a prayer for every day, so if you wanted, I could add her to the list. Not only would she be in my prayers, but the prayers of my whole congregation. All I would need is her first name, it doesnt matter what religion she belongs to. You can PM it to me if so you desire.

Hang in there.

Zack
 
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