Cancer Support

Sorry you have to deal with this diagnosis. I think it's safe to say most of it is a shock (maybe not in hindsight) but going forward, unless you're smoking 10 packs a day, you're probably not expecting anything negative, and of course it's a shock.

I would counsel not to get too overwrought. I don't know what you're doing right now, whether it's trolling the internet for diagnosis information (never a good thing if you want warm and fuzzies about a disease), or just quietly getting anxious, but cancer has the paradox of "hurry up and wait". I wanted to hurry up every minute and see where I was, but that was unrealistic - things take more time than you like (unless you have, unfortunately, something ultra-aggressive where you have zero time, but that's evident in a different way).

"Be Strong" and "Fight it" aren't so much encouragements to do something positive (although that's ALWAY'S recommended) as much as a recommendation to not just give into depression and give up or subscribe to an unwinnable plan of attack.

I have a "Livestrong" wristband. They'll give them to you for free or you can get one (apparently) at Radio Shack (not sure about after the bankruptcy) for a $. It's just a subtle reminder to not just give up on life but keep forging ahead.

I've had positive and negative things happen since my diagnosis, but I'm still playing the game. Sometimes it seems easier not to, but I can't really bring myself to hang it up. Things are still good. Not like they used to be, but different.

So keep playing the game for a while. You might be surprised.

Best to you. PM if you want to chat privately - I'm always open to that (not just you - anyone).

- Tab