From shingles to BC

11 years 5 months ago #43182 by DougG
Replied by DougG on topic From shingles to BC
Jim,

Glad to hear the good news on your ticker!!

Anita

Anita
Forum Moderator
Caregiver

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11 years 5 months ago #43180 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic From shingles to BC
That is great news! I'm sure your stress level at the time was making those EKG sensors work overtime!

It always feels good when we can take a BIG worry like that off our plate... I'm sure you enjoyed that beer!

Best wishes... Catherine

TURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN

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11 years 5 months ago #43178 by jswim789
Replied by jswim789 on topic From shingles to BC
I thought I would add some good news to my story. This is somewhat tangential to the original BC issue, but I wouldn't have found out without the BC diagnosis. Anyway, while I was on the gurney waiting outside the OR doors to remove the tumor, the anesthesiologist had asked the question "how long have you had this abnormal EKG?" This caused my stress level to sky rocket and stay there as I dealt with the BC issue over the last few weeks. But here's the good news: 4 weeks later, including a stress test, the cardiologist basically tossed me out the door saying my heart was absolutely fine. No follow up, nothing to worry about, go home and have a beer.

So life is looking up.

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11 years 6 months ago #43064 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic From shingles to BC
Hello and welcome... So sorry to hear about your shingles which I know from experience are very painful. The upside of that is had you not had those nasty shingles, your BC might not have been discovered until it was much further along. Your doctors did all the right things to make an early diagnosis which as George pointed out, works greatly in your favor. We are all somewhat embarrassed by our first "camera" experience, so you certainly are in the majority there.

You have had a lot of things to deal with in a very short period of time and I am impressed by how informed you have quickly become as reflected in your post, and you still are able to throw a dash of humor into the mix as well.

These first few months are also difficult to mentally adjust to having the word "cancer" becoming part of your medical dialogue. It is a scary word for sure but by becoming your own best advocate, along with working closely with your doctor, the quieter that word becomes in your head, and soon there will be lots of days you won't even think about it.

As far as optimism, there is no reason not to be thinking positively about your future. Yes, you will find people here who have had recurrences, gotten treatment, and then got on with living their lives again. And, you already know NOT to ever miss a follow-up appointment. Extra points for that!

We will be here to help you with that process and answer any questions we can as you go along. Again, welcome to the site and our forum!

Best wishes... Catherine

TURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN

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11 years 6 months ago #43062 by upnorth
Replied by upnorth on topic From shingles to BC
Been There - Done That!

The heart thing is from freaking out about cancer usually. Like George said don't over think, or diagnosis the situation. Base all assumptions on prove-able facts. Talk to your doctor about your fears.

Mine has been with me for many years, and he told me straight up that he will not allow me to get depressed and feel sorry for my-self.

Hey, You and I are a couple of the lucky ones. Lets hope it stays that way for a long time.

We will get through this together. You don't have to do it alone.

Just keep us posted on how things are going with you. Even the little things that you think might be too stupid to ask. Are okay. That's what we do here.

Sorry you had to come aboard. But glad you are here with us.

Mark

Age 55
Diagnosed BC 12/20/2011 Ta No Mo 0a Non-Invasive At age 48
"Please don't cry because it is over..... Smile because it happened!" {Dr. Seuss} :)

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11 years 6 months ago #43059 by GKLINE
Replied by GKLINE on topic From shingles to BC
We listen a lot here.

Most people who come here are just like you ..... scared.

But, Early detection is on your side ..... BIG TIME! You are very lucky indeed.
This will be a little blip on your radar screen after a while.

There are a lot of us here, Just like you. And we intend to be here a LOOOOONG time. You will be here too.

Just take things as they come along. Don't try and pre-diagnose yourself into the worse case.

Maybe the heart thing is a symptom of the stress you are putting yourself under. Try and focus on all the good things you have to live for.

We all wish you so much good luck with this.

Welcome to the group.

George

Light a man a fire and he is warm for an evening.
Light a man ON fire and he's warm forever.

08/08/08...RC neo bladder
09/09/09...New Hip
=
New Man! [/size]

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