I (probably dont)have cancer - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Brannigans Law · 01-31-2013, 01:36 AM

I just got home from the hospital after having a rough week of medical issues. I insisted on a CT scan as they hadn't offered me a satisfactory reasoning for what was causing some of the pain I had. The CT scan showed no stones of any sort of visible problems, and that likely I was having some muscle issues. The problem is they didn't like what they saw with some lymph nodes being too big, and too many of them. I don't know. It's all complicated medical junk and I'm seeing another specialist soon and have another CT scan in 6 months. Worst case scenario is I have leukaemia or something, or she said we'd look at my bone marrow. That sounds awful.

I don't plan on telling my friends until more tests are done, but it's 130 in the morning and I can't sleep. And I'm kinda petrified of dying young. I'm hoping this will help me.

Thanks for listening.

edit: I hope this doesn't come off as a "look at me" post, I just haven't had a chance to talk to this with anyone yet and appreciate the chance to.

edit 2: See page 2 as some follow up with an experienced Doctor has alieviated my concerns mostly

Hatter · 01-31-2013, 01:42 AM

Very sorry to hear that dude. Best thing you can do is keep your chin up, and follow the doctor's orders. There's still a chance its nothing serious, but if it i you can rest assured that they have tons of experience in this matter and will do everything in their power to get you well!

Best wishes!

To Be Quite Honest · 01-31-2013, 01:44 AM

Hey bud. Sorry to hear about your health issues. Truly. Stay positive!

dammage79 · 01-31-2013, 01:55 AM

What would Yoda do?

Clear your mind, be strong and be mindful of the force.

Peace be with you in this scary time.

Kswiss · 01-31-2013, 02:02 AM

Hey buddy, really sorry to hear that...the good news is, is that it is a "might"...so stay positive!!!....i was in the same boat a few years back. There was a chance that I had a cancerous tumor, but luckily it turned out benign. I totally couldnt sleep when I was first told...I had to wait about 3 months for my next MRI, but kept making phone calls to up the date. It turned out that I got an appointment a few weeks later...during those few weeks I went part time at work, and just spent a lot of it alone. I found it really helped me out...lots of thinking thats for sure...

OILFAN #81 · 01-31-2013, 02:04 AM

Stay positive and don't think the worst until you find out what it is. It could very well be something else. Thoughts are with you!

JohnnyB · 01-31-2013, 02:08 AM

I sincerely hope that you feel better. At the same time, it's nothing more than the knowledge you could have cancer. That's true of any of us. It isn't a certainty so nothing to lie awake in fear of or allow to negatively affect your life while waiting for results.
It could be a good reminder to appreciate life and the people you share it with though no matter the diagnosis you eventually receive.

Stampede2TheCup · 01-31-2013, 02:41 AM

I really hope it all turns out fine. I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry too much and stay positive.

Suzles · 01-31-2013, 04:36 AM

Having a few health issues myself at the moment and its the waiting for the results which is so overwhelming. Stay strong.

missdpuck · 01-31-2013, 04:56 AM

Hang in there!

Maritime Q-Scout · 01-31-2013, 05:03 AM

Cancer is a scary thing, it's not good by any stretch but we are further along with its treatment.

Two of my grandparents had cancer. Cancer was not the cause of either of their deaths.

I can't count the amount of people I know that we're diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately I also can't count the amount of people that fought it and won, or live long lives after the diagnosis.

Cancer isn't the death sentence it used to be.

That said, it's still not very good and will kick your ass even if you beat it.

My reccomendations:

Be strong
Don't focus on it (whatever it is)
Make sure your affairs are in order, speak to a lawyer about your will (not sure if the resident CP lawyers do estate planning but if they don't I'm sure they'd tell you who does).

I wish you all then best.

longsuffering · 01-31-2013, 06:23 AM

Sorry to hear about your cancer scare.

My advice is tell your closest friends. Now. There's no reason you need to go through this without their support.

Don't think you have to act like a tough guy. It's a scary time. It's okay to lean on your friends and family.

metallicat · 01-31-2013, 06:27 AM

I had an interesting last six or seven months medical wise, and at one point I was sent to a specialist to see what was going on. A bone marrow biopsy was suggested, but ultimately never needed. Of course worst case scenarios came to my mind, and it caused a lot of stress. Worrying about it and googling symptoms to try and diagnose yourself won't do any good. Just try and relax and stay calm, and don't assume the worst. It's likely nothing major. Get your doctor visits taken care of and I'm sure everything will be ok.

bubbsy · 01-31-2013, 06:31 AM

Stay positive!

Don't assume the worst just yet.

Easier said than done of course, but you need to remain positive/upbeat.

FlamesAddiction · 01-31-2013, 06:45 AM

I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Try not to self-diagnose.

NuclearFart · 01-31-2013, 06:48 AM

How big are the lymph nodes? While mildly enlarged lymph nodes are considered abnormal, it certainly isn't specific for cancer as a few other things can cause it. The more common cause of mild lymph node enlargement is them doing the job they were evolved to do - immune reaction to infection/inflammation - which is transient and hence why a follow up CT in a few months time is recommended. If it does turn out to be cancer, the types of cancer in a young male (which I'm guessing you are) incidentally picked up on abdominal CT with lymph nodes are typically lymphoma or testicular cancer, both of which tend to have a great prognosis with modern day medicine.

killer_carlson · 01-31-2013, 07:15 AM

The thing with cancer is that if it is cancer (and that hasnt been confirmed), that when it is discovered early it usually makes it very treatable.

Keep a positive attitude if you can. It is tough to do, but you will find you have strong support, in real life and on CP as well.

Street Pharmacist · 01-31-2013, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NuclearFart

How big are the lymph nodes? While mildly enlarged lymph nodes are considered abnormal, it certainly isn't specific for cancer as a few other things can cause it. The more common cause of mild lymph node enlargement is them doing the job they were evolved to do - immune reaction to infection/inflammation - which is transient and hence why a follow up CT in a few months time is recommended. If it does turn out to be cancer, the types of cancer in a young male (which I'm guessing you are) incidentally picked up on abdominal CT with lymph nodes are typically lymphoma or testicular cancer, both of which tend to have a great prognosis with modern day medicine.

And he's a Dr, so listen. You WILL be fine and this WILL be only a memory soon.

Positive thoughts and understand that this type of experience will help you through the tough moments you will inevitably face in your life

wooohooo · 01-31-2013, 07:49 AM

I have a family full of doctors and they can confirm what nuclearfart said. Don't worry about it now, it can be a multitude of things. Worry when you need tk worry, you got alot of time for that later. Maybe it's time to make some adjustments in life? New job? Vacation? Start eating right and start excercising?

GreenLantern · 01-31-2013, 07:56 AM

I'm really bad for assuming the worst as well, especially with health issues. It isn't an easy thing to do but you need to stay positive. I would confide in a few close friends over a beer, there might be some tears but there will be a lot of support and reassurance. Sometimes all we want is to be told it will be alright, even if we aren't sure of the outcome.