OT but need help!

[SJActress]

Hey guys,
Just needed to sort of announce that my mom just got diagnosed with breast cancer.  I know it's off topic completely:  I'm not asking for replies or anything, so if you want to close the post, JM, that's fine.  I would just like to request that anyone who prays to anything please do so now!  I'd really appreciate it.

Love,
SJ

[gali]

Don't lose hope!

I have more than 5 friends diagnosed with breast cancer, and operated succeessfully, 10 years ago, overcoming it.

The success of treating the breast cancer is now 95%!

I know the shock is great (my two parents passed away from this dreadful desease long ago), but now your mom can completely be healed, if the stage is early enough.

[DuckSpeak]

I've had family diagnosed with it too, but luckily nothing bad came out of it. I hope the same happens to your mom.

Luckily modern medicine does cure most breast cancer cases, like gali pointed out.

[Trubble]

*hugs*

[JoanE]

So sorry to hear that, but now they can pretty much cure all cancers that they find quickly. Just keep your chin up and think positive.
Hugs from me too.

[JenW]

(((hugs)))

[LK]

I don't have any nuggets of wisdom to give, but I do agree with gali--medical science has advanced to the point that your mother could completely fight it off, or at least continue to live a normal life.

[Twain]

I'm sorry to hear that SJA, but I'm sure with your love and support she will be fine.

[MsMaria]

SJA, your mom will be in my thoughts and prayers, as will you. She will make it!

[J. M. Pescado]

This is not site related at all, so I'm going to send it off to the Podium with all the other random crap. And breast cancer is easily solved. You just need a hot knife and an iron. As a side benefit, your ability to shoot arrows will greatly improve.

[LK]

...Ladies and gentlemen: this heart-to-heart moment brought to you by Viewers Like You.

[SJActress]

Ha ha ha ha ha!
Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts.
And thanks JM...coming from you, those are the kindest words I've ever heard!  I appreciate the laugh, and I'll go warm up the iron.

Thanks, guys, for everything!

[J. M. Pescado]

Ha ha ha ha ha!
Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts.
And thanks JM...coming from you, those are the kindest words I've ever heard!  I appreciate the laugh, and I'll go warm up the iron.

Yeah, well, you know, due to my atheistic views, I don't really do prayer. They say there are no atheists in foxholes. This is not really true. I prefer more effective means of directed problem-solving than "hope somebody else fixes it for you". I mean, where we all be if I had taken THAT attitude, hmm?

[veilchen]

Yeah, well, you know, due to my atheistic views, I don't really do prayer. They say there are no atheists in foxholes. This is not really true. I prefer more effective means of directed problem-solving than "hope somebody else fixes it for you". I mean, where we all be if I had taken THAT attitude, hmm?

Since we all are hoping that you will fix 'it' for us, we are grateful that you didn't take that attitude JM.

V

[SJActress]

Yeah, well, you know, due to my atheistic views, I don't really do prayer. They say there are no atheists in foxholes. This is not really true. I prefer more effective means of directed problem-solving than "hope somebody else fixes it for you". I mean, where would we all be if I had taken THAT attitude, hmm?

I suppose I see a nugget of truth in that...this game would certainly suck without you...
So...any interest in delving into hacks for the real world?  

BTW, my mom got into MD Anderson, probably the best cancer treatment center in the world.  Thank God she's a nurse and knows some people.  And I almost laughed today when I heard the word "lumpectomy"  .  Couldn't they think of something a little classier to call it?

Thanks again guys!

[J. M. Pescado]

The bottom line is that as far as I'm concerned, the only praying I care for is accompanied by spraying.

[ZephyrZodiac]

I've known people who've had breast cancer and have gone on to live happy and fulfilling lives.  One ex-colleague had it twice, then went on to have two healthy children and as far as I know is still living (this was nearly thirty years ago!)

[reggikko]

Hi SJ,

My mom had breast cancer nearly 15 years ago. She had a lumpectomy (despite one doctor recommending mastectomy) and radiation, never even did the chemo. She is perfectly fine today and has never had a recurrence.

I am also a nurse, although I don't work any more. I worked in pediatric oncology. I can attest that most cancers have a high cure rate these days, especially when detected in early stages. Thankfully, cancer is no longer necessarily a death sentence. Lumpectomy is good. It means that the tumor is small and has likely not spread to the lymph nodes. Your mom should have a very good prognosis.

[veilchen]

That is true, they don't use the more radical surgery any longer unless it's absolutely necessary. When I read that she needed a lumpectomy I was somewhat relieved for your sake. And getting into the hospital is another great plus. But I do understand your fear, it is always frightening to be hit with news like this. Hang in there SJ, you know we are rooting for you and your mom.

[LK]

I think the closest thing to a "soft heart" you'll find in JM's possession is the one he ripped out of some hapless fool's chest.

[Torkle]

My mother had breast cancer almost 30 years ago, made a full recovery after the mascectomy, and is still going strong.  Don't lose hope.

[J. M. Pescado]

I've known people who've had breast cancer and have gone on to live happy and fulfilling lives.  One ex-colleague had it twice, then went on to have two healthy children and as far as I know is still living (this was nearly thirty years ago!)

Well, it's pretty hard to have it MORE than once, I suppose, given that you'll be out of breasts after the second one. Half the population manages without 'em, so eh, can't be that important. Specially when you consider YOU don't actually get any use out of them.

My mother had breast cancer almost 30 years ago, made a full recovery after the mascectomy, and is still going strong.  Don't lose hope.

See? The hot knife approach works!

[ZephyrZodiac]

Men can get it too!!!!! 

It also depends on what treatment you have whether or not it can recur.

[Sandilou]

SJ, I read your notice when you first posted it and I've been thinking about you both since.  Reassuring your mother while having to keep yourself strong must be doubly hard for you.  I have said a prayer, just in case there is someone up there listening.  Stay positive and we'll all help you to stay strong. ((hugs)).

[J. M. Pescado]

Men can get it too!!!!! 

This is somewhat more rare, but the same principle of treatment applies. You'll have to dig harder if that happens, though.