Is cancer contagious?

I already know the answer to this, at least I think I do, and that would be
a NO. But, there's a problem here. My husband's father had cancer, and then
his mother got it. She told my husband that she thinks she caught it from
her husband as she cared for him. (Both are deceased, the mom and dad)

I didn't realize that my husband felt this way; he had vaguely mentioned it
in passing, but I thought he wasn't being seious, but when my son brought
the new baby over, Don wouldn't hold her because he said he was afraid his
mom might be right, and then I thought about how when I leave for work or
just give him a kiss in general, he won't kiss me on the lips...it ends up
on my cheek or my forehead...

At first when the kiss thing happened, I thought he was worried aboutl the
chemo/cancer breath that he's had, which is bad but not something that would
make me not give him a kiss...I'm not a total bitch, lol.

So, now what? My son would love to have a picture with Don holding the baby
and isn't worried about her "catching cancer from him" because he doesn't
think it's contagious either.

It's always something with this beast cancer.

Tell me what to say and do...as you know, I am a novice in cancer
caregiving.

love,

Giuditta

Giuditta wrote:

> I already know the answer to this, at least I think I do, and that would be
> a NO. But, there's a problem here. My husband's father had cancer, and then
> his mother got it. She told my husband that she thinks she caught it from
> her husband as she cared for him. (Both are deceased, the mom and dad)
>
> I didn't realize that my husband felt this way; he had vaguely mentioned it
> in passing, but I thought he wasn't being seious, but when my son brought
> the new baby over, Don wouldn't hold her because he said he was afraid his
> mom might be right, and then I thought about how when I leave for work or
> just give him a kiss in general, he won't kiss me on the lips...it ends up
> on my cheek or my forehead...
>
> At first when the kiss thing happened, I thought he was worried aboutl the
> chemo/cancer breath that he's had, which is bad but not something that would
> make me not give him a kiss...I'm not a total bitch, lol.
>
> So, now what? My son would love to have a picture with Don holding the baby
> and isn't worried about her "catching cancer from him" because he doesn't
> think it's contagious either.

Cancer's not contagious.
However, since Don's weak and because of his breath, probably best that the
photo be taken with Don sitting in a chair and baby cradled in his lap/arm
(facing forward) and Don cracking a grin at the camera (not down at the baby).
J

While it doesn't apply in this situation, ....

From what I've read & heard, some forms of cancer can be transmitted,
spread through sexual intercourse. [And maybe from other bodily fluids?
Saliva? BM & urine? Blood? Sweat?] It seems best to be careful, within
reason. So far, the docs don't seem to know much about cancer. ???

On TV, they're touting a new vaccine for pre-teen & teenage girls,
concerning some STD-type cancers. Ovarian? Uterine?

Also, some forms of cancer occur in AIDS patients. AIDS is another STD
or blood-borne-type disease.

Susan Wms, Su_Texas my opinions

"J" <nexsw@nvalid,anon> wrote in message
news:45F42905.45AD6433@execulink.com...
> Giuditta wrote:
>
>> I already know the answer to this, at least I think I do, and that would
>> be
>> a NO. But, there's a problem here. My husband's father had cancer, and
>> then
>> his mother got it. She told my husband that she thinks she caught it from
>> her husband as she cared for him. (Both are deceased, the mom and dad)
>>
>> I didn't realize that my husband felt this way; he had vaguely mentioned
>> it
>> in passing, but I thought he wasn't being seious, but when my son brought
>> the new baby over, Don wouldn't hold her because he said he was afraid
>> his
>> mom might be right, and then I thought about how when I leave for work or
>> just give him a kiss in general, he won't kiss me on the lips...it ends
>> up
>> on my cheek or my forehead...
>>
>> At first when the kiss thing happened, I thought he was worried aboutl
>> the
>> chemo/cancer breath that he's had, which is bad but not something that
>> would
>> make me not give him a kiss...I'm not a total bitch, lol.
>>
>> So, now what? My son would love to have a picture with Don holding the
>> baby
>> and isn't worried about her "catching cancer from him" because he doesn't
>> think it's contagious either.
>
> Cancer's not contagious.
> However, since Don's weak and because of his breath, probably best that
> the
> photo be taken with Don sitting in a chair and baby cradled in his lap/arm
> (facing forward) and Don cracking a grin at the camera (not down at the
> baby).
> J

He won't do it. We asked him again today if he wanted to hold her for even a
minute, and he said that when he is cancer-free that he will.

Thanx!
G

<su-texas@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:19280-45F47B75-515@storefull-3133.bay.webtv.net...
> While it doesn't apply in this situation, ....
>
> From what I've read & heard, some forms of cancer can be transmitted,
> spread through sexual intercourse. [And maybe from other bodily fluids?
> Saliva? BM & urine? Blood? Sweat?] It seems best to be careful, within
> reason. So far, the docs don't seem to know much about cancer. ???
>
> On TV, they're touting a new vaccine for pre-teen & teenage girls,
> concerning some STD-type cancers. Ovarian? Uterine?
>
> Also, some forms of cancer occur in AIDS patients. AIDS is another STD
> or blood-borne-type disease.
>
> Susan Wms, Su_Texas my opinions


Thanks for the info...makes sense. But like you said, that doesn't apply to
this situation.

G

su-texas@webtv.net wrote:

> While it doesn't apply in this situation, ....
>
> From what I've read & heard, some forms of cancer can be transmitted,
> spread through sexual intercourse. [And maybe from other bodily fluids?
> Saliva? BM & urine? Blood? Sweat?] It seems best to be careful, within
> reason. So far, the docs don't seem to know much about cancer. ???
>
> On TV, they're touting a new vaccine for pre-teen & teenage girls,
> concerning some STD-type cancers. Ovarian? Uterine?
>
> Also, some forms of cancer occur in AIDS patients. AIDS is another STD
> or blood-borne-type disease.

Cancers are not contagious.
STD's can be.
Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. Other types are associated
with vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and cancer of the penis (a rare cancer).
Most HPV infections do not progress to cervical cancer.
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdhpv.htm

J

Giuditta schreef:
>
> So, now what? My son would love to have a picture with Don holding the baby
> and isn't worried about her "catching cancer from him" because he doesn't
> think it's contagious either.
>
> It's always something with this beast cancer.
>
> Tell me what to say and do...as you know, I am a novice in cancer
> caregiving.
>
> love,
>
> Giuditta
>
>
>
I don't know what to say to some one who thinks lung cancer is
contagious. I think Don deprives himself of a relationship with his
grandchild, and I think that is so very sad, it could be such a joy
having this baby around, a new life and holding her :-(( I would be
careful about kissing a baby all over the first week after chemo, but
not because of the cancer, but the toxins that are in bodyfluids right
after chemo.

Anne

J schreef:
> and Don cracking a grin at the camera (not down at the baby).
> J
>
>
And the reason for that is?

Anne

starfleet wrote:

> J schreef:
> > and Don cracking a grin at the camera (not down at the baby).
> > J
> >
> >
> And the reason for that is?

Unpleasant for the baby
See 2nd last paragraph
http://www.talkaboutsupport.com/grou...es/134168.html

J

"starfleet" <starfleet1960@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:45f4ace9$0$711$5fc3050@dreader2.news.tiscali. nl...
> Giuditta schreef:
>>
>> So, now what? My son would love to have a picture with Don holding the
>> baby and isn't worried about her "catching cancer from him" because he
>> doesn't think it's contagious either.
>>
>> It's always something with this beast cancer.
>>
>> Tell me what to say and do...as you know, I am a novice in cancer
>> caregiving.
>>
>> love,
>>
>> Giuditta
>>
>>
> I don't know what to say to some one who thinks lung cancer is contagious.
> I think Don deprives himself of a relationship with his grandchild, and I
> think that is so very sad, it could be such a joy having this baby
> around, a new life and holding her :-(( I would be careful about kissing a
> baby all over the first week after chemo, but not because of the cancer,
> but the toxins that are in bodyfluids right after chemo.
>
> Anne

He wouldn't be kissing the baby anyway...just holding her...he's not one who
kisses his kids, although he would give them a hug when he left town or came
home...and now when it's vice versa, he will give our other son a hug when
our son leaves town, etc...

And he always sang to them when they were babies...love was obvious...and it
still is...he's always been a great dad even to my first three kids that I
had before we married and then we had three more together. He has never made
a difference between them and never ever said a word negatively about
supporting my children when their own dad didn't.

Even though my ex has matured and now is making up for everything with the
older children by giving them good jobs in his company and doting on them,
they still have a great love for Don who raised them...

The son who had the baby is not Don's biological son, but he feels like he
is...gives him Father's Day cards, etc. He loves Don and wants him to be
part of the baby's life...he has brought the baby over Friday, Saturday and
Sunday for Don to see her, and he lives across town on the east side of
Memphis...I'm rattling on here again...sorry...

What is so cool is that my son's fiance, Lisa, also has three children from
a former marriage...three precious little girls. I don't think a huge number
of guys would take on raising a ready-made family, and I so respect my
husband and son for this.

We have three little grandsons from my older two children, and I prayed one
day for a granddaughter too, and I ended up with four in one whack...I
thought God is so good...and now Courtney (my son with the new baby) has a
role model in Don and is being such a great dad to Lisa's three children.

And she's like a wonder woman because she has been coming out here with the
children all weekend and just had a baby a week ago. She's a great mom and
has raised her girls, ages 9, 8 and 6, while finishing college to be a
teacher and also working two jobs before Courtney met her.

My ex has even given her a job at his company and is making a nursery there
for the baby since she has to wait until fall to begin teaching. He's done a
huge turn-around, proving that people do change for the better...

Now that I have yakked enough and been off topic, I will jump off here...I
just need to talk sometimes, and writing on here, venting, conversating
seems to relieve my own stress.

It's spring break...yahhhoooooo! I will be here with my hubby all week, and
today I can take him for his dr. appointment. He's coughing again although
not as much as when he was first diagnosed, but it seems like after his
third week from chemo this happens. He says it's the chemo killing the
cancer in his lungs, but I worry that it's the tumor growing again...

I don't voice my opinion to him or my fears about that. I just pray that
he's right. He says he feels stronger but still not up to even a short walk.
Is this normal? I have offered to take him for rides, walk with him,
anything he wants, but he doesn't have the energy. Yesterday, taking a
shower exhausted him/

So much of this is confusing to me. I assume that being on chemo six times
since November would wear one down, but should he be this weak still? It
worries me.

I'm so scared that this weakness is from the cancer and that I'm losing my
best friend day by day. I want to feel more positive, but the doctor's
prognosis looms over me from November 7. He said with chemo that he would
have 8 to 12 months...then he got all wishy washy after the scan about the
prognosis...I've told you all about that already.

Here I go analyzing again instead of just taking a day at a time, but that's
so hard to do. I am hoping every day to see him stronger, some sign that
he's going to be okay. Am I living in some fantasy land?

God bless,

Giuditta

J schreef:
>
> Unpleasant for the baby
> See 2nd last paragraph
>
http://www.talkaboutsupport.com/grou...es/134168.html
>
> J
>
>
Baby's don't react to smells like older children or grown ups do. People
all over the world have different sensations if it comes to smells
because of what they learned to appreciate and what not. I don't think
Dons breath is unpleasant for the baby, the baby doesn't mind.

Anne
>
>

Giuditta schreef:
>
> Here I go analyzing again instead of just taking a day at a time, but that's
> so hard to do. I am hoping every day to see him stronger, some sign that
> he's going to be okay. Am I living in some fantasy land?
>
> God bless,
>
> Giuditta
>
>
>
I don't know Guiditta. I don't think your husband can be cured, but it
is possible that the chemo did some good work and the tumors are reduced
in size and his fatigue is from an overkill of chemo he had the past few
months. You can't tell unless he has a scan to see what is going on
inside. It is normal though that he still feels very tired and is
exhausted. It took me about a month to recover a bit from the chemo and
it didn't have such an impact on me as on Don. I always had good
bloodcounts etc. and my cancer was in lymphnodes only at that time, not
in vital organs. I guess you just have to wait until you hear what the
oncologist has to say but I do hope Don recovers a bit and you can have
some quality time together and enjoy the spring.

All the best,


Anne

Scientists say we all have cancer in us, they just don't know what
triggers it. The accepted doctrine is that it is most likely related to
evironment, exposure to toxins or diet. We beleived Darwin's theory for
dacades but science is poving him wrong. It was found some years ago
that a previously unknown virus transmitted by mosquitos caused a
catatonic state in many mental patients that was once thought to be a
simple mental disorder. High doses of dopamine brought some out of this
state temporarily. My point is there are simply many unknowns still.
While we'd like to think it's not contagious, the truth is almost anyone
who currently has cancer can most likely remember close contact with
someone in our past who had cancer. While I don't think cancer in and of
itself is transmitted or contagious, I do wonder if there is a yet
unknown contagious virus that triggers the cancer cell mutation in
somepeople perhaps with weakened immune systems.. They have concluded
that cervical cancer is due to a virus so I don't think it a far stretch
to assume they may all be related to a virus. That would explain why
many families seem to be plagued with cancer. If it is in fact a virus
that triggers or awakens the cancer then that could prove to be an even
bigger hurdle since as we all know viruses tend to mutate, which could
explain why cancer cells mutate if they are infected with a virus, and
viruses are very hard to destroy.

su-texas@webtv.net wrote:

> While it doesn't apply in this situation, ....
> <snipped>
> Susan Wms, Su_Texas my opinions

Susan,
Join the roll call and tell us about your cancer and your current
treatments and how it's going, please.
J

starfleet wrote:

> J schreef:
> >
> > Unpleasant for the baby
> > See 2nd last paragraph
> >
> http://www.talkaboutsupport.com/grou...es/134168.html
> >
> > J
> >
> >
> Baby's don't react to smells like older children or grown ups do. People
> all over the world have different sensations if it comes to smells
> because of what they learned to appreciate and what not. I don't think
> Dons breath is unpleasant for the baby, the baby doesn't mind.

It's a moot point now, Anne.
J

quote:

Susan,
Join the roll call and tell us about your cancer and your current
treatments and how it's going, please.
J

==================================

I'll keep trying to. Am too sick & weak from radiation treatments. Last
one was about ten days ago. Can barely function, but am now getting a
little better each day. Am to start chemo in a few days. Maybe
gem-something & navelbine?

Susan Wms, Su_Texas my opinions

On Mon, 12 Mar 2007 06:16:46 -0500, "Giuditta"
<jnotmarrs@giudiittaspeedworks.com> wrote:


>
>I don't voice my opinion to him or my fears about that. I just pray that
>he's right. He says he feels stronger but still not up to even a short walk.
>Is this normal? I have offered to take him for rides, walk with him,
>anything he wants, but he doesn't have the energy. Yesterday, taking a
>shower exhausted him/
>
>So much of this is confusing to me. I assume that being on chemo six times
>since November would wear one down, but should he be this weak still? It
>worries me.
>
>I'm so scared that this weakness is from the cancer and that I'm losing my
>best friend day by day. I want to feel more positive, but the doctor's
>prognosis looms over me from November 7. He said with chemo that he would
>have 8 to 12 months...then he got all wishy washy after the scan about the
>prognosis...I've told you all about that already.
>
>Here I go analyzing again instead of just taking a day at a time, but that's
>so hard to do. I am hoping every day to see him stronger, some sign that
>he's going to be okay. Am I living in some fantasy land?
>
>God bless,
>
>Giuditta

Gieditta,

Just wanted to jump in here with my own experience with chemo. I only
(only!) went thru 4 rounds of chemo and really lost quite a bit of
stamina from it. I had finished my last chemo in April of 2003. I
went to a Springsteen concert in September of the same year and spent
most of it in my seat (and thus, unable to see quite a bit of the
action) mostly because I couldn't stand for all that long of a time.
The following month I went to the Outer Banks (friends are the best!)
and wasn't able to walk as much as I could in past years - just tired
out too quickly. But slowly it came back. It'll take some time.

As far as venting goes, vent on. You and yours are going thru a lot,
you should be able to get it out of your system every now and then.

And your new grandbaby sounds lovely.....

Carla


>

su-texas@webtv.net wrote:

> I'll keep trying to. Am too sick & weak from radiation treatments. Last
> one was about ten days ago. Can barely function, but am now getting a
> little better each day. Am to start chemo in a few days. Maybe
> gem-something & navelbine?
>
> Susan Wms, Su_Texas my opinions

Thank you, Susan.
I think fatigue from RT starts to improve after a few weeks.
The radiation was to the bones and neck, cervical spine?
I hope it helped the pain, Susan.
Ginger ale or club soda for the mucous.

I see you on another newsgroup talking about a UTI and hot flashes.
Is it hot down there in Texas? We're still shivering up here in Canada.
Has your urine been checked for infection (since) ?

I worry about you and chemo, after what happened to your mother.
Is there a soft tissue tumor to shrink and/or what do you hope to
accomplish with it?

You sound very tired, Susan. Keep in touch as you are able.
Hugs from me,
J

quote:

From: jonboy42@webtv.net (J*W)

Scientists say we all have cancer in us, they just don't know what
triggers it. The accepted doctrine is that it is most likely related to
evironment, exposure to toxins or diet.

We beleived Darwin's theory for dacades but science is poving him wrong.

It was found some years ago that a previously unknown virus transmitted
by mosquitos caused a catatonic state in many mental patients that was
once thought to be a simple mental disorder. High doses of dopamine
brought some out of this state temporarily.

My point is there are simply many unknowns still.

While we'd like to think it's not contagious, the truth is almost anyone
who currently has cancer can most likely remember close contact with
someone in our past who had cancer.

While I don't think cancer in and of itself is transmitted or
contagious, I do wonder if there is a yet unknown contagious virus that
triggers the cancer cell mutation in some people perhaps with weakened
immune systems..

They have concluded that cervical cancer is due to a virus so I don't
think it a far stretch to assume they may all be related to a virus.
That would explain why many families seem to be plagued with cancer.

If it is in fact a virus that triggers or awakens the cancer then that
could prove to be an even bigger hurdle since as we all know viruses
tend to mutate, which could explain why cancer cells mutate if they are
infected with a virus, and viruses are very hard to destroy.

=====================================

Interesting.

There was a TV show, on PBS I think, about one of the first "bubble
boys". He had virtually no immune system.

Finally, the docs took him out of the bubble, observed him as he
sickened & died.

The best I can remember, his was the first time they were able to link
bacterial infection & cancer.

Probably, many kinds of damage to the immune system, can give cancer
cells the jump-start they need, to get off & running, to take over.

So, cancer now has links to virus & to bacterial infection.

Also to things breathed in, like asbestos dust. And in BC, speculation
about mouse feces dust.

And in my case, cancer is growing at injury sites.

There's so much that the docs don't know yet. Esp. about cancer.

Susan Wms, Su_Texas my opinions

"starfleet" <starfleet1960@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:45f54020$0$712$5fc3050@dreader2.news.tiscali. nl...
> Giuditta schreef:
>>
>> Here I go analyzing again instead of just taking a day at a time, but
>> that's so hard to do. I am hoping every day to see him stronger, some
>> sign that he's going to be okay. Am I living in some fantasy land?
>>
>> God bless,
>>
>> Giuditta
>>
>>
> I don't know Guiditta. I don't think your husband can be cured, but it is
> possible that the chemo did some good work and the tumors are reduced in
> size and his fatigue is from an overkill of chemo he had the past few
> months. You can't tell unless he has a scan to see what is going on
> inside. It is normal though that he still feels very tired and is
> exhausted. It took me about a month to recover a bit from the chemo and it
> didn't have such an impact on me as on Don. I always had good bloodcounts
> etc. and my cancer was in lymphnodes only at that time, not in vital
> organs. I guess you just have to wait until you hear what the oncologist
> has to say but I do hope Don recovers a bit and you can have some quality
> time together and enjoy the spring.
>
> All the best,
>
>
> Anne

Thanks, Anne.
He had his blood checked today, and there were low flags, more than I have
seen before except the WBC count wasn't quite as low. His platelet count was
very low, so the nurse showed it to the oncologist. He said if Don was doing
okay and not bleeding anywhere for him to go home, rest and be back on Wed.
for the procrit shot. He can't have it but once a week, and it's not due
yet.

He's weak and shaky but hanging in there. He's been craving salads and
fruit, so I went to the store and called the nurse on my way there because
Don wasn't with me, and I wanted to speak freely to her.

I asked her how long he could be weak from the chemo, and she said sometimes
people take a year or year and a half to get their strength back. I told her
that I was confused because his prognosis wasn't even that long. I also told
her that he wanted a huge salad and why couldn't he have one and enjoy life
a bit. She then tells me that he only had to stay away from foods like that
when his WBC count was so low...I'm thinking, why didn't you all tell us
that before now because it's not like I haven't asked.

I asked her about his prognosis again and if the chemo was for curing him or
giving him more time, and she suddenly had to get off the telephone, but she
did call me back later, I assume after speaking to the doctor.

We had a good conversation when she called me back, and she said that her
father was going through the same as Don except his lung cancer wasn't
extensive but that he had a prognosis of a year...his tumor is resting on
the aorta.

She said the ultimate goal was for the chemo to put the cancer in remission
but that I know Don's prognosis, too. She sounded sad and afraid to tell me
his chamces are slim, but then she also said not to give up hope because
every case is different.

A couple of questions she answered by not answering at all, and the
conversation ended with none of us know when our time comes to leave this
earth.

I told her that I didn't expect the doctor or her to be God but to be up
front with me about Don's condition even though I don't want to know yet
have to know because I'm a mom and have a teenager to cope with while he's
coping...plus the rest...I don't want to sound like I have no faith yet I
want to know what's possible also.

So, I just got Don lots of fruits and salad makings and came home and fixed
him all of it...I told the nurse that if he's not doing so well and has a
short prognosis, what the hell does it matter what he eats at this
point...even a convicted murderer gets a last meal of anything he/she
wants...

I'm not saying that this was Don's last meal, I'm just saying I want to see
him enjoy himself and it might even make him feel better...it seemed to and
it sure helped with the constipation...

So, I'm back to taking a day at a time and hoping and praying for a miracle
even though he is pale, weak and coughing his brains out. But every fiber of
my being is on alert and it sux.

Giuditta

"J W" <jonboy42@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:527-45F5950F-469@storefull-3256.bay.webtv.net...
> Scientists say we all have cancer in us, they just don't know what
> triggers it. The accepted doctrine is that it is most likely related to
> evironment, exposure to toxins or diet. We beleived Darwin's theory for
> dacades but science is poving him wrong. It was found some years ago
> that a previously unknown virus transmitted by mosquitos caused a
> catatonic state in many mental patients that was once thought to be a
> simple mental disorder. High doses of dopamine brought some out of this
> state temporarily. My point is there are simply many unknowns still.
> While we'd like to think it's not contagious, the truth is almost anyone
> who currently has cancer can most likely remember close contact with
> someone in our past who had cancer. While I don't think cancer in and of
> itself is transmitted or contagious, I do wonder if there is a yet
> unknown contagious virus that triggers the cancer cell mutation in
> somepeople perhaps with weakened immune systems.. They have concluded
> that cervical cancer is due to a virus so I don't think it a far stretch
> to assume they may all be related to a virus. That would explain why
> many families seem to be plagued with cancer. If it is in fact a virus
> that triggers or awakens the cancer then that could prove to be an even
> bigger hurdle since as we all know viruses tend to mutate, which could
> explain why cancer cells mutate if they are infected with a virus, and
> viruses are very hard to destroy.


That makes perfect sense. There are also some statistics on neighbors of
cancer victims having cancer...I don't remember the stats but in nursing
school I remember a lecture about that. I didn't complete RN school but
learned enough to be somewhat aware of some things but had forgotten the
lecture on cancer and what you are talking about...triggered my memory...

I guess he won't be holding the baby.

Thanks,
Giuditta

"redsurf" <redsurf@ix.netcom.nospamcom> wrote in message
news:s4nbv2peeo65jgd1tei3m84o2sqa7284c1@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 12 Mar 2007 06:16:46 -0500, "Giuditta"
> <jnotmarrs@giudiittaspeedworks.com> wrote:
>
>
>>
>>I don't voice my opinion to him or my fears about that. I just pray that
>>he's right. He says he feels stronger but still not up to even a short
>>walk.
>>Is this normal? I have offered to take him for rides, walk with him,
>>anything he wants, but he doesn't have the energy. Yesterday, taking a
>>shower exhausted him/
>>
>>So much of this is confusing to me. I assume that being on chemo six times
>>since November would wear one down, but should he be this weak still? It
>>worries me.
>>
>>I'm so scared that this weakness is from the cancer and that I'm losing my
>>best friend day by day. I want to feel more positive, but the doctor's
>>prognosis looms over me from November 7. He said with chemo that he would
>>have 8 to 12 months...then he got all wishy washy after the scan about the
>>prognosis...I've told you all about that already.
>>
>>Here I go analyzing again instead of just taking a day at a time, but
>>that's
>>so hard to do. I am hoping every day to see him stronger, some sign that
>>he's going to be okay. Am I living in some fantasy land?
>>
>>God bless,
>>
>>Giuditta
>
> Gieditta,
>
> Just wanted to jump in here with my own experience with chemo. I only
> (only!) went thru 4 rounds of chemo and really lost quite a bit of
> stamina from it. I had finished my last chemo in April of 2003. I
> went to a Springsteen concert in September of the same year and spent
> most of it in my seat (and thus, unable to see quite a bit of the
> action) mostly because I couldn't stand for all that long of a time.
> The following month I went to the Outer Banks (friends are the best!)
> and wasn't able to walk as much as I could in past years - just tired
> out too quickly. But slowly it came back. It'll take some time.
>
> As far as venting goes, vent on. You and yours are going thru a lot,
> you should be able to get it out of your system every now and then.
>
> And your new grandbaby sounds lovely.....
>
> Carla

Thanks, Carla. How are you doing now? It sounds like you have energy back so
that's good. Are you in remission or has the cancer disappeared? I hope so.

Someone called my husband today to see if he could play a concert in two
weeks, and he told them he'd let them know after today's dr. visit. There's
no way he could even walk up on a stage much less play a gig. When he turns
down a gig, I know he's sick and he hasn't played since November. I told him
to send our eighteen-year-old if they want a picker as good as he is, and
Don said, "No, he's better than I am." Cheyenne (our son) would be thrilled
to know his dad said that, and I'm going to tell him, but he plays a whole
different kind of music...but heck, he can still do it so I say why not...

Don says he will have to ease back into it as he gets energy, and I told him
there was no rush...so, we'll see what happens. He said that when he was
diagnosed that he figured he would have the chemo and be back at work in a
couple of weeks...he had no idea all this would happen.

Keep going to those concerts...support the musicians!

Giuditta

"Giuditta" <jnotmarrs@giudiittaspeedworks.com> wrote in message
news:HwpJh.89$zc6.477@eagle.america.net...
>
> "J W" <jonboy42@webtv.net> wrote in message
> news:527-45F5950F-469@storefull-3256.bay.webtv.net...
>> Scientists say we all have cancer in us, they just don't know what
>> triggers it. The accepted doctrine is that it is most likely related to
>> evironment, exposure to toxins or diet. We beleived Darwin's theory for
>> dacades but science is poving him wrong. It was found some years ago
>> that a previously unknown virus transmitted by mosquitos caused a
>> catatonic state in many mental patients that was once thought to be a
>> simple mental disorder. High doses of dopamine brought some out of this
>> state temporarily. My point is there are simply many unknowns still.
>> While we'd like to think it's not contagious, the truth is almost anyone
>> who currently has cancer can most likely remember close contact with
>> someone in our past who had cancer. While I don't think cancer in and of
>> itself is transmitted or contagious, I do wonder if there is a yet
>> unknown contagious virus that triggers the cancer cell mutation in
>> somepeople perhaps with weakened immune systems.. They have concluded
>> that cervical cancer is due to a virus so I don't think it a far stretch
>> to assume they may all be related to a virus. That would explain why
>> many families seem to be plagued with cancer. If it is in fact a virus
>> that triggers or awakens the cancer then that could prove to be an even
>> bigger hurdle since as we all know viruses tend to mutate, which could
>> explain why cancer cells mutate if they are infected with a virus, and
>> viruses are very hard to destroy.
>
>
> That makes perfect sense.

It's complete and utter nonsense

> I guess he won't be holding the baby.

And that would be a great shame

Giuditta schreef:
>
>
> That makes perfect sense. There are also some statistics on neighbors of
> cancer victims having cancer...I don't remember the stats but in nursing
> school I remember a lecture about that. I didn't complete RN school but
> learned enough to be somewhat aware of some things but had forgotten the
> lecture on cancer and what you are talking about...triggered my memory...
>
>
> Thanks,
> Giuditta
>
>
>
>
I believe in genetics and environnement: smoking air pollution etc. but
I really don't think all cancers are caused by an virus, though some
might lungcancer and what I have bladercancer isn't. Some are more
destined by their genes and constitution to have these types of cancer
than others that's it.
I think it's dangerous to promote ideas like cancer might be
contagious, it might bring us back to the old days when cancerpatients
were considered outcasts, better not be around them.

Anne

Giuditta schreef:
>
>
> I asked her how long he could be weak from the chemo, and she said sometimes
> people take a year or year and a half to get their strength back. I told her
> that I was confused because his prognosis wasn't even that long.

That might be true for full recovery, but it doesn't mean it's normal to
be as sick and tired as Don is now for a year and a half. Usually, if
there is no progression of disease people recover in about three to six
weeks in the way that they feel a lot better than while on chemo and are
able to stay awake more, go on an outing, feeling a bit better every day
etc. Of course this differs from person to person and has a lot to do
with attitude to along with how fast the body recovers from chemo, that
also depends on age and health otherwise.
>
> I asked her about his prognosis again and if the chemo was for curing him or
> giving him more time, and she suddenly had to get off the telephone, but she
> did call me back later, I assume after speaking to the doctor.
>
>
> I told her that I didn't expect the doctor or her to be God but to be up
> front with me about Don's condition even though I don't want to know yet
> have to know because I'm a mom and have a teenager to cope with while he's
> coping...plus the rest...I don't want to sound like I have no faith yet I
> want to know what's possible also.
>

Usually if you ask up front what the prognosis is they will tell you,
but frankly I never wanted a prognosis about how long I would survive
after chemo since I'm an individual and I wanted to take it a day, a
week maybe at a time. I still do.
>
> So, I'm back to taking a day at a time and hoping and praying for a miracle
> even though he is pale, weak and coughing his brains out. But every fiber of
> my being is on alert and it sux.
>
>
>
>
I think that's the only way to go, taking it one day at a time and
trying to make the most of today. Otherwise you forget to enjoy what you
have while worrying about the future and what might happen or not and
when. I really hope Don will be feeling a bit better today. I
understand it must be very, very hard to see your spouse suffer. Good
thing you bought him some fruit and salads, he'll enjoy that after such
a long time.

All the best, Anne

Steph wrote: It's complete and utter nonsense.
Response: And you cite what concrete scientific evidence to prove that
some if not all cancers could possibly be triggered by a virus????



Group: alt.support.cancer Date: Tue, Mar 13, 2007, 5:13am (EDT+4) From:
steph@vancouvers.island (Steph) wrote:

It's complete and utter nonsense



"Giuditta" <jnotmarrs@giudiittaspeedworks.com> wrote in message
news:HwpJh.89$zc6.477@eagle.america.net...
"J W" <jonboy42@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:527-45F5950F-469@storefull-3256.bay.webtv.net...
Scientists say we all have cancer in us, they just don't know what
triggers it. The accepted doctrine is that it is most likely related to
evironment, exposure to toxins or diet. We beleived Darwin's theory for
dacades but science is poving him wrong. It was found some years ago
that a previously unknown virus transmitted by mosquitos caused a
catatonic state in many mental patients that was once thought to be a
simple mental disorder. High doses of dopamine brought some out of this
state temporarily. My point is there are simply many unknowns still.
While we'd like to think it's not contagious, the truth is almost anyone
who currently has cancer can most likely remember close contact with
someone in our past who had cancer. While I don't think cancer in and of
itself is transmitted or contagious, I do wonder if there is a yet
unknown contagious virus that triggers the cancer cell mutation in
somepeople perhaps with weakened immune systems.. They have concluded
that cervical cancer is due to a virus so I don't think it a far stretch
to assume they may all be related to a virus. That would explain why
many families seem to be plagued with cancer. If it is in fact a virus
that triggers or awakens the cancer then that could prove to be an even
bigger hurdle since as we all know viruses tend to mutate, which could
explain why cancer cells mutate if they are infected with a virus, and
viruses are very hard to destroy.

"J W" <jonboy42@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:472-45F6B2F9-613@storefull-3254.bay.webtv.net...
> Steph wrote: It's complete and utter nonsense.
> Response: And you cite what concrete scientific evidence to prove that
> some if not all cancers could possibly be triggered by a virus????
>
>
>


Can you post any that suggests cancer is contagious, top-posting webtv boy?

"Steph" <steph@vancouvers.island> wrote in message
news:7qqJh.15608$DN.2132@pd7urf2no...
>
> "Giuditta" <jnotmarrs@giudiittaspeedworks.com> wrote in message
> news:HwpJh.89$zc6.477@eagle.america.net...
>>
>> "J W" <jonboy42@webtv.net> wrote in message
>> news:527-45F5950F-469@storefull-3256.bay.webtv.net...
>>> Scientists say we all have cancer in us, they just don't know what
>>> triggers it. The accepted doctrine is that it is most likely related to
>>> evironment, exposure to toxins or diet. We beleived Darwin's theory for
>>> dacades but science is poving him wrong. It was found some years ago
>>> that a previously unknown virus transmitted by mosquitos caused a
>>> catatonic state in many mental patients that was once thought to be a
>>> simple mental disorder. High doses of dopamine brought some out of this
>>> state temporarily. My point is there are simply many unknowns still.
>>> While we'd like to think it's not contagious, the truth is almost anyone
>>> who currently has cancer can most likely remember close contact with
>>> someone in our past who had cancer. While I don't think cancer in and of
>>> itself is transmitted or contagious, I do wonder if there is a yet
>>> unknown contagious virus that triggers the cancer cell mutation in
>>> somepeople perhaps with weakened immune systems.. They have concluded
>>> that cervical cancer is due to a virus so I don't think it a far stretch
>>> to assume they may all be related to a virus. That would explain why
>>> many families seem to be plagued with cancer. If it is in fact a virus
>>> that triggers or awakens the cancer then that could prove to be an even
>>> bigger hurdle since as we all know viruses tend to mutate, which could
>>> explain why cancer cells mutate if they are infected with a virus, and
>>> viruses are very hard to destroy.
>>
>>
>> That makes perfect sense.
>
> It's complete and utter nonsense
>
>> I guess he won't be holding the baby.
>
> And that would be a great shame
I know...his choice.

G

"starfleet" <starfleet1960@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:45f66d4a$0$721$5fc3050@dreader2.news.tiscali. nl...
> Giuditta schreef:
>>
>>
>> I asked her how long he could be weak from the chemo, and she said
>> sometimes people take a year or year and a half to get their strength
>> back. I told her that I was confused because his prognosis wasn't even
>> that long.
>
> That might be true for full recovery, but it doesn't mean it's normal to
> be as sick and tired as Don is now for a year and a half. Usually, if
> there is no progression of disease people recover in about three to six
> weeks in the way that they feel a lot better than while on chemo and are
> able to stay awake more, go on an outing, feeling a bit better every day
> etc. Of course this differs from person to person and has a lot to do with
> attitude to along with how fast the body recovers from chemo, that also
> depends on age and health otherwise.
>>
>> I asked her about his prognosis again and if the chemo was for curing him
>> or giving him more time, and she suddenly had to get off the telephone,
>> but she did call me back later, I assume after speaking to the doctor.
>>
>>
>> I told her that I didn't expect the doctor or her to be God but to be up
>> front with me about Don's condition even though I don't want to know yet
>> have to know because I'm a mom and have a teenager to cope with while
>> he's coping...plus the rest...I don't want to sound like I have no faith
>> yet I want to know what's possible also.
>>
>
> Usually if you ask up front what the prognosis is they will tell you, but
> frankly I never wanted a prognosis about how long I would survive after
> chemo since I'm an individual and I wanted to take it a day, a week maybe
> at a time. I still do.
>>
>> So, I'm back to taking a day at a time and hoping and praying for a
>> miracle even though he is pale, weak and coughing his brains out. But
>> every fiber of my being is on alert and it sux.
>>
>>
>>
>>
> I think that's the only way to go, taking it one day at a time and trying
> to make the most of today. Otherwise you forget to enjoy what you have
> while worrying about the future and what might happen or not and when. I
> really hope Don will be feeling a bit better today. I understand it must
> be very, very hard to see your spouse suffer. Good thing you bought him
> some fruit and salads, he'll enjoy that after such a long time.
>
> All the best, Anne

He did enjoy it ... a lot.

Thanks!

G

I never said it was a fact that cancer could be triggered by a virus.
Nor did I say it was a virus that could be spread from person to person.
If it is a virus at all at least partialy responsible it is also
possible that it could be transfered by means other than simple
breathing or close proximity such as ingesting or sexual promiscuity.
What said was that since it has now been proven that at least one kind
of cancer (cervical cancer) is directly unequivicably linked to a virus,
that to me it's not that far a stretch of the imagination to perhaps
correctly or incorrectly assume that all cancers may be triggered by
some sort of virus. The validity or invalidity of that is as yet to be
proven. This virus may have been here since the dawn of man, it may be a
type of natural population control. We all have cancers lying dormant in
our bodies. Why are they there? What triggers or awakens them, No one
knows for sure. Scientists are at this point purely speculating and
taking educated guesses as to what truly awakens the beast. I'm not
promoting the idea, I merely stated a possiblility, one possibility out
of 1000s. Scientists have said cancer can be caused by such things as
pollution, asbestos, smoking, drinking, incorrect diet, chemicals in our
food and so on and so on. Why is it easier to believe those ideas than
to believe it may be triggered by a virus? It's because those things we
can have at least some degree of control over, we can if educated and
willing to make sacrifices and lifestyle changes limit our exposure to
those things so we feel that we have some power (albeit limited) but
nonetheless power over the beast. A virus heaven forbid would mean that
it's something that is potentialy completely out of our control and we
would then be soley at the mercy of no more that simple statistics
(being in the wrong place at the wrong time.) and that's a thought most
have a tough time wrapping their minds around.. Judging from the rampant
and in some countries pandemic spread of another dread disease (aids)
I'd say that perhaps going back to the days when people were ill with a
known contagious disease not only did people avoid them but the victems
themselves were not selfish self indulgent people such as today and they
themselves made efforts to limit their exposure to others. The ease at
which we simply accept and freely interact with people who are afflicted
with deadly diseases because we don't want to hurt their feelings or
encroach on their rights frankly frightens me. Because of such behavior
if a pandemic such as the bird flu ever does hit here, we would
undoubtedly suffer huge casualties. I have cancer, right now there is
no proof that it is triggered by a virus but I do have that possibility
always in the back of my mind and out of respect for human life other
than my own I am concious of close or intimate contact. If it is ever
proven in my lifetime then I would take whatever means were necessary to
segregate myself from such contact to prevent the spread. If I did not
take such steps I would expect society/govt. to step in for the good of
all and take those steps for me.


Group: alt.support.cancer Date: Tue, Mar 13, 2007, 10:05am (EDT+5) From:
starfleet1960@hotmail.com (starfleet) wrote:

I think it's dangerous to promote ideas like cancer might be contagious,
it might bring us back to the old days when cancerpatients were
considered outcasts, better not be around them.
Anne

I already have sir, cervical cancer. Howsabout you try keepin yer flap
shut