Advice from a long, long time ago

Well back in 1981, I was told I had cancer the first time (and stop trying to figure out how old I am - I am 37 this year, I will be 37 next year, and was 37 last year.). I was the good patient. I went to see my doctors and had all the fun tests after surgery and learned to take my thyroid pills regularly (except today when I cant remember if I took it or not - most aggravating).

Then all of a sudden my doctor said 'You should be fine. Live a healthy life style, don't take risks, each right, and get plenty of sleep'. WHAT????? But I'm still in college. I don't want to live a healthy life style. I want to go to bars, dance to live music, stay out late, eat dessert for breakfast and breakfast for dinner and live on beer, coffee, and TAB (remember TAB?)

So after ruminating on this comprehensive advice for a few months, I decided that although I had been told I had cancer and would have a life of being dependent on a little bottle of pills, I was going to live my life on my terms. I wasn't necessarily going to play in traffic but I was going to do what I wanted.

I did do things like 18 months after cancer treatment, I went to Europe for six months to study. I survived that - being away from doctors and living my life as I wanted. I finished college, got a real job, started a career, and all that. I didn't implode. I had fun. And I am still here.

I may have had cancer again and my health may not be so great in a lot of ways, but I'm doing what I want for the most part and having fun. I don't think a cancer diagnosis, or two, should take all the fun out of life.

So my advice for the post cancer life is do what you want, don't play in traffic, and have fun.

Advice from a long, long time ago

Well back in 1981, I was told I had cancer the first time (and stop trying to figure out how old I am - I am 37 this year, I will be 37 next year, and was 37 last year.). I was the good patient. I went to see my doctors and had all the fun tests after surgery and learned to take my thyroid pills regularly (except today when I cant remember if I took it or not - most aggravating).

Then all of a sudden my doctor said 'You should be fine. Live a healthy life style, don't take risks, each right, and get plenty of sleep'. WHAT????? But I'm still in college. I don't want to live a healthy life style. I want to go to bars, dance to live music, stay out late, eat dessert for breakfast and breakfast for dinner and live on beer, coffee, and TAB (remember TAB?)

So after ruminating on this comprehensive advice for a few months, I decided that although I had been told I had cancer and would have a life of being dependent on a little bottle of pills, I was going to live my life on my terms. I wasn't necessarily going to play in traffic but I was going to do what I wanted.

I did do things like 18 months after cancer treatment, I went to Europe for six months to study. I survived that - being away from doctors and living my life as I wanted. I finished college, got a real job, started a career, and all that. I didn't implode. I had fun. And I am still here.

I may have had cancer again and my health may not be so great in a lot of ways, but I'm doing what I want for the most part and having fun. I don't think a cancer diagnosis, or two, should take all the fun out of life.

So my advice for the post cancer life is do what you want, don't play in traffic, and have fun.

LAME advice from an oncologist on breast cancer

I believe this article was originally an announcement of a new doctor at a teaching hospital in Houston. But was later retitled "Oncologist advises what to do when after breast cancer diagnosis"

It is very LAME advice. I actually do not consider it advice, may be on a very basic level.

“My advice for any woman who suspects she may have cancer is that she ought not delay seeking treatment, even though it can be very scary and anxiety-producing,” she said. “My advice for newly-diagnosed patients is to bring one other person to your visit. It is very helpful to have extra eyes and ears to help you remember what is discussed. A breast cancer diagnosis is often urgent, but not emergent. That means that you can obtain a second opinion if you feel like you need one. If something is not clear, it is OK to ask.”

Let me add, she is 40 and obviously never had breast cancer. She should not be in the advice giving department at this level. And what the hell does 'emergent' mean to a breast cancer patient anyway? Is it going to emerge from her skin if she takes too long?

I'm sorry. I have read lots of good advice from all types of doctors and this just is not in that category.