Tough start to the New Year.

[jyl]

I learned last night that a good friend has pancreatic cancer. He is 84 and deteriorating very fast. I don't think he will survive into February. In Oregon we have "Death with Dignity". A terminally ill person can get a euthanasia pill, after a 15 day waiting period, to administer to him or herself at a time of his/her choosing. My friend has started the waiting period. I'm not convinced he will live for the 15 day waiting period.

And my wife's cousin has a young child with pediatric leukemia, the first treatment failed and he is getting a bone marrow transplant now. The cousin's father has pneumonia that progressed to sepsis, he is in the hospital with a 50% chance of survival.

Tough start to the New Year.

Be thankful for your life and don't take anything or anyone for granted.

[flatbutt]

Damn....I have no words bro....but do take of yourself.

[ckelly78z]

A good friend of mine that I worked with a few years back choked on a piece of meat during a Thanksgiving meal and had to go to the hospital to dislodge it. While there, they detected a mass that turned out to be Pancreatic cancer. He went from being a busy, fit, father and husband to an absolute shell of himself in a couple months and we buried him on St Patricks day.

It is a ruthless disease, that dosen't take age, sex, or fitness into consideration, I hope your friend can come to terms with all of the family and emotions involved with his short time left.

I myself am a 3 time cancer survivor of Hodgkins disease and just finished maintenance chemo last month, but have fought it off well with chemo, and radiation. I can't imagine something so aggressive to take life so quick like pancreatic does. Prayers to yours and his families.

[livi]

Sorry. That is awful. My uncle was a really strong man. Got pancreatic cancer. Skin and bone in Three months. Died in five.

[masraum]

Well, if you've got to get cancer, I want one that does the job in very short order rather than dragging things out.

I'm sorry for you and your friends.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Very sorry to hear. I wish there were an easier way - PC is nasty and I hope he doesn't suffer while he waits... And waits... And waits...

[Rot 911]

That is definitely some very tough news. However, at least he is in a state where he can die with some dignity intact.

[jyl]

If the fifteen day waiting period for the Death With Dignity program ends in time for him, he will die at a time of his choosing, before the real pain and incapacitation. I am worried he will deteriorate more quickly than that. The patient has to administer the fatal pill to himself. In the terminal stage of pancreatic cancer, and of other cancers I suppose, your body does not function well enough to digest a pill.

[unclebilly]

I lost a friend and one of the best fabricators in the world to PC about 5 years ago. He deteriorated very quickly.

Sorry about your luck so far in '15.

[sc_rufctr]

That is a tough start... I hope the rest of your year is only better.

Prayers for suffering.

[aigel]

Sorry to hear of all the suffering and thanks for reminding us to be happy every day we have our and our family's health.

A 15 day wait for help is a long time. I would imagine many terminally ill only realize how sick they are and give up hope very late in the process.

G

[pc100porsche]

Sorry to hear about your friend.
A client of mine had 1/2 her Pancreas removed last year and beat it .. from the sound of the above she is luckier than I realised.
I hope your friend gets thru the 15 days.

[Rusty Heap]

1000 days ago, my mom was given a 5% chance of living to 700 days due to brain cancer and a tumor was removed but 100% of the time grows back.


sobering reality check.

highly suggested, Everyone get your Will prepared and Power of Atty arranged for financial / Medical act taken care of for those around you NOW.


sucks, but that how some check out. Dad got lucky, heart attack in the middle of his nights sleep. 2+ years of Mom fighting brain cancer slowly vegging out I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemies.

[recycled sixtie]

My fil passed away age 98 April of 2014. My bro in law passed away age 68 of prostate cancer a month ago and my other other bro in law had colon cancer diagnosed 6 months ago age 75. He is due for resectioning if his scan is clear.

A lot of cancer can be prevented with prostate exams and colonoscopies for example. As my neighbour says they are thinning the rows. Life is special and precious.

Guy

[Rusty Heap]

My wife's grandpa recently passed at 100 1/2.


the stories he could tell.