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Has anyone refused treatment after being diagnosed?
Bladder Cancer | Last Active: Oct 11 3:00pm | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
Hello @kjr11
With all due respect, I think perhaps you have misconstrued the replies and good intentions of those who responded.
Since joining this group a year ago, I have found the members possess a high degree of sympatico, understanding and empathy. Their responses to you represented concern and awareness of the seriousness of your diagnosis and was meant in the spirit of helping, not lecturing. I surely would have appreciated such forthrightness and may I suggest you rationally consider what ultimately would be to your benefit and add some thought as to what knowledgeable physicians recommend.
Do you have the kind of insurance which would permit you to have the suggested treatment? If not, is this one of the reasons why you have decided not to proceed?
I am happy to hear you are presently feeling well and fit. I agree that very often the body does possess the ability to heal itself. However, as you must realize - not in all cases. A healthy dose of knowledge about both body and illness goes a long way in clarifying our beliefs.
Please, this is a not a lecture. I do not know you and yet we have a commonality in that we have found this support group - so in a sense, it seems we are both seeking feedback and/or advice in some way.
I sincerely wish that you are comfortable with any choice you make. However, while you can strengthen your body in various ways - the reality is that tumor/tumors are present and are extraordinarily unlikely to disappear on their own.
Sending my best wishes,
Barbara
Replies to "Hello @kjr11 With all due respect, I think perhaps you have misconstrued the replies and good..."
@deidre77 With all due respect, I did not ask for advice, if I had, I would have titled the subject: "So, what do you all think about refusing traditional bladder cancer treatment?" (I do not say that in a snarky way.) I merely posed a simple question, told my story, hoping I would not be harshly judged (and admonished that I was 'playing with fire!')
To answer your question regarding insurance -- I am on Medicare and have very limited extra money to feed the medical system. But that is not my primary reason for not opting for bladder removal and years of futile ongoing treatment.
Not to be defensive, but I did not make this decision blindly in a vacuum. (In response to your comment: 'A healthy dose of knowledge about both body and illness goes a long way in clarifying our beliefs'.) Instead of rushing into a medical situation I felt pressured to make back in June, I have spent the past 4 months not only healing my body, but researching my options, choosing what I feel most comfortable with, reading up on current findings and alternative cancer solutions. In general, keeping an open mind and making informed decisions. That's not to say, I won't change my mind in the near future.
I'm not discouraging anyone to make the same decisions I've made so far, nor am I giving medical advice, or shaming people for their decisions. Far from it. That is not why I'm on this forum right now. I'm not even asking for support, but it is appreciated. My curious mind was just wondering if there were others experiencing anything similar to mine. But thank you for your gentle response, Barbara. You seem like a kind person.
@deidre77
Replaying to your question. I do not know of anyone with similar experience such as yours. All of the ones I know, including myself, or undergoing or have gone through some type of bladder cancer medical treatment. Your decision your life. Wish you the best my friend.
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@deidre77
Beautifully said, Barbara!
Thank you.