What does the word Cancer mean? Is it just a simple word?

You are in my thoughts and prayers today. Sending you positive energy and much eeeaaase.

@alamogal635 - I can imagine how you feel this AM so I wont ask. Just want you to know that I'm thinking of you and hoping that your recovery is swift and that you will be back with us soon! Ask any questions that you have, when you are able. I'm here even if you want to cry, rant, whatever.

Please update on how you are doing post surgery as soon as you are able!

I received a terminal prognosis within a year. Cancer has meant intense fear and treasuring of each day.

Dear God, I have no idea how I'd face that diagnosis. I think you are strong to acknowledge the fear as well as live each day as it is given you. I will keep you in my prayers. Thank heavens for this group--it offers a great deal of support for all of our situations.

Hello @lbern I am sorry to read of your prognosis. I appreciate how you defined cancer for yourself. Definitely many different aspects to this terrible disease.

I remember how drastically our lives changed the day my wife was told her diagnosis of brain cancer. It not only rocked, but completely changed, her world along with the world of each member of our family.

Cancer can mean so many different things, especially since each person, each tumor, each situation is unique. Cancer is definitely not a 'one size fits all' disease for sure!

While she fought every day, cancer, to her, also meant many losses, isolation, anxieties, and significant debt.

I hope all goes as well as can be hoped for you.
Stength, courage, and peace!

thank you to all replies to me, I feel a kinship with those that have gone before me and hope to gather strength from honest recounting of what it's like to slowly (or maybe not so slowly) deteriorate. I realize it's not the way many others would want to spend their lives, I do my best to enjoy each day, but I cannot avoid that time clock is always ticking in my head. I feel so much to do to help and prepare my family who always leaned on me and so little time left!

I hear you again @lbern The best thing my wife did, while she was declining, was to put everything in writing! We rewrote our wills and estate plans, got all the advance directives, HIPPA, living will, POAs (legal and medical), her last wishes, etc. It made a huge difference to me and an even larger, positive impact on our grown children.

Hope your day goes well and the sun shines wherever you are!

@lbern- I am awed by your words and how you are living your life now despite your prognosis. Everyone who has had a cancer diagnosis has feared being told what you had to hear. Reading it certainly has jolted me into thinking that I haven't treasured everyday enough. I like this better than being thankful. I am a 23 year 4 time lung cancer survivor.
I wish that this wasn't happening to you. I can't imagine the fear that you have right now. What can I say to help? What do you want to hear from us to help you? There are many wonderful organizations that can help you at this stage. Hospice is one such organization that I have had experience with. One was for my mother and one was for my twin sister. They are wonderful.
Are you in pain? Are your medicines enough to help you breathe and function at all? Do you have help?

My mentor has told me that it is import for one to write one's own obituary. We are the only ones who can tell our "story" in a way precious to us. Whether we know we are near, or far from death, we really never know when that time will come. One thing is certain is that it will come. Whatever support I can give you, please let me know. I will do what I can to see you through this. Anther thing I try and let go of is the concept in our minds of time. I am feeling for you and once had a lot of family obligations as you still do. That is a burden that you must let go and which your family must pick up for themselves. It isn't easy, but can be done. Right now you have the time to tie up loose ends and once that is finished you can take care of yourself int he best way you know how. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you. What a fine person you are.