Cancer Awareness

[Captain Smollett]

Within the past two weeks, I have learned of the death of a good friend's wife and at least two new diagnoses of cancer among acquaintances.

My father and grandfather died of cancer.

We ALL know someone effected by cancer.  Several members of this site have felt it's effects acutely.

PLEASE take a moment, if you can afford it, to make a donation to the cancer charity of your choice.  In this, we all sail on the same ship.

Thank-you.

[Leroy - Gulf 29]

Boy, isn't that the truth  :(  MC went through it (seven years cancer free).  Alex's (my son) mom lost her battle with it last May.

[AdriftAtSea]

Yes, cancer has affected many of us.  My boat is named for my late wife, who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer seven years ago.  You can read about her and what we went through a bit here.

[CapnK]

Good sentiments, Grog.  :)

[BobW]

Sometimes it hits closer to home...

On December 21, the dermatologist removed a melanoma from my chest.  A week from this Friday, a surgeon will be removing a larger area around the original incision  (just to make sure we got it), and a lymph node (we'll biopsy it to make sure the cancer hasn't reached the lymph nodes).

If the biopsy is positive for cancer, I'll have at least one more surgery to remove the remaining lymph nodes, and will probably have to have radiation therapy.

If the biopsy is negative, I'll be done with surgical procedures but will get quarterly check-ups with the dermatologist.

I am definitely more aware of cancer than I was even 2 months ago.

[Captain Smollett]

Sometimes it hits closer to home...

On December 21, the dermatologist removed a melanoma from my chest.  A week from this Friday, a surgeon will be removing a larger area around the original incision  (just to make sure we got it), and a lymph node (we'll biopsy it to make sure the cancer hasn't reached the lymph nodes).

If the biopsy is positive for cancer, I'll have at least one more surgery to remove the remaining lymph nodes, and will probably have to have radiation therapy.

If the biopsy is negative, I'll be done with surgical procedures but will get quarterly check-ups with the dermatologist.

I am definitely more aware of cancer than I was even 2 months ago.

Wow, Bob.  We'll be keeping you in our prayers on that biopsy.

[BobW]

Good news!  There was no sign of cancer in the lymph node, and there was no trace of the melanoma in the wide excision the surgeon removed.

While I am very grateful for these results, this entire episode has made me much more aware of cancer than I was before.

[AdriftAtSea]

Glad to hear it. :) 

[Zen]

Congrats!!  ;)

[s/v Faith]

Good news!  There was no sign of cancer in the lymph node, and there was no trace of the melanoma in the wide excision the surgeon removed.

While I am very grateful for these results, this entire episode has made me much more aware of cancer than I was before.

  Glad to hear it Bob. Here is some grog to celebrate with.

[CharlieJ]

Bob- that's great. I'm so very glad to read the news.

[skylark]

thumbs up

[Captain Smollett]

Congrats, Bob.  I've been thinking about you and wonderin' about that test. Saw your post over at TSBB and let out a huge sigh of relief.

[BobW]

Thanks everyone for the good thoughts!