My best friend was just diagnosed with cervical cancer. I haven't been around here much because I've been so worried over it, and I don't know what to do. I feel like I don't have anyone to turn to, because I always went to her when something was bothering me, but I know I have to be strong and positive and optimistic for her. I'm just so worried. On top of it all, I just found out that my dad has to have a cyst removed from his back, which his doctor says could be cancerous, too. They haven't done a biopsy yet, they're just going to remove it, but I'm terrified that two of the people I love most in the world are going to be very sick. To everyone that has sent me a postcard, thank you so much. Each one of them has made me smile and been a little pick-me-up (God knows I need it lately!). Thanks so much, and I'll send you guys your own as soon as I get a chance.

If anyone has had to deal with a situation like that, I'd really appreciate some advice on how to handle it, I'm just trying to be a good friend.
[Edited 9/16/04 19:02pm]

im so sorry for everything thats going on around you - my prayers go out to your friend and your father

OMG I'm so sorry to hear this.

no matter what your spiritual beliefs are

prayer is good &

meditation

remember to take each day as it comes ... and as a gift

dont get caught in the "fear"

take breaks away to gain composure & treat yourself well

you'll need your strength to help out in anyway you can

peace to you

Mach

Mach gave some really good advice.

I hope both of your loved ones recover quickly.

I'm so sorry dear.

I'm sorry Roper

Be strong, but know dat it is okay to cry too. I'm so sorry 2 hear dis.

The sad thing about life is sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better.

I hope the good comes to you sooner than anything.

Try to listen to some relaxing music if you can-maybe get a pen and paper and just write how you're feeling/thinking-getting onto paper and out of you some can help.

Hang in there and my best to your friend and dad.

My mom was diagnosed 6 years ago and at the time they said she had 6 weeks, it about killed me. In fact, it's supposedly in remission right now but I've heard that before.

Your friend has to realize the power of a good attitude and keeping a sense of humor. It really is criticle from what I've experienced. Not giving up and not taking for granted the power of laughter everyday. It sounds basic but I attribute that to how my mom keeps it at bay, staying positive.

As far as doctors, get more than one opinion and don't be afraid to try the latest drugs. Every doctor is different and if I ever see the one when my mom was diagnosed (with the bed-side manner of a semi-truck), I would smack him. There's still a lot they don't know about cancer and if they act like they know everything, find another one.

Chemo, radiation and the people that are surrounding tese things are negative and bad. I mean, you're injectng poison into your system and hair is falling out. This affects self esteem and creates depression. Your friend needs the support and prayers of everyone around her. Fighting the urge to feel sorry for yourself and not giving up, that's it.


This is all the advice I can give from going through the ups and downs for the last 6 years.

for your friend and you

co- and

I'm sorry, hun...

Have strength, and know that I'm here if you need to talk...you know how good of a listener I am..*smile*

For your friend...and for your father...and for you.

My dad went through the same thing recently....he had one of his Kidney's removed because of a growth.....I know how you are feeling orgnote me if you need to talk sweetie

My advice is keep positive especially when at the early stages, there is so much that can be done. Many many times these things turn out not to be as bad as we expect them to be. Cancer is a scary word but it is NOT always so bad as we expect. If your dad really has a "cyst" then it wont be cancer, they are VERY different, in fact the diagnosis of a cyst almost proves it's not cancer. If your friend really has been diagnosed with cervical cancer then the stage and grade of the disease can affect what happens next. The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the more treatable cancers. If you want to talk a bit more or give me details then I can give you a bit more info. Orgnote me.

so sorry to read this honey but to make you feel more optimistic

my mom had cervical cancer when i was a baby, she was only 22 and made a full recovery, she is fine and it has been 24 years ago now.

postive thought does the world of good



chin up
[Edited 9/17/04 1:54am]

I am so sorry to hear this - keep strong for her

lollyp0p said:

Thats what I'm sayin - great example Lolly

PREDOMINANT said:

And when my Dad was 36 he had bowel cancer, they cut out about 6 feet of intestinal growth, but that was 22 yeas ago and he is fine!
[Edited 9/17/04 2:23am]

My nephew died in February of cancer.

If you need to talk VelvetRoper please feel free to orgnote me..

Prayers, and white light to your friend, and father..

I'm so sorry. I hope you overcome this terrible time with strength.

for you

I'm sorry to hear this Velvet

sag10 said:

I remember..

Cysts generally arent anything to be worried about. People have them removed all the time. I had one removed from my chest several years ago, the doctor did it right in the office, it was a quick and simple procedure.

I hope everything goes well with your friend. My cousin, who is my age, was just diagnosed with the same thing. And I just lost another friend to cancer earlier this month.

Don't be so down about it all. Sometimes it can hurt the person more to see their friends suffer right along with them. As long as youre there for her as a friend to cheer her up, thats prob the best thing you could do for her.

Oh darlin, that's so sad.
I can only advice you, be there for her. Stay positive, many people make it. Don't give her up before the doctors do and even than don't.
My best friends little boy had leukemia, it took two long horrible years, but he's OK now and it looks like he's gonna stay fine.
I work for cancer re surge since recently and I can tell you I hear more success stories than bad ones.
Just talk to her about your emotions, be open and don't be scared you hurt her. Not being there emotionally hurts even more than saying painful things. Help her fight it, don't be afraid of her emotions and of your own.
Hope this helps.