Prayers needed...Sore hip=cancer

[predator]

This is tough but I wanted to share. I've been having hip pain since the 1st of November, nothing severe, just a deep ache. Being 52 year old, I figured too many uncomforable treestands, deer camp matresses and duck blind benches. I get it about every year on the side where I carry my billfold.

I had a routine followup with my Doctor the first week of December on another matter and mentioned my hip to him. Thankfully he followed up rather than just give me some pain medicine. First bad news-pelvic lesion, second bad news-malignant, third bad news-secondary cancer, started somewhere else, and finally, confirmed this week-lung cancer, both incurable and inoperable. I have no other symptoms other than a sore hip and I quit smoking 10 years ago so I thought I was out of the woods.

I have been overwelmed by the thoughts and prayers I've already recieved from my family, friends, churches, business associates and my community as a whole. Prayers have already been answered in that the last news I've recieved is that my cancer is not as aggressive as some and most of the time responds well to chemo so I should have a few years rather than a few months. Given my age and the fact that I'm in otherwise good health, missed fewer than 5 days due to illness in the past 30 years, they are probably going to "light me up" with chemo. I'll have to watch taking a leak in the woods as not to start a fire!! j/k.I've heard many cancer survivor stories over the past couple of weeks with many having longer odds than I've got and beat it. My wife just got a clean bill after 2 years of battling breast cancer, so I know it can be done.

I have made many friends on this forum, some I've met and some I haven't, and I want to tell some of you hard-heads to get a check-up every once in a while and for those of you I've offended over the years, I apologize and meant nothing personal. I think I have tempered my posts over the past couple of years and will continue to do so, but when I go deer hunting, I'll still like to have at least a reasonabe chance at seeing a deer. I realize more than ever that each day is a gift and not a given and will post with that in mind.

I've always appreciated my time outdoors and have hundreds of pics to show for it. My son and I was talking coming back from Arkansas last week and I don't have a "bucket list", yes, there are things that I'd still like to do, and am going to do, but faith, family and friends mean the most to me right now.

Good luck and good hunting

Keith

 

[pentail]

Keith

I don't know what to say. I am praying for you,be strong. If you need anything at all, you know where I am and you have my number. I will do anything I can to help out, just give me a call

 

[Wildcat]

I'll be praying for you.

I lost my father to prostate cancer then less than 5 years later they found the same thing in me. I went to radiation treatement and so far I'be been cancer free for 5 years now. Yes it can be done. I also told my story on here and other forums in the hope others will get themselves checked.

Hang in there, people do beat the odds.

 

[dray223]

For what its worth, im verry sorry to hear that and i will keep you in my prayers. Stay strong and positive!

 

[forddeerslayer]

keep us updated and me and my family will be praying for you. keep postive and speak the best for yourself!

 

[BadDuck]

WOW! I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

 

[lab]

That is crushing to hear Keith. I have experienced cancer several times through family members. Several people think that when they hear the word cancer, the end as they know it is near. That is not true. Keep a positive head on your shoulders, and keep reminding yourself that you are going to beat this thing. We will be praying for you buddy.

 

[philipfleek]

I'll send some up for you. and like the others have said be positive - it can be beat.

 

[buckfever]

Keith:

Like Pentail, I don't know what to say, except that I'm in shock and truly sorry to hear that.

I know that you and your family are afraid, but DON'T stop fighting. I've had both chemo and radiation for cancer, so I have some understanding of your situation and what you're going to have to go through. It ain't easy, but you can do it.

Even if there isn't a "curative" treatment right now, miraculous breakthroughs are taking place, literally, every day. For example (and even though this isn't really cancer related), they recently discovered strong antibodies that scientists believe will pave the way to an AIDS vaccine.

http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20100709/antibodies-discovery-may-pave-way-to-aids-vaccine

In May, the FDA approved a new immunotherapy technique to battle prostate cancer. Excellent trial and foreign country results without chemo/radiation associated secondary problems.

http://www.stanforddaily.com/2010/05/04/new-cancer-treatment-approved-by-fda/

New advances were made this year in treating leukemia and lymphomas (which is what I had).

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-02/ttgr-nct022610.php

More to your concern, there are new treatments showing promise for lung cancer. Here are a few. . . .

http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-10-people-specific-kind-lung-cancer.html

http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-11-treatment-lung-cancer.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyl...breakthroughs_and_treatments_offer_new_h.html


It doesn't necessarily sound like you've already committed to a treatment plan with a particular oncologist. I would urge you to go see an oncologist that specializes in your particular cell type.

When I was diagnosed, my oncologist urged me to get a second opinion and got me in to see some lymphoma specialists at Sloane-Kettering. They're recommendations mirrored his, so I knew I was receiving the best cutting edge technology available.

Here's a cut/paste regarding "best" lung cancer hospitals. . . .

There are several organizations that publish rankings of hospitals. According to U.S. News & World Report, the top five cancer hospitals are: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, Houston; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York; Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore; Mayo Clinic, Rochester; and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston. Multidisciplinary lung cancer care teams will be available at each of these locations, as well as at other nationally ranked cancer centers.

Read more: The Best Hospitals for Lung Cancer Treatment | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5340436_hospitals-lung-cancer-treatment.html#ixzz19cS23gn1


I'd also hit the internet and look for promising lung cancer techniques overseas. If they've developed some treatment in Sweden that has a 70% remission rate and has been already been approved in Europe, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be offered that treatment in the U.S. The FDA is notoriously slow in approving cancer treatments, and with your life at stake, you damned sure know about any and all prospective treatments that might be beneficial but are simply bogged down in the FDA bureaucratic machinery.

If there's anything I can do for you, just let me know. I'll be thinking about and praying for you, buddy.

 

[GSP]

Keith,
As others, I do not know what to say. I've always enjoyed talking with you and consider myself fortunate to be able to call you a friend.
I know you are a fighter and I am sure you will. Please call me if there is any thing I can do. Even if you just need to talk or wring someone's ear, I have two big ones.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick

 

[westkybanded]

Take what bf says to heart. LOTS of folks are having success with some of these fringe treatments. Keep your head up, don't be afraid to live a lot, and try your best to laugh!

I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts. Keep us informed, even when it's not the best news.

 

[Double B]

Predator, although I haven't met you I'm sure we, like so many others on here, share a common bond and kinship. I and these others will be thinking of you and praying on your behalf. You are Not alone and you need to lean on family friends and the Lord to get you through this troublesome time. God bless you and your family to be strong.

 

[danny99]

Very sorry to hear that, like everyone else very shocked and dont know what to say. You will be in my prayers, you need anything you know were to find me.
I want to think you for being a good person to me and my family.
Danny

 

[Feedman]

Very sorry to hear the news. You and your family will be in our thoughts. Please keep us updated on how things are going.

 

[maxcam]

Keith,

I love ya brother and Ill start with you every night when I hit my knees....... Stay strong and you will beat this thing.....