Cancer triggers

Tina Brown

This subject is a particular interest to me. I am utterly convinced that unrelated factors which happened to me triggered off my cancer. Many of you will know me on here. I have PPC.

1. A year before my diagnosis I suffered a breakdown. My mum died and a relationship I was having (he can only be described as the love of my life and my soul mate) ended quite abruptly. Thus the breakdown. The heartache I experienced was so intense I can not find any words that suitably can describe it. They talk about "heartbreak" I now know exactly what is meant by that because I used to get a physical pain inside of me as I was trying to get over the break up.

2. 2 months before my diagnosis I went into hospital for a gynae operation to repair a prolapse. When the surgeon came to see me after the operation she said "I gave your uterus a little tug to make sure it was secure and I didn't need to do a full hysterectomy" As it happens my uterus was secure and intact.

Now I am no oncologist, but if my immense grief and stress triggered off my cancer, then the "little tug" could quite easily have disturbed the cancer cells that were in my pelvic area and sent them off around the peritoneum. I am BRCA 2+ so I was pre-disposed toward this type of cancer. I just didn't stand a chance!

I would really be interested to hear from anyone else who thinks their cancer was triggered by something.

Tina xxx

Tethys41

I read a lot of the research from the alternative and integrative fields. It is pretty well known, in that areana, that a deep emotional blow can trigger the development of cancer within the next few years. I can see the emotional pain that lead to mine, and the stress that was so prevelant in my life for the 9 months prior to diagnosis.

Cafewoman53

Tethys41 said:

I read a lot of the research from the alternative and integrative fields. It is pretty well known, in that areana, that a deep emotional blow can trigger the development of cancer within the next few years. I can see the emotional pain that lead to mine, and the stress that was so prevelant in my life for the 9 months prior to diagnosis.

I have always believed that stress is a trigger for cancer
Just before my silent symptoms started I had three traumatic events happen all at once and I do believe that kick started this horrible disease. It isn't 't the only factor but an important link.
Colleen

kikz

Cafewoman53 said:

I have always believed that stress is a trigger for cancer
Just before my silent symptoms started I had three traumatic events happen all at once and I do believe that kick started this horrible disease. It isn't 't the only factor but an important link.
Colleen

Wow!
Tina, I also suffered a broken heart in mid 2006 when my partner of 26 years cheated and I asked him to leave. I experienced physical pain of grief for several months during which I lost 70 pounds (which I needed to). We reconciled about nine months after the break up but for the next four months I experienced more drama and pain as he kept seeing the other woman. I was so afraid to lose him again I put up with stuff that took away all my pride and self worth. Then four months after we reconciled he abruptly died of a heart attack. All this took place in one year's time.

I was the picture of health as they say except for my weight issues. I had no health conditions and took no medication. I was 62 when diagnosed (3/16/2010). But I do believe it is possible that all that stress and heartache could have lead to my cancer. That sucks since I had already endured so much pain.

I am doing well right now. It is just amazing what a person can live through. I am happy to be here. I feel good and am trying to put everything in perspective. It is not always easy.

Karen

mopar

STRESS FOR SURE
Tina, I definitely believe stress can cause a host of problems, not the least of which is disease. My first DX I believe it was related to my previous history with endometriosis. That's a whole other subject. But I had a recurrance in 2006. In 2004 my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. Surgeries, chemo, stroke, my sister and I became her caregivers. I wouldn't have changed a thing to be with my mother during this time, but it was stressful nonetheless. After her passing, I sank myself into taking care of her estate (I was her executor). While I thought keeping occupied would help me to deal with her death, all it did was delay coming to grips with it. To make matters worse, we were having trouble with our youngest daugther at the time (thankfully now, that has been resolved). In addition to that, I received a great deal of grief from my only sister and her two boys, my dear nephews. They questioned everything I did, even though it was all according to my mother's wishes. I had always heard that sometimes people get strange and change when a family member dies, but I said, 'not in my family'. I never would have believed it. The next two years were unreal. So, in 2006 when I was diagnosed with a recurrance, I had no doubt my stress levels contributed. Now, could I have had lingering cells that were not erradicated with chemo? Possibly. But I know how my body feels dragged down with stress, more than if I had run a marathon.

You certainly have had your share of difficulties, Tina. Our immune system is definitely affected by stress. I share in your assessment. By the way, I know what you mean by physically feeling a 'broken heart'. When my mother passed, I thought for sure my heart would stop beating. Since then, the Lord has given me strength and peace regarding the whole situation.

(((HUGS)))
Monika

mopar

STRESS FOR SURE
Tina, I definitely believe stress can cause a host of problems, not the least of which is disease. My first DX I believe it was related to my previous history with endometriosis. That's a whole other subject. But I had a recurrance in 2006. In 2004 my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. Surgeries, chemo, stroke, my sister and I became her caregivers. I wouldn't have changed a thing to be with my mother during this time, but it was stressful nonetheless. After her passing, I sank myself into taking care of her estate (I was her executor). While I thought keeping occupied would help me to deal with her death, all it did was delay coming to grips with it. To make matters worse, we were having trouble with our youngest daugther at the time (thankfully now, that has been resolved). In addition to that, I received a great deal of grief from my only sister and her two boys, my dear nephews. They questioned everything I did, even though it was all according to my mother's wishes. I had always heard that sometimes people get strange and change when a family member dies, but I said, 'not in my family'. I never would have believed it. The next two years were unreal. So, in 2006 when I was diagnosed with a recurrance, I had no doubt my stress levels contributed. Now, could I have had lingering cells that were not erradicated with chemo? Possibly. But I know how my body feels dragged down with stress, more than if I had run a marathon.

You certainly have had your share of difficulties, Tina. Our immune system is definitely affected by stress. I share in your assessment. By the way, I know what you mean by physically feeling a 'broken heart'. When my mother passed, I thought for sure my heart would stop beating. Since then, the Lord has given me strength and peace regarding the whole situation.

(((HUGS)))
Monika

mopar

STRESS FOR SURE
Tina, I definitely believe stress can cause a host of problems, not the least of which is disease. My first DX I believe it was related to my previous history with endometriosis. That's a whole other subject. But I had a recurrance in 2006. In 2004 my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. Surgeries, chemo, stroke, my sister and I became her caregivers. I wouldn't have changed a thing to be with my mother during this time, but it was stressful nonetheless. After her passing, I sank myself into taking care of her estate (I was her executor). While I thought keeping occupied would help me to deal with her death, all it did was delay coming to grips with it. To make matters worse, we were having trouble with our youngest daugther at the time (thankfully now, that has been resolved). In addition to that, I received a great deal of grief from my only sister and her two boys, my dear nephews. They questioned everything I did, even though it was all according to my mother's wishes. I had always heard that sometimes people get strange and change when a family member dies, but I said, 'not in my family'. I never would have believed it. The next two years were unreal. So, in 2006 when I was diagnosed with a recurrance, I had no doubt my stress levels contributed. Now, could I have had lingering cells that were not erradicated with chemo? Possibly. But I know how my body feels dragged down with stress, more than if I had run a marathon.

You certainly have had your share of difficulties, Tina. Our immune system is definitely affected by stress. I share in your assessment. By the way, I know what you mean by physically feeling a 'broken heart'. When my mother passed, I thought for sure my heart would stop beating. Since then, the Lord has given me strength and peace regarding the whole situation.

(((HUGS)))
Monika

Radioactive34

Tethys41 said:

I read a lot of the research from the alternative and integrative fields. It is pretty well known, in that areana, that a deep emotional blow can trigger the development of cancer within the next few years. I can see the emotional pain that lead to mine, and the stress that was so prevelant in my life for the 9 months prior to diagnosis.

I was under immense stress
I was under immense stress for 2 years prior to the diagnosis. My husband was without a job. The marriage was/is on the rocks. My job sucked rotten eggs. I had not seen my immediate family for years.

Stress, stress, and more stress. My hair started falling out at one point. I was amazed that stress could do that.

undertreatment2012

stress
Yes, I believe it too. For the past, at least two years prior to diagnosis I was under immense stress with job situation.hate, hate, hate my job and have searched for another but when you are in your 50's they dont come so easily. Now I am sick and attribute my cancer to the very place i work that now thinks I am just fine to come back to work and why do I need continuous leave?? I have been told that when the FMLA runs out, "they won't fire me right away" but I better be thinking towards coming back. So this is what I have been dealing with, while off, while starting chemo and THEY STILL CONTINUE TO PILE ON THE STRESS!!!! So now, how much of a chance do I have to recup, beat it and keep it from coming back under these circumstances, as oppossed to NOT having to worry about it all at all!!. Everyday I stew and pace and stress about the place I work. I dont want to go back, but I dont want them to fire me either. UGH, Sometimes I hate this world we live in

Tethys41

undertreatment2012 said:

stress
Yes, I believe it too. For the past, at least two years prior to diagnosis I was under immense stress with job situation.hate, hate, hate my job and have searched for another but when you are in your 50's they dont come so easily. Now I am sick and attribute my cancer to the very place i work that now thinks I am just fine to come back to work and why do I need continuous leave?? I have been told that when the FMLA runs out, "they won't fire me right away" but I better be thinking towards coming back. So this is what I have been dealing with, while off, while starting chemo and THEY STILL CONTINUE TO PILE ON THE STRESS!!!! So now, how much of a chance do I have to recup, beat it and keep it from coming back under these circumstances, as oppossed to NOT having to worry about it all at all!!. Everyday I stew and pace and stress about the place I work. I dont want to go back, but I dont want them to fire me either. UGH, Sometimes I hate this world we live in

Stress and Stress Management
Stress sucks. I realize this will not be a well received statement in our current, victimhood society, but, as hard as it is to believe, and accept, stress is all in the way you perceive the situation. I've had to adopt many stress management techniques and have had to change my perspectives, as I've learned, through genetic testing, I have a gene that predisposes me to stress. My relationships were melting around me while I was in treatment, but I realized that if I wanted to beat this thing, I had to focus my attention of getting well and not on the drama that was going on around me. Although it seems so much easier to place the blame on what we see as the source of our stress as something outside of ourselves, in reality the stress we experience is self induced. If there is no realistic way that you will be able to influence your employer to change its position regarding your leave time, then it is better to focus your attention on something over which you have control, like resigning or applying for some sort of disability. It will reduce your stress and make you feel empowered.

Hissy_Fitz

Tethys41 said:

Stress and Stress Management
Stress sucks. I realize this will not be a well received statement in our current, victimhood society, but, as hard as it is to believe, and accept, stress is all in the way you perceive the situation. I've had to adopt many stress management techniques and have had to change my perspectives, as I've learned, through genetic testing, I have a gene that predisposes me to stress. My relationships were melting around me while I was in treatment, but I realized that if I wanted to beat this thing, I had to focus my attention of getting well and not on the drama that was going on around me. Although it seems so much easier to place the blame on what we see as the source of our stress as something outside of ourselves, in reality the stress we experience is self induced. If there is no realistic way that you will be able to influence your employer to change its position regarding your leave time, then it is better to focus your attention on something over which you have control, like resigning or applying for some sort of disability. It will reduce your stress and make you feel empowered.

I have no concrete evidence
I have no concrete evidence either way, Tina, but if stress causes cancer, it should have caused mine years ago.

In 1974 my husband was killed in an industrial accident. I had 4 children, the youngest of whom was 6 months old. No cancer, though.

In 1989 my first grandchild was born, with a rare genetic defect. He had half his colon removed and a colonostomy done 48 hours after he was born. The next few years were touch and go, with many surgeries and hospital stays, one for 30 days and most of that in intensive care, but I didn't get cancer.

Then my mom died, very suddenly and unexpectedly.

My son moved 1500 miles away and my daughter turned 15. For the next 2 years there were neighbor children I liked better.

In 1993 another grandson died of SIDS. Still no cancer.

In 1995 my husband was diagnosed with non-alcoholic liver disease. Two years later he was placed on the organ transplant list.

In 1999, on our 25th wedding anniversary, he died in my arms.

My son deployed to Iraq, twice, and I was a basket case from worrying about him, but I didn't get cancer.

My only sibling died suddenly in 2006.

It was late 2009, when life seemed normal and almost stress-free ,that my cancer was diagnosed. Go figure.

ovaryca

Hissy_Fitz said:

I have no concrete evidence
I have no concrete evidence either way, Tina, but if stress causes cancer, it should have caused mine years ago.

In 1974 my husband was killed in an industrial accident. I had 4 children, the youngest of whom was 6 months old. No cancer, though.

In 1989 my first grandchild was born, with a rare genetic defect. He had half his colon removed and a colonostomy done 48 hours after he was born. The next few years were touch and go, with many surgeries and hospital stays, one for 30 days and most of that in intensive care, but I didn't get cancer.

Then my mom died, very suddenly and unexpectedly.

My son moved 1500 miles away and my daughter turned 15. For the next 2 years there were neighbor children I liked better.

In 1993 another grandson died of SIDS. Still no cancer.

In 1995 my husband was diagnosed with non-alcoholic liver disease. Two years later he was placed on the organ transplant list.

In 1999, on our 25th wedding anniversary, he died in my arms.

My son deployed to Iraq, twice, and I was a basket case from worrying about him, but I didn't get cancer.

My only sibling died suddenly in 2006.

It was late 2009, when life seemed normal and almost stress-free ,that my cancer was diagnosed. Go figure.

I too have no evidence
I was diagnosed with Ca Ovary in July of 2011.I was leading a very happy life.I am from India.But a homeopath,once said to me that cancers are very rare in people who yell,shout and get angry.That is the people who express their emotions.I don't know how far this is true.But I am not good at expressing my emotions.Anyway what happens happens is my belief and let us all fight it.

Tethys41

Tethys41 said:

Stress and Stress Management
Stress sucks. I realize this will not be a well received statement in our current, victimhood society, but, as hard as it is to believe, and accept, stress is all in the way you perceive the situation. I've had to adopt many stress management techniques and have had to change my perspectives, as I've learned, through genetic testing, I have a gene that predisposes me to stress. My relationships were melting around me while I was in treatment, but I realized that if I wanted to beat this thing, I had to focus my attention of getting well and not on the drama that was going on around me. Although it seems so much easier to place the blame on what we see as the source of our stress as something outside of ourselves, in reality the stress we experience is self induced. If there is no realistic way that you will be able to influence your employer to change its position regarding your leave time, then it is better to focus your attention on something over which you have control, like resigning or applying for some sort of disability. It will reduce your stress and make you feel empowered.

How Stress Influences Disease
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm

Tina Brown

Hissy_Fitz said:

I have no concrete evidence
I have no concrete evidence either way, Tina, but if stress causes cancer, it should have caused mine years ago.

In 1974 my husband was killed in an industrial accident. I had 4 children, the youngest of whom was 6 months old. No cancer, though.

In 1989 my first grandchild was born, with a rare genetic defect. He had half his colon removed and a colonostomy done 48 hours after he was born. The next few years were touch and go, with many surgeries and hospital stays, one for 30 days and most of that in intensive care, but I didn't get cancer.

Then my mom died, very suddenly and unexpectedly.

My son moved 1500 miles away and my daughter turned 15. For the next 2 years there were neighbor children I liked better.

In 1993 another grandson died of SIDS. Still no cancer.

In 1995 my husband was diagnosed with non-alcoholic liver disease. Two years later he was placed on the organ transplant list.

In 1999, on our 25th wedding anniversary, he died in my arms.

My son deployed to Iraq, twice, and I was a basket case from worrying about him, but I didn't get cancer.

My only sibling died suddenly in 2006.

It was late 2009, when life seemed normal and almost stress-free ,that my cancer was diagnosed. Go figure.

Oh Carlene your story really brought tears to my eyes
Oh Carlene your story really brought tears to my eyes. Boy how you have endured pain and heartache in your life and then at the end of it all you get a cancer diagnosis. I am so sorry for all of your loss's.

I believe that some people have a higher pre-disposition to having cancer as research has discovered some of us have faulty genes just waiting for some kind of 'trigger' For instance I am BRAC2+, and there are other such gene problems for a whole host of different cancers.

Maybe your stress built up and built up until your body could tolerate it no more. Yes it took years. Or maybe you are like thousands of other people who were just unfortunate enough to have a cancer diagnosis.

It is an interesting subject to debate and I wonder if anyone has actually carried out any concrete research on it.

Tina xxxxx

lulu1010

Tethys41 said:

How Stress Influences Disease
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm

Carlene
I have been kind of down in the dumps lately now that I am dealing with a reoccurance but your story is truly inspirational. I can never feel sorry for myself again. I can not imagine being strong enough to endure all that. You are a strong lady with a great heart!
Thank you for sharing. I wish you well.

mom2greatkids

Absolutely stress was a
Absolutely stress was a trigger for my cancer. My dr. even said he believes that is what really "brought it on" so to speak. In Feb. '08 my Mom died of a 4 1/2 yr. battle with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. April '10 my husband died suddenly and unexpectedly of a massive heart attack. May '11 I am diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Not to mention that I had to deal with the "empty nest" between my Mom's death and husband's death.

My husband was a minister, so his death left me with no income or place to live. (Since we were living in a house owned by the church). I was allowed to stay as long as necessary in the house, plus they provided me his salary until I moved 2 months later. Since June '10 I have been living with my sister and her family.

I didn't list the numerous moves through the years, all of which are always stressful. I had to sell most of our furniture, etc. What things I am left with dishes, pictures, etc. have all been in storage since I moved. It's been tough, but I'm making it. Just one day at a time.

I had never had a female problem in my life. My periods were still regular at the age of 48 when I was diagnosed last year. I was stage 3c at the time of my surgery last May. However, the dr. feels as though all the stress I have been under played a major role. I asked him once how long he thought I had the cancer before it was found. He said about a year...right about the one year mark of my husband's death.

No one who fights this beast is a wimp!!

Carla

kikz

mom2greatkids said:

Absolutely stress was a
Absolutely stress was a trigger for my cancer. My dr. even said he believes that is what really "brought it on" so to speak. In Feb. '08 my Mom died of a 4 1/2 yr. battle with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. April '10 my husband died suddenly and unexpectedly of a massive heart attack. May '11 I am diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Not to mention that I had to deal with the "empty nest" between my Mom's death and husband's death.

My husband was a minister, so his death left me with no income or place to live. (Since we were living in a house owned by the church). I was allowed to stay as long as necessary in the house, plus they provided me his salary until I moved 2 months later. Since June '10 I have been living with my sister and her family.

I didn't list the numerous moves through the years, all of which are always stressful. I had to sell most of our furniture, etc. What things I am left with dishes, pictures, etc. have all been in storage since I moved. It's been tough, but I'm making it. Just one day at a time.

I had never had a female problem in my life. My periods were still regular at the age of 48 when I was diagnosed last year. I was stage 3c at the time of my surgery last May. However, the dr. feels as though all the stress I have been under played a major role. I asked him once how long he thought I had the cancer before it was found. He said about a year...right about the one year mark of my husband's death.

No one who fights this beast is a wimp!!

Carla

I use to get migraines alot
since I was in junior high. The headache usually was preceeded by what I called "interrupted vision" and the lights or aura. Then a pounding headache would come. I finally found that if I took 4 ibuprofren when the first symptoms began I could prevent the headache (most of the time). In 2007 after all my drama and having lost about 70 pounds, the headaches stopped. I rarely get a headache now and they are not migraines.

The reason I am mentioning this is because many years ago my cousin called me on a Saturday and asked if I had a headache. I said no, why are you asking? She told me I always got headaches on Saturdays. I had not noticed but it was true. I was running a home daycare and found it stressful but I did not get headaches during the week. Then I began working for the welfare department (I found out what stress really was) and the Saturday headaches continued.

I finally decided that it was the letdown after the stress that was causing my headaches and maybe the same is true for cancer. I was also in a very peaceful time when I was diagnosed but had gone through a year of drama a couple of years before.

Who knows?

Karen

Sapnaisdname

heartbreak causes cancer

I am an ovarian cancer survivor. I have no proof but I believe my cancer was caused by the extreme stress I experienced after my breakup with my soulmate 3.5 years back. The pain was physical and immense. I also went into a drinking binge and that would have contributed to it. Today, I have recovered and healed my heart too. I don't feel so negative and am trying to restart my life after cancer. I still think of him and in my low moments wonder about how life turned because of love. I am still scared of getting involved and any intensity of emotion unnerves me. Hopefully, I will find peace if not love.