Do you ever wonder what caused it?

Ucimpark

Cause

Hi betula,

With my husband the cause from his rectal cancer is from crohn's disease, that he had since his 19 yo (now his 55 yo).  That polyps, growth around his rectal area (in and outside area). 

catkilroe

I can't count the times....

I have asked myself the same question so many time in the last two weeks  (when I was first given my cancer diagnosis). What did I do wrong? I thought I was pretty healthy, ate pretty much good food and lived an active lifestyle. Now I have cancer and to top it all off, it's anal cancer. The arsehole jokes have already started.. I wish I knew the answers, but it seems no one does and this actually makes me feel better. 

catkilroe

SandiaBuddy said:

Beer

Jim:  I lost my taste for beer on Xeloda/Capecitabine as well.  I bought a six pack more than a month ago and I have only managed to drink three.  I was wondering if anyone else experienced this?  And does the taste come back?  I actually like beer as a treat and I am sad to have lost my taste for it.

I haven't started treatment

I haven't started treatment yet, but my radiation oncologist told me that drinking a glass of wine every day improves the effectivity of radiation. Anybody else heard this? I was excited about this, until I read this post....What is my tastebuds can't stand the taste of wine! 

darcher

My suspicion is it's mostly

My suspicion is it's mostly genetic and perhaps a few other things pitch in to move it along.  My dad had it at 70 and survived with just an operation. That was 18 years ago.  Me, I got it much younger but my stressful life for the past 20 years helped it pop up much sooner.  Which, in a way is a good thing.  I'd rather get it now when my body is more than capable of dealing with the radiation and chemo than later on when I'd end up a bed ridden bowl of mush. It hasn't all been easy but there have been far more good days than bad.  Avodiing what I call the mental state of the cancer pit is to have something that keeps us busy and focused.  Like that biblical prophecy of idle hands being the devil's workshop, so to is the blank mind the playground of cancer.

 

Trubrit

darcher said:

My suspicion is it's mostly

My suspicion is it's mostly genetic and perhaps a few other things pitch in to move it along.  My dad had it at 70 and survived with just an operation. That was 18 years ago.  Me, I got it much younger but my stressful life for the past 20 years helped it pop up much sooner.  Which, in a way is a good thing.  I'd rather get it now when my body is more than capable of dealing with the radiation and chemo than later on when I'd end up a bed ridden bowl of mush. It hasn't all been easy but there have been far more good days than bad.  Avodiing what I call the mental state of the cancer pit is to have something that keeps us busy and focused.  Like that biblical prophecy of idle hands being the devil's workshop, so to is the blank mind the playground of cancer.

 

Well said!

Avodiing what I call the mental state of the cancer pit is to have something that keeps us busy and focused.  Like that biblical prophecy of idle hands being the devil's workshop, so to is the blank mind the playground of cancer.

Very well said, Darcher.

Tru

aoccc2015

So many unknown things in

So many unknown things in this world that really have no explanation or fairness so I really just went with the obvious answer, God. Sure I can blame it on Crohns or diet but those seemed to be small things that I wasn't smart enough to take the hint. It seems most people that do believe in some sort of God decided to live a better life after a diagnosis. I wont say I was a drug dealer or killer, but I had things in my life that I just wouldn't change without something scary happening. I am sure there are many people that are great people that had an ending that might seem unfair but hey I consider them lucky for being in a place now without pain and great love. Anyway I have changed those things and I will probably still die in the next year but hey i will be at peace.

shamayim

catkilroe said:

I can't count the times....

I have asked myself the same question so many time in the last two weeks  (when I was first given my cancer diagnosis). What did I do wrong? I thought I was pretty healthy, ate pretty much good food and lived an active lifestyle. Now I have cancer and to top it all off, it's anal cancer. The arsehole jokes have already started.. I wish I knew the answers, but it seems no one does and this actually makes me feel better. 

The question of why

Anal cancer is very different than colorectal cancer.  Anal cancer is mostly caused by the HPV virus.  Somehow it escaped our immune systems and began the long process of mutating cells over many years.  I do think for me there is a genetic component to it.  My mother had cervical cancer at the same age I got anal cancer.  Cervical cancer is also caused by the HPV virus.  I think there is something in our genetic makeup that was not able to fight off the HPV virus.  It's just what experts think and I agree. Anal cancer and other HPV cancers are now preventable for future generations who are young enough to be vacinated against it.  Its nothing you did wrong.  I used to blame my EX husband, but the truth of the matter is I will never know- it could have been me and someone I was with....I did tell my current boyfriend and was worried about the implications for him but the vast majority of people with HPV do not get cancer, the problem is nobody knows if they are going to be the one to get it.  You can't change the past.

As far as anal cancer and jokes go humor is the best medicine.  My one friend gave me a Bevis and Butthead keychain which I found hillarious...  I had it in my purse and when I was the sickest(week 5 or 6) on on my way to the ER it started going off unexpectedly...needless to say I needed a really good laugh at that point and we were both cracking up in the parking lot!

Sharring

Yes...I wonder...

yup, I've asked myself this several times in the past month. Kudos to all doing the right things! I smoked, loved my wine, and over ate while working my stressful 12 hr a day desk job for years. I too feel for all those younger, less deserving than me who are delt such a hand.  Sadly, I have come to realize that I never really started taking care of myself or truly appreciating life until AFTER my diagnosis....as even the most recent events remind us each day....no one on gods green earth knows what tomorrow will bring...and perhaps I've been given the gift of "pre" warning as a daily reminder!  so i say do something nice for yourself or a loved one and ponder the truly amazing things...sunsets...the moon....the ocean...the stars...weddings...babies..etc!

EissetB

It was my eating habit that

It was my eating habit that causes me had the cancer. Stupid me. Sometimes, I skipped dinner. After 10-12 hours work everyday made me tired and forget about dinner. Once I hit the couch, I'll be snoring in no time. At lunch when at work, I eat junk food from McDonald's which isn't healthy at all. Then, I lost weight gradually (which so unfair for my body built). Stress wasn't good to have either because it attacks our internal organs and causes trouble. I was so stressful from home and at work. Then, one day, it hit me hard!! I had bloody BM!! And my stomach was in severe pain, but I ignored the pain and symptoms for 3 months...and boom!! I had to see a GI doctor. The bloody BM had gotten worse. Colonoscopy was done, and the doctor told me the result. I was on denial when he said I have cancer!! Sorry if my comment is way too long. But what I am saying is, not every cancer is genetic. Some are from being careless and not listening to what their body is saying or telling them. 

benben

Genetics

It is not always genetic.  85% according to my ONC and genetic specialist told me.

Normal pathology tests, test for the 5 most common gene mutations related to cancer - however there are about 92 genetic mutations that could contribute.

I sought out a genetic specialist and had the tests done on all the genes.  There was absolultely no mutations in any cancer related genes.

 

Which means my cancer was one of the 15% which were environmental.

I've led a very active life.  Have had maybe a dozen alchoholic drinks over the past 15 years total.  Less than 1 per year.

Ate mostly Fruit, Veggie diet and took curcumin for years.  Unfortunately my polyp probably evolved around 15 years ago and grew to cancer slowly.

Looking back I worked at a tire factory from 14-21 years of age and was exposed to a very big ammount of solvent chemicals and rubber dust without wearing masks etc.

This was not good environment.  I changed to throwing freight and was working for Roadway freight making good income, but one day one of the management told me to sweep out a trailer that had a chemical spill that still wreaked of whatever the chemical was spilt.  I tried to hold my breath and do it as quickly as possible, but it also makes me wonder.

Then I switched to IT and had much less exposure to chemicals, and now I work for myself.

I do have exposure to aluminum and some Acrylic, but its fairly limited.

 

We also have high exposure to chemicals nowadays in the water we drink and the food we eat.

These things need to change for the sakes of our survival as a race as the cancer rate is now 50% that you will get it sometime in your life - normally later.

So while genetics is the greatest factor for cancer environment and life style also plays a role.  I'd suggest limiting exposure to chemicals both in the work place and in your ingetion of foods.

Also exercise and stay active to redude recurrence or first occurence.  

 

Best wishes.

kunsmajs

Bad Luck

After my diagnosis of Brain Cancer (GBM) i asked my oncologist what could have caused it.   Without hesitation he answered "bad luck".   My biggest fear is this rotten disease affecting my three children.   I hope he is correct when he says it is not genetic.

NewHere

My Doc Said Not To Worry

Not that it is not important, but more to not let it be draining about the what if. 

They have a pretty good idea of what caused mine.