advice

cww71964
cww71964 Member Posts: 97
in Kidney Cancer #1
Hi All,

What role does stress play in our health? How do you think a job change and relocation would affect us?
My reason is that since my diagnosis I have been thinking about moving back to California to be near my first grandchild who was born in August. I moved to Nevada about 7 years ago while my daughter was away in college. She has since moved back and started a career and family. I am about 5-6 hours away by car, 2 by flight. In Nevada I have a good job, beautiful home, and like it here, but I would like to be able to spend more time with the baby. When I lived in California, I was in the produce business for many years. I maintained a lot of contacts and friendships and on a whim I sent out my resume. I am now scheduled for an interview on Monday. I could possibly have a big decision to make soon. I just don't want to compromise my health in doing so.

God bless all,
Wayne

Comments

  • MikeK703
    MikeK703 Member Posts: 235
    #2
    Stress
    Wayne,
    I think it's pretty common knowledge in the medical community that stress affects health negatively. I had been stressed out about other health issues during my last six-month checkup with my urologist and he told me that I needed to calm down, that stress is a no-no for cancer patients.
    Now whether a job change and a relocation would stress you out, only you can answer that. If the answer is yes, you should definitely weigh that against the advantage of being closer to your grandchild. I'd rather be 5 hours away and still be around to become a great grandfather.
    Regards,
    Mike
  • lbinmsp
    lbinmsp Member Posts: 266
    #3
    BIG decisions!
    First - stress - many moons ago when I was first diagnosed and after my nephrectomy I asked my doctor what I could do keep myself healthy(ier) and perhaps keep any future cancer at bay. He said the one thing anyone can do is to maintain a healthy immunue system - meaning, reduce stress in your life, eat healhier (fruits/vegetables), get appropriate rest and drink (at least) 2 quarts of water every day to keep the remaining kidney healthy. I think there have been more than a few studies that talk about stress and how detrimental it can be to our overall health. These same studies discuss the fact that there are different types of stress - good stress such as a new baby in the family, a marriage - and then there are the bad stresses - a death in the family, health issues.

    Now, having talked about all the various studies out there - the bottom line is - what will be best for you - what will make you happy in the long run. It certainly sounds like you've got some great incentive to make this decision!

    Good luck, Wayne!

    LB
  • garym
    garym Member Posts: 1,647
    #4
    lbinmsp said:

    BIG decisions!
    First - stress - many moons ago when I was first diagnosed and after my nephrectomy I asked my doctor what I could do keep myself healthy(ier) and perhaps keep any future cancer at bay. He said the one thing anyone can do is to maintain a healthy immunue system - meaning, reduce stress in your life, eat healhier (fruits/vegetables), get appropriate rest and drink (at least) 2 quarts of water every day to keep the remaining kidney healthy. I think there have been more than a few studies that talk about stress and how detrimental it can be to our overall health. These same studies discuss the fact that there are different types of stress - good stress such as a new baby in the family, a marriage - and then there are the bad stresses - a death in the family, health issues.

    Now, having talked about all the various studies out there - the bottom line is - what will be best for you - what will make you happy in the long run. It certainly sounds like you've got some great incentive to make this decision!

    Good luck, Wayne!

    LB

    Stress...
    Wayne,

    I echo LB's advice adding only that which ever decision makes you the happiest in the long term will likely also reduce the amount of stress in your life even if it means increased stress for the near or short term. Desires to be nearer to family especially when the "Big C" is involved can be very stressful, either way, it is fortunate that your daughter lives reasonably close instead of far far away.

    Good luck with your decision,

    Gary
  • cww71964
    cww71964 Member Posts: 97
    #5
    garym said:

    Stress...
    Wayne,

    I echo LB's advice adding only that which ever decision makes you the happiest in the long term will likely also reduce the amount of stress in your life even if it means increased stress for the near or short term. Desires to be nearer to family especially when the "Big C" is involved can be very stressful, either way, it is fortunate that your daughter lives reasonably close instead of far far away.

    Good luck with your decision,

    Gary

    advice
    Thanks to everyone for your excellent advice.
    After much thought, I canceled my interview and decided the timing wasn't right for me to move at this time. If I am able to get into the trial I am trying to get in, it is 9-6 week cycles with an exam and blood work every 6 weeks, ct scans every 18. If I moved, I would not be able to participate. I also thought about what if I had to go on disability, it is much more affordable here than in CA, so that played a decision as well. In reality we are not that far away, less than 300 miles, so visiting once a month would not be out of the question. Who knows what the future holds, my illness will not rule me and the right opportunity and the right time to move could happen next year.

    Health and happiness to all,
    Wayne
  • garym
    garym Member Posts: 1,647
    #6
    cww71964 said:

    advice
    Thanks to everyone for your excellent advice.
    After much thought, I canceled my interview and decided the timing wasn't right for me to move at this time. If I am able to get into the trial I am trying to get in, it is 9-6 week cycles with an exam and blood work every 6 weeks, ct scans every 18. If I moved, I would not be able to participate. I also thought about what if I had to go on disability, it is much more affordable here than in CA, so that played a decision as well. In reality we are not that far away, less than 300 miles, so visiting once a month would not be out of the question. Who knows what the future holds, my illness will not rule me and the right opportunity and the right time to move could happen next year.

    Health and happiness to all,
    Wayne

    Skype...
    Wayne,

    Health first is the right choice. In the meantime I have a friend whose new grand baby lives in Africa, they Skype almost every day. Not the same as being there, but they don't miss out any new day to day changes as he grows.

    Good luck with the trial,

    Gary

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