life expectancy?

Yup with my attitude I'd ask anything.  I'm just wanting to know what to expect.  I've heard of some of my friends that have had cancer and know nothing about their stage, treatment or cocktail.  I'm thinking why would you not want to know these things especially if you have treatment coming up.  Some people just don't want to know and can fully understand.  It's hard hearing the truth, but it seems easier to deal with than the linger of question you have in the back of your mind.  Some people can roll off their back anything looming in the future, even if it's a follow up to an appointment, but some people worry about everything (unfortunately that's me).  Hope you decide what you want to do.  Did you have a diagnosis?  If so, please share your story so we can help you along.  Wishing you the best.

Kim

I am planing on living, those non sense statistics will just mess up with my appetite.

cheers !!!!!

beaumontdave said:

Wouldn't allow it for me or

Wouldn't allow it for me or my wife. They can stuff their ballpark,best guesses. I won't live my life on anyone elses "timer", some number that keeps bouncing around my head. For what advantage, to get ready? I was and am ready without feeling like some set amount of time is slipping away.........................................Dave

I love your attitude, Dave.  Early on I peeked at stats on the internet.  No more.  I hope we all live to be 90.

Only 82 ???  I'm already 85.  What shoud I hope for-100 ?  Good luck to you  Trubrit.

or, dealing with idiot doctors. My first Onc gave me less than a year. That was in Feb 2004. I didn’t really ask him, he must have thought he was being helpful. With my second, and current, Onc I never raised the question. Statistics can be very misleading and it’s human nature to want to know everything. The problem is, no one knows how an individual will respond to treatment. I’ve heard of good and not so good results for every approach out there. 

I really find it to be unprofessional for doctor, usually inexperienced ones, to tell you what they think will happen. 

It will get you , too many lymph nodes and way too aggressive. If there is someting you want to do , do it now. I don't expect you to survive any more than three years. My surgeon was very honest and very experienced. This jan 22nd will be the 20th anniversary of my cancer removal with no recurrence. Ron.

I think a candid negative assessment can be important, for someone (e.g. at least the caretaker, even if the patient won't handle it well, or would be "hexed"). 

 I was mad at one oncologist because his view conflicted with a previous dr that we trusted and that this new view was severely financially conflicted.  However I did listen and include the possibilty that he was more accurate in his assessment.  Turned out the previous dr was overcautious on telling us uncertain, really bad news.  This in itself could have been fatal.  I do still think that the oncologist was financially conflicted but still provided important information.

I take the stats seriously. To me, bad stats reflect a particular treatment course for a particular group.  I consider the curve in several parts.   The tail survivors represent some conditions or information that may have potential opportunities for others.

My operating principle is that if you don't like the result or statistics, then you have to do something(s) much better, often intelligently different, to get on a new curve.

SophDan2 said:

Just don'r pay the bill!

If the doctor gives you 1 year to live, don't pay your bill, and they'll give you aother year

Hahaha good one Barry! Hey if I keep not paying I'll get to live forever. Lol

SophDan2 said:

In hope that you do Lily!

In hope that you do Lily!

I hope the same for me!

Here's to our eternal life of cancer free! Cheers!