Xmas greeting challenge to save a life - HELP with ideas please!!!
It has to be something simple and easy. My suggestion below, please put yours.
I'll start the ball rolling. Just tell someone why this Xmas is special!
I am going to make an effort to tell someone new each day my story with the warning to get checked at the end. The warning is simply do the poo test asap and when you have time and money get a colonoscopy as this is the most effective test.
I also am playing with the idea of not giving gifts and asking friends not to give gifts to us. Then just explaining that we are donating to bowel cancer research this xmass and they are welcome to as well. The only present we want is their presence. Hopefully they will understand.
This is my first Cancer Christmas and I see a huge opportunity to save a few lives.
We all know about early detection and prevention and getting friends and family checked.
I have been blessed to get my story into the media, while satisfying in a sense. I don't know how truly effective mass media is. Looking back it feels like it made an impact as big as a drop of rain in the sea. Lookup nbc peter trayhurn if you want to see that story.
Well now the media has all stopped, I have just been telling groups, friends and strangers my story. I really believe our own personal story is the most compelling. They are the most effective way to get the prevention message to penetrate a healthy persons mind.
Sharing our stories would certainly make the recipient feel lucky they don't have cancer.
Hopefully they would be motivated to get checked and be healthy.
They could be asked to pass the warning on to friends and family as well.
They maybe grateful and appreciate that you only shared your story to try to save their life. You actually may make a few new friends out of this.
Personally and as a community telling our stories is also a little bit of sweet revenge on our particular cancer thats a sitting duck to which we can deliver a knock out blow.
I am going to send a happy xmass message to my dive clubs and the communities I belong too my church, the school, leagues club.
To me Christmas is about fellowship and my god. Its NOT about more presents and the excessive materialism I see everywhere on one hand and the poverty on the other.
This is just my own personal plan, that I have been doing anyway, but figured the more the better. Its of course completely optional and you can opt out but I won't. If we could get 10 people to meet the minimum of telling just 20 people over the next 20 days to xmass. Then thats 200 personal recommendations.
With some luck and goodwill we may even save a life or two. The dream would be to save over one hundred thousand lives. Whats the point of small dreams anyway.
The more support the better.
God bless us all and merry xmas.
Pete
Comments
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What a story Gail, its a gift only you can giveplh4gail said:I love it Pete. My story is
I love it Pete. My story is one of denial and misdiagnos, putting my health behind life's events. I think people could really relate to it. Part of my story is on my home page, but there is much more to it than I wrote there.
Gail
Thanks Gail
Dam, I thought I was the only one who procrastinated. I really wish I was.
What I vividly remember from reading your story is denial and accepting others help.
I was DX on 3rd June. What a small world. You must have had a large cancer like me. I had chemo/radiation as well and it was HELL. Oh what a blast from the past and I guess what a fight we both have on our hands now. I am just about onto my 3rd folfox6 treatment.
Pete0 -
Petepete43lost_at_sea said:What a story Gail, its a gift only you can give
Thanks Gail
Dam, I thought I was the only one who procrastinated. I really wish I was.
What I vividly remember from reading your story is denial and accepting others help.
I was DX on 3rd June. What a small world. You must have had a large cancer like me. I had chemo/radiation as well and it was HELL. Oh what a blast from the past and I guess what a fight we both have on our hands now. I am just about onto my 3rd folfox6 treatment.
Pete
My chemo starts on Tuesday. The Oxipalatin and 5fu pump. Is that the same as Folfox?
Gail0 -
Sorry to intrude here Gail, but with the addition of Leucovorin,plh4gail said:Pete
My chemo starts on Tuesday. The Oxipalatin and 5fu pump. Is that the same as Folfox?
Gail
to the oxi and 5Fu you have FOLFOX. I'm sure by now you've read all about the wonderful effects that oxi may cause but the most crucial is the effect it has on your cancer. I had 5 doses of oxi with Xeloda and radiation to shink my tumor prior to surgery followed after operation by (what was supposed to be 9)4 doses of FOLFOX as the oxi had me terrified of it after fourth dose so remaining 5 were just 5FU and the other drug . I'm sure FOLFOX minus oxi (besides no longer being FOLFOX) cannot be as effective but I don't think I would've survived another dose. That was my worst time of all, last Dec 25, 26 and 27th but it can be done...steve0 -
Thank's for the info ..so docoloCan said:Sorry to intrude here Gail, but with the addition of Leucovorin,
to the oxi and 5Fu you have FOLFOX. I'm sure by now you've read all about the wonderful effects that oxi may cause but the most crucial is the effect it has on your cancer. I had 5 doses of oxi with Xeloda and radiation to shink my tumor prior to surgery followed after operation by (what was supposed to be 9)4 doses of FOLFOX as the oxi had me terrified of it after fourth dose so remaining 5 were just 5FU and the other drug . I'm sure FOLFOX minus oxi (besides no longer being FOLFOX) cannot be as effective but I don't think I would've survived another dose. That was my worst time of all, last Dec 25, 26 and 27th but it can be done...steve
Thank's for the info ..so do I have it right? FOLFOX is the Oxipalatin and 5FU with the addition of Leucovorin? Wonder why or why not to add the Leucovorin.... And yes the side effects I read here about are intimidating, but I'm trying to tell myself, it will be my own personal experience and hoping I go through it smoothly.(trying to fool myself I guess)
Gail0 -
Gailplh4gail said:Thank's for the info ..so do
Thank's for the info ..so do I have it right? FOLFOX is the Oxipalatin and 5FU with the addition of Leucovorin? Wonder why or why not to add the Leucovorin.... And yes the side effects I read here about are intimidating, but I'm trying to tell myself, it will be my own personal experience and hoping I go through it smoothly.(trying to fool myself I guess)
Gail
The Leucovorin is also known as Folonic acid. this is the added drug that will have your doctor tell you not to take folic acid or any multivitamins unless they don't have folic acid in them.
I procrastinated also but, it was for financial reasons. I had been laid off and the company had closed so there was no COBRA available and I had no health insurance. I was trying like heck to get a job with benefits so that I could go get my symptoms taken care of but, unfortunately with the job market here in Vegas being the worse in the country, I didn't make it the 4 months to getting a job before things spiraled out of control and I ended up in the ER. I also kept telling myself (always looking for the positive) that it was just stress related and most likely something like IBS since I was under a lot of stress. Plus, you always think that if you think it's cancer and get worked up over it that you will feel stupid for thinking it's cancer when it's not. Surprise ... it was. Instead I felt stupid for not thinking it was cancer. Funny how your head works sometimes.0 -
GailLori-S said:Gail
The Leucovorin is also known as Folonic acid. this is the added drug that will have your doctor tell you not to take folic acid or any multivitamins unless they don't have folic acid in them.
I procrastinated also but, it was for financial reasons. I had been laid off and the company had closed so there was no COBRA available and I had no health insurance. I was trying like heck to get a job with benefits so that I could go get my symptoms taken care of but, unfortunately with the job market here in Vegas being the worse in the country, I didn't make it the 4 months to getting a job before things spiraled out of control and I ended up in the ER. I also kept telling myself (always looking for the positive) that it was just stress related and most likely something like IBS since I was under a lot of stress. Plus, you always think that if you think it's cancer and get worked up over it that you will feel stupid for thinking it's cancer when it's not. Surprise ... it was. Instead I felt stupid for not thinking it was cancer. Funny how your head works sometimes.
the oxy is hard but it can be done....really....it can and you are in a nice warm climate...just take each and every infusion as it comes.....one at a time and we will be here.
I had no family doctor for about 7 years....we live in a smallish city and my doc retired and there just was no one else to take me. I think I suspected cancer too but I too was in denial....I was also too shy to go to the emergency department and say.....helllooo I think I need a colonoscopy. I try not to play the what if game .....however the idea of protecting others from the same fate is very attractive....
mags0 -
ohh ok...it sounds like thisLori-S said:Gail
The Leucovorin is also known as Folonic acid. this is the added drug that will have your doctor tell you not to take folic acid or any multivitamins unless they don't have folic acid in them.
I procrastinated also but, it was for financial reasons. I had been laid off and the company had closed so there was no COBRA available and I had no health insurance. I was trying like heck to get a job with benefits so that I could go get my symptoms taken care of but, unfortunately with the job market here in Vegas being the worse in the country, I didn't make it the 4 months to getting a job before things spiraled out of control and I ended up in the ER. I also kept telling myself (always looking for the positive) that it was just stress related and most likely something like IBS since I was under a lot of stress. Plus, you always think that if you think it's cancer and get worked up over it that you will feel stupid for thinking it's cancer when it's not. Surprise ... it was. Instead I felt stupid for not thinking it was cancer. Funny how your head works sometimes.
ohh ok...it sounds like this is something that is normally added to this chemo concoction. I guess was hoping it might be the tough ingredient that was not going to be included in mine. That I might be spared at least some of the nasty side effects. Oh well, one treatment at a time.
Thank's, Gail0 -
the best gift we can give is our story. did you share it today ?plh4gail said:ohh ok...it sounds like this
ohh ok...it sounds like this is something that is normally added to this chemo concoction. I guess was hoping it might be the tough ingredient that was not going to be included in mine. That I might be spared at least some of the nasty side effects. Oh well, one treatment at a time.
Thank's, Gail
each day until xmas i am going tell my story to at least one person.
all the parties or at shopping or at the end of year concerts.
the best gift we can give is our story.
I hope we are all spared the negatives and get the life savings benefits
I am off to sell some xmas trees. please share if you shared your story today!
I also called our abc radio. i hope they call me back and I get on the air and tell my story and about this xmas message. they had a story about guys who don't talk about
cancer. i am talking.0 -
some more telling real life storiespete43lost_at_sea said:the best gift we can give is our story. did you share it today ?
each day until xmas i am going tell my story to at least one person.
all the parties or at shopping or at the end of year concerts.
the best gift we can give is our story.
I hope we are all spared the negatives and get the life savings benefits
I am off to sell some xmas trees. please share if you shared your story today!
I also called our abc radio. i hope they call me back and I get on the air and tell my story and about this xmas message. they had a story about guys who don't talk about
cancer. i am talking.
Spoke with an insurace girl on the phone mentioned her mum had stage 4 bowel cancer. Her mum was so distraught she decided to do nothing no treatment at all. She is still alive, I refered her to this forum. I felt sad she must have had no hope.
Met a good friend's wife at the Xmas picnic yesterday. She mentioned he had a positive poo test, but has not done anything. While saying goodbye I retold my story to your husband and shook his hand, looked him in the eyes and asked point blank are you going to get a colonoscopy! He said yes. I hope he does and he is clear.
Was doing a blood test this morning for chemo tomorrow at the local pathology center. While waiting in the waiting room, we all started talking about our illnesses and tests. So when it was my turn I told them about bowel cancer.
I have met a couple of guys over 50 that have colonoscopies on a regular basis. They relay with glee they were clear. One had polyps removed. I told him I wish I was as informed as they were and congratulated them.
It so easy to tell people why this Xmas is special.0 -
My dear
Not just for Christmas anymore on my part. I have a t-shirt made that the back says "50?" got colonoscopy?"
It's my year round thingie. Save a life now and then again.
Kudo's to you.
Winter Marie0 -
I wish I'd see your t shirtherdizziness said:My dear
Not just for Christmas anymore on my part. I have a t-shirt made that the back says "50?" got colonoscopy?"
It's my year round thingie. Save a life now and then again.
Kudo's to you.
Winter Marie
I wish I'd seen your t shirt.
But I was only 43 so may have missed the point.
The whole age colonoscopy test thing is controversial.
My support group buddy got diagnosed at 38 she so she want 38.
thanks,
Pete0 -
Telling one person each daypete43lost_at_sea said:I wish I'd see your t shirt
I wish I'd seen your t shirt.
But I was only 43 so may have missed the point.
The whole age colonoscopy test thing is controversial.
My support group buddy got diagnosed at 38 she so she want 38.
thanks,
Pete
is a great idea! I continue to talk about it and hope that I can convince even one person to schedule their colonoscopy. I would love to adopt your challenge.
Sandy0 -
thanks heaps Sandy we are a team of two at leastSandyL said:Telling one person each day
is a great idea! I continue to talk about it and hope that I can convince even one person to schedule their colonoscopy. I would love to adopt your challenge.
Sandy
I know its hard for some people to be open about our illness.
I would not say "I am want to be in anyones face about it."
But if an opportunity comes up then why not dive in.
Ultruism which is doing something for others also helps us.
I have found telling my story has reinforced it in some ways. Like I won't forget
going camping with the kids in our little campervan and busting to goto the loo.
Luckily some nights I only made it a step or two away from the car before dropping the pants. Out in nature the bathroom is very large. I always had my trusty shoovel and loo paper. I think my memories and stories are entertaining. They are vivid to me. I had just finished chemo radiation and my bum was quite a mess. At least it still worked not like this dam leaky bag. But I can live with it.
Sandy could you post here when you have told your story to someone. Maybe one of these people we will help. I still believe personal is far more effective than media at getting the real message out.
What about a name for our little club? XmassPoo club or TheNoisyAssClub
If you come to sydney will buy you a coffee or veg juice.
The snowball has just started rolling down the hill. How many more can we get in the team ?
1 or 100. Who knows. Its Xmas and a great time for miracles. Lets have one for each of us.
thanks,
Pete0 -
Pete,pete43lost_at_sea said:thanks heaps Sandy we are a team of two at least
I know its hard for some people to be open about our illness.
I would not say "I am want to be in anyones face about it."
But if an opportunity comes up then why not dive in.
Ultruism which is doing something for others also helps us.
I have found telling my story has reinforced it in some ways. Like I won't forget
going camping with the kids in our little campervan and busting to goto the loo.
Luckily some nights I only made it a step or two away from the car before dropping the pants. Out in nature the bathroom is very large. I always had my trusty shoovel and loo paper. I think my memories and stories are entertaining. They are vivid to me. I had just finished chemo radiation and my bum was quite a mess. At least it still worked not like this dam leaky bag. But I can live with it.
Sandy could you post here when you have told your story to someone. Maybe one of these people we will help. I still believe personal is far more effective than media at getting the real message out.
What about a name for our little club? XmassPoo club or TheNoisyAssClub
If you come to sydney will buy you a coffee or veg juice.
The snowball has just started rolling down the hill. How many more can we get in the team ?
1 or 100. Who knows. Its Xmas and a great time for miracles. Lets have one for each of us.
thanks,
Pete
I have become a
Pete,
I have become a spokesperson for "check your poop". I tell everyone all the time, that if is doesn't look right, get to a doctor right away! Just wish I had listened to my own advice!
Kathy0 -
Kathy the snowball is getting bigger and rolling fasterkhl8 said:Pete,
I have become a
Pete,
I have become a spokesperson for "check your poop". I tell everyone all the time, that if is doesn't look right, get to a doctor right away! Just wish I had listened to my own advice!
Kathy
Kathy, I love "check your poop" I wished I had listened to your advice earlier too.
I am sincerely hoping that everyone who posts on this Xmas challenge would be kind enough a tell their story each day and then share it here on this post. just something short with a few details. I love hearing from people who ever been tested and had polys removed. I feel like hugging these special and lucky people.
Like I told the bus driver about this crazy xmas challenge, and then you can lead into your story. If you believe in people power, then just do this. Its a long stetch but I believe every person we tell and help, might actually help us kill a cell or two of the cancer in us.
Further more our cancers inside us should get seriously worried because not only are we fighting them inside ourselves with medicine and good deeds, but we are also killing them before they can even get a foothold in others. Now thats cool.0 -
Kind guy in petrol/gas station had unused poo test at home
He moved his car so he and I could both fill up. A simple kind gesture. I figured I got to tell this guy my story. Walked over, thanked him, told the short story, he mentioned he had the test but had done nothing. I asked him if he wanted to see what his procrastination may cause ? he said yes so he got a tummy view of scare and bag. He shook my hand, wished me luck and volunteered that he would get tested asap. his wife was behind him. It felt good. Did a few others today but like the guy who sells me fresh fish.
Pete0 -
Pete,pete43lost_at_sea said:Kind guy in petrol/gas station had unused poo test at home
He moved his car so he and I could both fill up. A simple kind gesture. I figured I got to tell this guy my story. Walked over, thanked him, told the short story, he mentioned he had the test but had done nothing. I asked him if he wanted to see what his procrastination may cause ? he said yes so he got a tummy view of scare and bag. He shook my hand, wished me luck and volunteered that he would get tested asap. his wife was behind him. It felt good. Did a few others today but like the guy who sells me fresh fish.
Pete
I really like this
Pete,
I really like this idea, this kind of cancer is not the type that people want to talk about. Hell I had a hard time when the told me I had Rectal cancer? Just saying the word rectal gets people freaked out! When I had my illeostomy I referred to it as my "front Butt" and when people get queasy when I mention colonoscpoy's and poo, I let them know that the test is nothing compared to having a front butt, so go ahead ignore my advice and you too can start to poo in a bag! That sure gets their attention. Colon and rectal cancer patients and others have no idea of the things that this cancer does to our bodies, sure other cancers do as well but, the indignity of always having others look or put things up there, is not a place I wish anyone to be. SO I salute you my friend, I will continue to tell my story to maybe save one more person from having to go through all that I and all the others here have endured!!
Kathy0 -
I also shared this idea with bowel cancer australiakhl8 said:Pete,
I really like this
Pete,
I really like this idea, this kind of cancer is not the type that people want to talk about. Hell I had a hard time when the told me I had Rectal cancer? Just saying the word rectal gets people freaked out! When I had my illeostomy I referred to it as my "front Butt" and when people get queasy when I mention colonoscpoy's and poo, I let them know that the test is nothing compared to having a front butt, so go ahead ignore my advice and you too can start to poo in a bag! That sure gets their attention. Colon and rectal cancer patients and others have no idea of the things that this cancer does to our bodies, sure other cancers do as well but, the indignity of always having others look or put things up there, is not a place I wish anyone to be. SO I salute you my friend, I will continue to tell my story to maybe save one more person from having to go through all that I and all the others here have endured!!
Kathy
I hope they read this post and copy the idea and use it.
People power works. Thanks Kathy, it looks like the snowball is melting away.
We may only reach 20 people each but its a start. I don' think I am going crazy
but I saw this group of forty something footballers having beers after the game, I let my dogs have a run on there oval. I chickened out, did not say a word except for merry xmas when leaving the bar. walking home I like I'll never catchup with those guys again and whatif one of them got bowel cancer. I patted my worries away, my dogs are great. Telling he story has been so easy until then, and most people have been very attentive and kind.
Any more story tellers out there ?0
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