My sister's best friend recently lost the battle to breast cancer, but it was on her terms. She was lucid enough to decide she did not want to be alive because a machine. Martha
Glad my bald bros are in agreement on this issue and support a worthy cause. I am a prostate cancer survivor and have thought through all the issues connected to a near-death encounter with that killer. People should know about the necessity of a "living will" and, once diagnosed, make themselves as knowledgeable as possible. The more you know about medicine, the more you realize it's not an exact science, but rather an interpretation. Doctors, particularly urologists, sometimes underestimate the importance--to the patient--of "quality of life" issues. The real unsung heroes/heroines are the nurses, who, in my experience, are neither pro-radiation nor pro-surgery, but pro-patient. Any man over 40 should certainly take a PSA test. Early detection can save your life. I've known two hale-and-hardy types (one an ex-Marine) who were apparently in such good health that they decided to forego annual examinations and bloodwork. By the time symptoms appeared, their cancers had matasicized. One is now dead; the other is undergoing massive chemo therapy, which might prolong his life for another five years. The Marine was in his forties when he died; the teacher is 54. The same hormone--testosterone, DHT--that cost some of us our hair, feeds testicular and prostate cancers. This is one area where adult forethought, not bravado, is needed. Men's support groups are attached to most major hospitals and deserve our support, especially the support of those who have survived and can counsel those who are newly diagnosed and in despair. Professor Melon
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Topic: another cool site. and a worthy cause (Read 3690 times)
