FIGHT OF MY LIFE

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

Matt

I will freely admit that I do not know you, but can see from the many responses here that you are loved by many and have much support. Cancer and it's treatment is what I do for a living all day, everyday. Depending on what kind, where ( body site ) and extent, many are now beating this disease... take your time, ask many many questions of the people who you have put in charge of your care... your Life. Don't just accept that line of thinking I see all too often.... "he's the Doctor, he must know what it is best " Get a second opinion on the treatment options, and do your homework.. take charge of your treatment. You would be very surprised to see the differences in opinion about what is the best treatment for any particular type of cancer., and it can make all the difference in the world.... TRUST ME on that. Ask about Clincal Trial Treatment Options, and don't be scared off by that TERM.. it doesn't mean Guinne Pig treatment.. it means the chance to get the BEST Treatment available before the rest of the General Public has access to it.... it means getting more than just the STANDARD TREATMENT... which by the looks of it in the last 10 years... isn't working so good BUT don't despair, as I can already see, you are not... because I see more and more people living longer and longer every day and living a good Quality of Life.... in general, folks are not as SICK from the treatment these days due to our many advances. We have so many treatment options and all have pros and cons... Chemotherapy, Radiation ( which is so far refined now days with things like IMRT ) and Biologic therapies are so advanced... the list goes on and on my friend... do your homework, do not sit idle and let the people around you just tell you what they are going to do for you, find out why, ask why, ask when, ask.. ask ask... and read up on the particular type and grade of cancer you have.

Lastly, I can tell you first hand... having a great support system of friends and family throughout the process WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.. I see it everyday.. I have patients that come in, sit in the chair and get treated and leave... all by themselves and they generally don't fare as well. Then I have those with friends and families by their side throughout, showing their love and care.. accept that love and caring.. ie... let your wife and Minister do what they are doing... everyone feels helpless with this type of thing and so this may just be a chance for the folks who love you to feel they are not helpless. It will help you as well, this I see every day

Good luck

Michael