Calling Mr.IC.....talk to me please !

[SouthernGirl]

Sorry IC ... I never drawl while wearing my hat.

Southern Girl, Don't mind IC, he's just being....well..IC

But I don't mind. Don't worry.

This is what we decided. From what we have learned as well as what you also confirmed is that these cells that spread are actually more of a concern to us than the tumor itself (from our own personal search, the lungs are a possible target) The doctors have been helpful, it's just knowing the right questions to ask.

Yes, that's exactly right. Even a tumor that seems not to have spread at all will have micrometastases ... it's pretty much unavoidable. Deal with them now so you don't have to deal with them later. And keep asking questions.

We've read that as well. With IC, it's not so much his attitude that I'm speaking of because he does get down, sad, angry...he doesn't dwell on it..but it happens. I don't know if you picked up on any of the HD-LD to HD thread where IC explained how his dad basically "gave up" his fight against cancer. IC may or may not beat this...{he's more at ease with this than me, but we both realize that it could happen} The thing with IC is it's not his "right attitude" to beat this that will help him, it's his drive and determination. I've known him 7 or 8 years now and He DOES NOT know the meaning of the word quit. If this does take him, he will be fighting it to the end

Yes, I did catch the part about his dad, which was one of the reasons I said that. Chances are his dad would have passed at exactly the same time, fighting or not, unless he really stopped treatment and just sat there. His dad's mistake wasn't so much that he stopped fighting, but that he closed himself off from his loved ones. Tumor stage and tumor type is what determines outcome, and who treats you, and how. IC has a highly treatable tumor, so the odds are in his favor, if he's in the hands of an experienced center. And modern medicine has advanced significantly. The thing to learn from his dad's experience is to do this together, as a family, all the way, and it sounds like you are doing exactly that.

Thank you, I know it shouldn't take something like this to bring a family close but I'm happy to report that we are closer now than ever. It's still very hard for me to deal emotionally with the fact that I could lose him. I break down in tears at the drop of a hat...like now I know it's not going to get any easier but somehow I'll make it..we'll make it

From what I understand, you were already growing closer ... this just makes it even more poignant. I was impressed with the palpable warmth and love between you two from the start. Yes, it does get easier. And it's ok to cry, and be afraid, and then know neither of you are in this alone. And you have us, too .... your invisible cheering squad, in case you happen to be sad at the same time. I'll even look for my misplaced drawl.

Good luck to you. You can do this. I have absolutely no doubt.