Well the news has just got worse

[David Schweizer]

Some people will have noticed my new signature and a number of friends have PM'd me for more information. I am now able to give that information, but have decided to make a public annoncement, because all the best advice suggests that it is better to share concerns with others rather than harbour them.

 

I have just returned from the Urology Department at Bristol Southmead Hospital where the Specialist Consultant informed me that the recent CT Scan has confirmed cancer in my bladder (which we more or less already knew). However I was also informed that they have detected several small lesions in both my Lungs, which are presently too small to be confirmed as cancer, but which they are assuming probably are.

 

I am returning to Southmead tomorrow to see the Oncology Consultant to discuss an urgent course of Chemotherapy, followed by further tests. If the lesions shrink or stay the same size, that is good news, and I can proceed with having my bladder removed and a New bladder built from bowel tissue. However if the legions continue to grow, I have to make a decision whether to undergo major surgery to cure one cancer, in the knowledge that another one will finally get me, or to just let nature take it's course. Either way I shall not be doing much boating in the near future.

 

Please accept my apologies for hi-jacking the General Boating forum, but somehow the Pub did not seem the appropriate place, especially as the most probable cause of my problem is smoking a long time ago and subsequent passive smoking. I am not seeking sympathy or pity, I merely wish to share my news with people who I feel will understand, and if there is anyone out there who has been through the same experience that they are willing to share, I would love to hear from them.

Edited November 17, 2009 by David Schweizer

[carlt]

I don't do sympathy, David, (you've probably noticed) and I can't offer any advice, in the cancer department, having not experienced it either personally or close second-hand.

 

If there is anything you need doing, boat-wise, up this way, and the people higher up your list are unable to assist. You need only ask.

[alan_fincher]

David,

 

This is indeed terrible news.

 

Since you first confided about the situation, I feel sure everybody was desperately hoping for a better outcome.

 

Whilst you say you ask for no sympathy, I feel sure that everybody on the forum who hears this news will certainly feel that emotion very strongly.

 

I've already said privately I'm never good with words at times like this, so will not attempt to say more than I'm sure we all hope that the medical profession will move quickly to give you the best possible advice and treatments.

 

Our thoughts of course remain with you and Jan.

 

Alan, Cath & Family

[journeyperson]

I can only offer my best wishes and I hope that your treatment goes well.

[Sir Nibble]

I hope you make all the decisions that are right for you David. The best of luck to you and your medical team.

[Old Son]

Good luck David. You really must stay positive. Easy to say and not so easy to do in the circumstances but remember there is always hope.

[Tony Brooks]

I can only add my best wishes and hopes for the future to all those given and yet to come.

[Naughty Cal]

Im never any good with words at times like these (or most other times), however both myself and Liam wish you all the best and hope that your treatment goes well.

 

Best wishes

 

Rachael & Liam

[Chris-B]

Like many others David , Lise and I wish you all the very best for the forthcoming times

 

If there is anyway we can help at any time ...

 

Chris

[Mick_B]

David it's the news everybody fears and some of us expect at some stage. It may be hard but I believe staying positive in your own mind helps as much as any treatment. I sincerely hope the treatment goes well and you manage to keep your spirits up.

 

Mick

[MartinClark]

Thank you for sharing this, David.

 

There is nothing that I can say that will be of any help, so I will just say I am sorry that it is taking you away from boating for now, and I offer my wishes that the treatment goes well.

[Ynot]

David, I only know you through your many postings on this forum, so this may seem somewhat hollow. But I think you are very brave to be so open about the very testing time that you find yourself in.

 

If goodwill has any influence on these situations, I'm pretty confident that you will have it in abundance through this site.

 

The very best of luck.

 

John & Christine

[ditchcrawler]

David,

I can only repeat what others have said all ready which is I am sorry to hear it. I do believe that with cancer the state of mind has a lot to do with the outcome, so don't give up and be VERY positive about the outcome.

Brian

[weeble]

I wish you well in your treatment David. Having had family members go through similar episodes I'm convinced that much of the battle is in maintaining a positive attitude, as others on here have already said. Remember that people DO come through various cancers these days and go on to live normal and active lives. Stay with it...... fight it!

[greywolf]

It is the diagnosis that everyone fears but the various treatments today are much better than they were even a few years ago. Not easily achieved but a positive attitude always helps. My best wishes for a good result.

[magpie patrick]

David

 

You don't want sympathy so I will not offer any, but I think you are brave to face up to this the way you are doing. I would also agree that it is better "out" than "in". One of the worst sayings in the English Language is "least said, soonest mended". The opposite is true.

 

We only live ten miles away from you, and while we have never met, I feel that I know you through this forum. You are always very measured and show compassion and humility in your dealings with other members. I hope these qualities will help you through these times now.

 

I have not lost a loved on through cancer recently, but I do have one relative in remission after chemo, and lost a close friend some years ago. If you feel that anything I might be able to say would help, then PM. As we live so close by, we will give freely of practical and other support as we can.

 

Be strong, and make the choices that are right for you

 

Patrick and Val

[Matthew Knowles]

Sorry to hear that David. Good luck and best wishes to you and of course to those around you (who are often easily forgotten but often feel utterly helpless and unable to help you). Hope things work out well for you all.

[soldthehouse]

Hello David it is inevitable that people will sympathise or empathise with your situation and as I said in an earlier pm medical science has moved forward in leaps and bounds since you and I were younger men and our immediate reactions should not be as dire as would have once been the case. Only yesterday my wife whom I have been caring for for sometime is diagnosed as having acromegaly which if unsuccessfully treated does not look good, I am sure all forum members will wish you well and would wish you to stay in communication as and when you feel inclined,

 

Regards Stuart

[churchward]

Sad news indeed and I wish you success in your treatment.

 

I know from my own family experience that a positive attitude and determined outlook does make a difference as does the support of your family and friends. I also believe that although such news makes you reassess your lifestyle and priorities it is also important to continue to do the things that makes you feel as normal as possible and you enjoy as opposed to letting the "Big C" be the centre of your existence. It is difficult at times though with the nature of the treatment regime.

 

From a practical point of view should you need some practical boating help then I would be happy to do so. I believe our respective boats are kept not far away from each other.

[Nine of Hearts]

lost a cousin, but haven't (touch wood) lost a mother to like cause. can't offer any real practical advice, but from what I do know, attitude is everything.

 

spit in the devil's eye, as it were.

 

all the best.

[Teakbank12]

David

It is good to tell others but as i found back in August when diagnosed with Leukaemia its the hardest thing to tell those closest to you.

You will feel angry/scared with the why me scenario at first, but go on the macmillan forum & you will find friends to share your concerns.

Make sure you are in control & work with your specialists.

[RLWP]

If it helps you to keep posting about it here, I'll keep reading what you write. It may not seem much, but you spotting me on Tawny Owl this year was one of my highlights.

 

Richard

[valrene9600]

David

Others on the forum have said it all. So i will just be thinking of you and willing you towards a speedy recovery.

[Matthew Knowles]

If it helps you to keep posting about it here, I'll keep reading what you write. It may not seem much, but you spotting me on Tawny Owl this year was one of my highlights.

 

Richard

I don't really know what your sense of humour is like. However, when my father was diagnosed with a fairly aggressive prostate cancer a couple of years ago I gave thim THIS. At a time when friends and family were dodging talking about his cancer I think he found it quite amusing.

[Chertsey]

What a bastard. If your absence form the boating scene is going to be down to depleted energy or other effects of illness, I'm sure that there are many, ourselves included, who would welcome your company and knowledge on a trip without expecting any physical input.