Re: Life Is A Gamble

Please consider using the "Off Topic" Forum for your needs that are other than medical.  You might find some emotional support there, which is what you seem to need as much as medical information.  The MPIP Board has been around for a fair length of time, and has been a great source of information and support for many.  The Board LAO Hs attracted many relatives of patients – spouses, parents, sons, daughters and others. This community supports loved ones, as well as those of us who are the patients as well. 

Yes, we all freak out when first diagnosed, but you should focus on what choices Bob and you have, not just the stats.  Statistics will drive you (and your husband) crazy – as well as those of us who know them already.  So stop with the numbers already, ok?  My 2 cents – do not believe the statistics. You might think you have a 50/50 (or some other number) chance of something happening, but another view is that you either have a 0% or 100% chance (you can't get half of Stage IV, for example). 

Live your life and encourge Bob to stay positive, focus on what you can do rather that what you cannot.   Learn as much as you can – you will need to become more versed in the nuances of this disease.  Some of the information and stats you have seen online elsewhere are helpful, some are not.  IMHO this board is most helpful as a venue for patients helping other patients (including loved ones) with information based on ther own experience and research.

If you take the time to read through the posts for the past year or so, you will soon realize that there are many on here who have more issues than do you and Bob.  Not to minimize your situation, but before you ask for empathy you might also consider the situations of those from whom you are asking help.  Or maybe you are not asking for help, but just want to tell your story.  Blogs help with that aspect, and apparently you are using that meduim as well.   Again, "Off Topic" may be appropriate for non medical issues, which can very important for many of us as well.

Wishing you the best and be positive.   I am Stage IV, with lung metastises, no primary identified, diagnosed 3/15/10.