Just for a moment, I thought I should switch my title...not something I ever thought I would do...and something that I truly hope you never have to deal with. It’s amazing how life can change in an instant and, for us, it has meant a cancer diagnosis for CTDad.
Here is the deal: I am no professional on the subject and I have refused to be a Dr. Google for fear that I may see more than I need to know. Sometimes, in the rear-view mirror, you can process the information more carefully. For now, we chose to listen to a carefully chosen doctor and friends who have directly dealt with cancer. I feel like we can just cruise through life with a “that only happens to other people” mentality ...this is us. Until 2 years ago when a fluke accident took Dave’s eye, we had never considered what it would mean to have your vision gone. Until a couple of weeks ago, we had not considered some of the “warning signs” of cancer. This is not in any way meant to scare anyone, but just give you a few things to watch for...we aren’t getting any younger and catching something like this early is key.
Night sweats: Who knew? I thought that was only for women? Dave has always run “hot”, but the past several months he noticed it more and, even a few times, woke up sweaty...not like him.
Unresolved Pain: Don’t ignore pain that doesn’t go away. He figured his “rib pain” was from working out with kettle bells, or that he tweaked something while working on the truck. His first mention of this at a doctor appt was actually in March. He was given anti-inflammatory meds and the pain “resolved” only to come back full force around Thanksgiving
Tired/Run-down: Dave has ALWAYS been up early and gone all day. He started to burn out earlier in the day and go to bed early. We laughed about “getting older” and “not having the same energy”.
Stomach Sensitivity: He ALWAYS loved spicy foods and, for the past year or so, has not felt well after eating them. He is popping TUMS in the middle of the night, and, in general, seemed more picky about food.
This is all good info, but what now?
Find a general doc you can trust: Due to Covid, we actually had just bit the bullet and paid for the private access to our doctor whenever we need him...can I tell you how critical this has been?
Get a physical EVERY year: Don’t pass on this...our doc is with us for 90 minutes asking everything you can imagine. During Dave’s physical, he mentioned the pain again...THAT is what got the ball rolling to this diagnosis!
Get the Recommended Tests: Colonoscopy, mammogram, etc... It may have slight risk, but I would rather know if I have something growing in me...Knowledge is power!
One last thing...when I was in the hospital before Thanksgiving (long story), they tested me for stroke. They told me that if you EVER think a loved one is having a stoke to call an ambulance...DONT drive them to the hospital. When an ambulance comes to the hospital with a possible stroke, they have a stroke team waiting. If you drive someone in, they don’t rush the process and it could make the difference between life and death.
SO there you have it...DR. COFFEETALK!
On another note, THANK YOU for all of the kind notes, texts, gift-cards for meals and everything else that friendship brings. We are grateful for prayers, knowing that God is the ultimate physician!
Love you all,
CoffeeTalkMom
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