• The dreaded C word.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:20 am**

I (northernmaninsouth on the old site) went to A&E on Thursday night as I had a tight chest and have been treated for DVT for the last month or so. Anyway, to cut a long story short I had to stay in hospital overnight for observations and in the morning they dropped the bombshell that I have Leukaemia.

I am in total shock and don't really know what to do with myself as I am only 31, but have any of fellow clarets been through/going through this fight? Any tips?

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:29 am**

Sorry to hear that mate! Not been through this so no tips but wishing you all the best mate!

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:34 am**

Sorry to hear this Foshiznik. The good news is you are young. Try and make sure you have the calmest person there with you when the Consultant sees you. Get them to write down everything he/she says. Also write down all your questions too and make sure you ask them. There are many different forms of Leukemia, find out which one you have and exactly what their 'treatment plan' is. Good Luck!

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:48 am**

Enjoyed reading your posts on the old site mate and really hoping you get through this unscathed. Please keep us updated you've got thousands of clarets pulling for you.

Keep your chin up.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:01 am**

My mate who's a claret was similarly diagnosed at about 35 yrs. I'll try and get him to post on here and maybe he can give you some advice. He's had it about 7 years now I think and is still strong active etc
Not an easy time for you though . All the best pal

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:05 am**

Nothing but good thoughts for you, Foshiznik. The day is coming when they'll beat all forms of cancer. Want you around to celebrate that.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:07 am**

I too have always enjoyed your posts. We're the same age and think we started posting regularly around the same time.

I wonder how far down the line they are with immunotherapy (the recent breakthrough for blood cancers). Good luck mate and keep us posted.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:16 am**

Hi Foshiznik - I've enjoyed chatting with you not too long ago on the NBA thread.

So sorry to hear this news. I'm afraid I can't offer much in the way of advice in this area. However I wish you all the best with it. Please keep us updated - I assume there are many forms of this horrible disease. My hope is that it's the easiest to beat.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:34 am**

Best of Luck Foshiznik from a fellow Claret

UTC

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:40 am**

I'll add my own positive thoughts and, best wishes to all those above.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:20 am**

Best of luck to you mate,hope you can make a full recovery.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:21 am**

Stay strong mate and don't let it take you over, PMA.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:23 am**

Sorry to hear that mate but don't give up. I had acute myeloid leukaemia when I was six and I'm 44 now!!
I was also diagnosed with stage 3c small bowel cancer last July so am still fighting that!
Take care of yourself bud b

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:37 am**

It sure is the 'dreaded C word..is there a family around that hasn't at some time come across it for one of their's.?

Good luck with this Foshiznik, there have been amazing medical advances in this area, with treatment's changing all the time.

Plenty of people recover from cancer..all the best.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:42 am**

I've come through throat cancer so I understand your worries . Try to keep positive and talk to people rather than bottle it up . Treatments for all forms of cancer have improved over the last few years which is a positive . All the very best .

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:43 am**

Hi Foshiznik, I was diagnosed with APML (leukaemia) at the beginning of 2015.

I was taken into Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford and underwent intensive chemotherapy treatment initially for 6 weeks and then three further sessions of around two weeks.

I won't lie, the treatment was brutal, but the end result is that I have been in remission now since July, back on the golf course and going to Clarets games. So the message is to grit your teeth, stay with the indignities and pain of the treatment and keep a positive smile on your face.

I note your old username nothernmaninsouth so if you are by chance taken into the Guildford or Frimley hospitals let me know and I will visit you (if want me to) for some support.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:49 am**

Keep your thoughts positive Foshiznik as you have all of us supporting you in this.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:57 am**

Good morning Foshiznik,

I used my iPhone to record a 45 minute meeting with Consultant. It's hard to remember everything they say. I didn't tell them I was recording because I thought they might object or not be as open in their replies.

Definitely write down all your questions in advance.

Stay positive and take it one day at a time..

ps. Why the username change? Your old one was excellent.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:08 am**

Best wishes for a full recovery. Sorry I can't offer any more than that.
Keep relentless in your battle.
UTC

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:17 am**

Don't give up !!
I was told that I have / had a brain tumor 5 years ago and probably only had a year to live....I'm still here.
The person who can help you most is YOURSELF.....
Remain positive.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:28 am**

Dear Northern man, keep your chins up as you work through the next few months.
This is a huge shock but it is also only a temporary set back, you will come out of this fit and well.
Dark days will come and go but in the end it is all about your personal ‘frame work’ and being ‘relentless’ as you conquer this challenge.
You have a thousand friends on here, keep us informed with your progress and lean on us in your darkest days…

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:34 am**

Really appreciate all the support. It really is overwhelming. To be specific I have APML and they are confident that it's a battle that can be won.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:51 am**

Good luck in your fight against this terrible illness. Judging by your last post I'm sure you'll be victorious.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:53 am**

Same as me Fosshiznik (see above) I have been there, done that and got the T-shirt. Stay positive and keep in touch if you need info or support. I can let you know the facts "warts and all".

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 11:08 am**

That would be great IWOODLOVETT. I'm on a tablet called ATRA to start with then will be on the chemo at some point. Not looking forward to that!

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 11:15 am**

And there I was opening this thread thinking it was about the word 'Champions' . Don't I feel like a prize cockwomble........

Anyway, a mate of mine had the same a few years ago. Has fought it off successfully! Stay mentally strong and fight was my message at the time and remains the same! UTC.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 11:25 am**

So sorry, mate. Best of luck. Chin up.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 11:26 am**

All the best to you in your recovery, Fosh.

No doubt you're taking heart from the various uplifting success-stories of fellow-sufferers as posted on this thread.

Kudos to you all.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 11:40 am**

Foshiznik wrote:That would be great IWOODLOVETT. I'm on a tablet called ATRA to start with then will be on the chemo at some point. Not looking forward to that!

Yes, identical treatment although they started chemo very quickly. The chemo wipes out your immune system, so be prepared for some time alone (for your own safety).

Which hospital are you at?

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 12:10 pm**

Very best wishes, Foshiznik. I can't contemplate how difficult it must be to receive news like this, but I do think talking and taking on advice will help you win this fight and has been said already, you have an army of Clarets on your side!

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 12:24 pm**

My thoughts are with you, Foshiznik.

Mon 29-Feb I was taken to A&E with chest pains (as posted earlier on PSA thread). In my case it was a heart attack. Whatever the illness it takes time to adjust to the new health situation.

This board is great for sharing the important things in life.

Best wishes for a long and successful future for you.

Another "northern man in the south."

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 12:50 pm**

Sorry to hear that. All I can say is learn as much about the situation as you can. What type of Leukaemia it is etc. It'll help you manage your diagnosis better. I learn't from my own illness that it helps if you get as much info from the docs as you can, regarding treatments, medication etc and it'll help you stay far more positive.

Regards
Mark.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 1:53 pm**

My son is fighting AML at the moment. It's tough but treatments now mean there is a better chance than ever of remission and cure.

Stay strong and positive (and get ClaretsPlayer - I've spent longer than I care to remember in hospital with my little man and the chance to try and forget everything for a few minutes a week is invaluable).

PM me if you want any more info - I'm pretty clued up on it. Where are you - I live in Salisbury but were undergoing treatment in Manchester.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 2:17 pm**

I am under treatment at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 2:20 pm**

All the best mate stay strong & you will get through this.
One day at a time.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 5:53 pm**

Just read this, sorry to hear Foshiznik. Keep positive. I had a tumour removed in my 20's (I'm now in my 30's), and followed up with what they though had spread a year later also had an op on my chest. The key is mind over matter - don't let it win and take it as it is, you're young enough to fight it, and people do fight it and come through it. I struggled a bit for a couple of years after my op, but about 5 years later, I felt as fit as I ever had. Keep your head up and as positive as you can (I'm sure the Clarets promotion ride and the majority on here will help you with that

)

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 6:16 pm**

Jesus, reading the board all positive then I see this. I've been a big fan of your posts ( on the other side )
I can only echo the good wishes above.
Be strong UTC NNN

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 6:35 pm**

stay strong bud, all the clarets on here are feeling your pain and wishing you a full and speedy recovery.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 6:36 pm**

Sending you the very best of luck. Thinking if you. J

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 6:45 pm**

You have good doctors and good medicines available on your side. You also have time. The prognosis is generally favourable. Be strong and vent your feelings, be sad, be angry, ask "why me". But you'll get through it.

Peace.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 6:46 pm**

Stay strong and positive, and you will conquer this.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 6:59 pm**

Hello Foshiznik aka northernmaninsouth. Had two friends and one family member with just about the same diagnose back in the 80-90 ies. About your age all of them.. They are still my friends and family member, all healty, alive and kicking... All the best and take care.. Hans.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:02 pm**

Good luck in your fight. Stay as positive as you can and let's hope that you come through everything OK. Best wishes.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:09 pm**

Your age will help as you will be strong enough to cope with aggressive treatment. Also Leukaemia treatment has made massive strides in the last 15 years or so, its not too long ago it was a death sentence, not the survival rates are high. The odds are in your favour.

That said, I know you will be very afraid, and you are right to be, its very serious. I wish you all the luck in the world with your battle my friend. Also remember, when you look at any kind of statistics on survival, treatment etc, they are all 5 years old at least. And in terms of cancer data, 5 years is a long time. Things are better than the facts suggest. Even though the current stats give much hope, I think over 70% of people diagnosed live more than 5 years these days. That also doesn't mean to say that you will only live 5 years, its just how they record it. Most of those people are alive and well long after those 5 years pass.

Its not a death sentence. Try to stay positive, and lean on your family and friends when you need too. Don't be afraid to become a burden because you will need their support.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:09 pm**

ClaretMoffitt wrote:Your age will help as you will be strong enough to cope with aggressive treatment. Also Leukaemia treatment has made massive strides in the last 15 years or so, its not too long ago it was a death sentence, now the survival rates are high. The odds are in your favour.

That said, I know you will be very afraid, and you are right to be, its very serious. I wish you all the luck in the world with your battle my friend. Also remember, when you look at any kind of statistics on survival, treatment etc, they are all 5 years old at least. And in terms of cancer data, 5 years is a long time. Things are better than the facts suggest. Even though the current stats give much hope, I think over 70% of people diagnosed live more than 5 years these days. That also doesn't mean to say that you will only live 5 years, its just how they record it. Most of those people are alive and well long after those 5 years pass.

Its not a death sentence. Try to stay positive, and lean on your family and friends when you need too. Don't be afraid to become a burden because you will need their support.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:28 pm**

Foshiznik. I am gutted for you. But I want you to think positive and stay that way. It's times like this that you need your friends. Your fellow clarets will help, that's for sure.I hope all goes well for you.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:40 pm**

Really appreciate all the well wishes. Very overwhelming.

Thank you too for your honest and open stories.

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:53 pm**

All the support and best wishes in the world coming from the Rightfoot household

Posted: **Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:57 pm**

Don't want to name drop but my uncle is Geoff Thomas and I mum gave him a stem cell transplant. If you get in touch with him on twitter I guarantee he would get back to you. He's ten years in remission now. Stay positiv stay strong.

Posted: **Wed Mar 16, 2016 2:10 pm**

My good wishes are added to all the above. You will be in my prayers for a full recovery.

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