Cancer and Bereavement 29th March 09

[Aled]

Back around Christmas we planned the first quarter of Surgery programmes.

This Sunday to coincide with Teenage Cancer trust we sheduled in a Cancer special.

The show has now been put into sharp focus with the sad turn of events that 27 year old Jade Goody has passed away with a condition most of us would assume only afflicts older people.

I know nothing about cancer. I'm scared by it - but I have no knowledge of what it is, how you get it or what it does.

So, if you want to learn more about it, or if you want to share your experiences or even want some guidance on how to cope with Cancer or it's after effects then join me this Sunday evening at 10pm on Radio 1.

x

[Aimee]

I know nothing about cancer. I'm scared by it - but I have no knowledge of what it is, how you get it or what it does.

Me too, i haven't had anyone close to me have cancer, i've had a few patients at the dentist that have died through cancer and that have beat it but not personally, i know bits and bobs but not a lot. A good topic, i'll be tuning in :)

[Andrew80]

I have lost a few close people to cancer and a few in my family have it.

I will be listening...

[Yudster]

Me too, i haven't had anyone close to me have cancer........
Statistically, you will do, if you haven't already. One in three people will get cancer during their life - unless you have a tiny family and no friends, you will definitely get some close-up knowledge of it sooner or later.

[Samual]

Is it just coincidental that this coincides with the Jade Goody saga? I suppose the bereavement aspect might be comforting to some.

Hope i dont sound too harsh, but iv heard enough about Jade Goody and her battle to last me a lifetime!

[Aled]

Don't worry, as always, this Sunday's show will be about the listener not anyone else :)

The cancer special was always planned. You can't deny that what happened to Jade has put cancer on a lot of people's radar so it's fair that she's referenced in relation to the show.

[Yudster]

Much as i loathe the Jade circus I think it might be beneficial to the discussion that its so topical.

[s4b]

My husband had cancer. He lost his hand to it. It's a vile disease!

[KingTutsWWH]

I'm not sure whether I should tune in to tonight's show or not. It could perhaps do me more harm than good.

I cared for my mum in the last few months whilst she was dying from cancer. Her death gave me the biggest (psychological) kick in the gut that I have ever received in my life. One and a half years on, I am still recovering.

On a positive note, she got a year and a half longer than the Oncologist predicted. I honestly feel this was as much down to her belief in alternative medicine/therapies, her spirituality and her strength of character and optimism as it was to the operations and chemotherapy she had to endure.

Themes I would suggest are:
The importance of looking after yourself, making sure you get regular check ups etc.
The effects of conventional cancer treatment (chemotherapy etc.)
Coping with bereavement.
Alternative medicines/treatments. They can be very beneficial.
Spirituality and positive thought.

Good luck with the show tonight Aled.:)

[Andrew80]

On a positive note, she got a year and a half longer than the Oncologist predicted. I honestly feel this was as much down to her belief in alternative medicine/therapies, her spirituality and her strength of character and optimism as it was to the operations and chemotherapy she had to endure.



I agree with this, alot of it comes down to the individuals attitude, my aunt has lost both breasts, half her stomach and bowel and is going back as they think she has it in her lung.... but not to be blunt... the doctors can not believe she is still around - especially in that each outbreak was a different cancer....

My dad is atttending for regular check ups for his prostate as he has high levels of PSA I think its called. But so far he is ok.... :)

Its a hurrendous disease... My other aunt died from it.. and its horrible to watch ....

Im sorry about your mum, but Im glad she got longer than predicted...

[Yudster]

With cancer, I think people need to be very careful with "alternative" treatments. But if a holistic approach is taken, combining known medical therapies with complimentary treatments which treat the whole person, not just the cancer, I firmly believe that people have the very best chance of at best recovery, at worst a much better life with cancer. But all the evidence suggests that to use the holisitc approach as an alternative to conventional medicine really doesn't work, so such things need to be approached with caution.

KingTuts, I hope you continue to recover. I lost my dad to stomach cancer which had spread to his liver. Unlike your mum he couldn't open his mind to a holistic approach to his illness, and I can't help thinking that if he had, he might not have died so depressed and in such terrible pain. It was four years ago and I am nowhere near processing the whole experience yet.

[KingTutsWWH]

Thank you Andrew and Yudster. I do agree with your views. It is certainly best to keep an open mind when you are on the way out so to speak. Try every single means at your disposal.

Wish you all the best Yudster. It ain't easy is it? Life goes on though.:)