Asking for a friend. Her mom lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
"My mom was just diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer. She will need both chemo and surgery.
In addition to the physical, medical, and emotional toll treatment will take, we need to figure out how to pay for this.
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Jun 12, 2013 -
11 answers
Never in my life has this happened before, but I keep finding myself in tears of grief over the looming death of Scottish writer
Iain M Banks, who is far and away my favourite writer and has terminal cancer. I'm looking for ways of helping to resolve this emotion, by using it as energy to fuel a meaningful response.
[more inside]
posted by Mistress
on May 20, 2013 -
21 answers
So my best friend has ovarian cancer. And she's a divorced mom with no family. All of the support is going to come from friends, and I'm the Friend Leader. I'm going to be asking a million questions about this, I bet, in the coming months, but here's where I'm starting: if I say anything sweet or sentimental to her, she's gonna give me a black eye. I need snarky, sarcastic humor & presents for one of the smartest cancer patients ever.
[more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa
on May 17, 2013 -
28 answers
My sweet 8 1/2 year old golden retriever has been diagnosed with an aggressive peripheral nerve sheath cancer this week. She can hardly walk on one leg and is on a lot of pain medication and she still is quite uncomfortable. We have been offered palliative radiation as a method of reducing some of her pain, not extending her life. Have you ever chosen palliative radiation for your dog? Was is a good decision for your pet or in hindsight would you have chosen euthanasia instead?
[more inside]
posted by cecic
on May 11, 2013 -
21 answers
I just found out I have High Risk hpv. My doctor didn't seem too concerned, but I feel like my world is falling apart. How do I cope?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on May 3, 2013 -
11 answers
The story: wife gets breast cancer. Double mastectomy, chemo, radiation. Two young kids. Nine years of remission. Then, recurrence. Three years of more chemo, then three months of hospice and she dies at home in my arms.
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Apr 30, 2013 -
39 answers
A close relative recently had a double mastectomy and is awaiting breast reconstruction surgery. She is still in recovery phase, and is surrounded by her loving and supportive family.
Because of work issues I'm unable to visit for a while. I've sent flowers, and made phone calls, but I would like to get something delivered to her either brighten her day or make this time easier or any more comfortable for her and her family.
[more inside]
posted by newpotato
on Apr 15, 2013 -
8 answers
If I had gobs of money to throw at a "cure" for cancer, or at least ways to make it suck less for those who have it*, where would the money go farthest? Research for better treatments, research to develop better diagnostic tools, funding for better treatment/diagnostic programs, funding for patient support (like hospice) service, or anything else? Do organizations exist that might be more effective than the American Cancer Society, for example?
[more inside]
posted by estherbester
on Apr 1, 2013 -
16 answers
My dog has bone cancer, and spends most of his time gimping around on three legs due a gross tumor on one of his hind legs. He's already a pretty striking dog (obligatory photos
here and
here and
here), so people already often stop to talk to me about him and comment. Now, he has a very pronounced three-legged gate, and people comment on that too. I'm having a hard time dealing with explaining to people "he has cancer" multiple times a day, and watching their faces drop. Any suggestions as to how I can handle this better so I don't ruin my own and other people's day by making everyone think about awesome dogs dying?
[more inside]
posted by Grandysaur
on Mar 28, 2013 -
19 answers
Our wonderful kitty was just diagnosed with cancer. We are waiting today (I took the day off work for it, I am such a wreck) to hear more details, but the initial findings were very bad.
So, what can I do to help her enjoy her last time with us? I know the vet will give us more information about pain meds (tho she doesn't seem to be in pain) and diet, but I wonder what other thoughts people can give. For example, it was from a friend that I learned it was OK to give her Pepcid A/C (confirmed dosage with vet), and I think that has been helping her tummy. Also, through googling I discovered that it is possible to euthanize in-home, which gives me some comfort for when her quality of life slips below an acceptable threshold. Anything else come to mind?
[more inside]
posted by Calicatt
on Mar 27, 2013 -
13 answers
My uncle is dying - the doctor says days or weeks. I haven't said anything to him, or his wife, or his kids, since they got the cancer diagnosis a few months ago. Our families have had a historically fractured relationship, so it all feels very awkward to me. Please help me figure out what to appropriately say to them.
[more inside]
posted by raztaj
on Feb 25, 2013 -
10 answers
I was taping an ethernet cord over my doorframe with vinyl electrical tape. I can't find the label, but I remember it had a warning saying that the tape contains chemicals that the state of California recognizes to cause cancer. After maybe ten minutes of futzing with it (and breathing), I have a minor headache, my throat hurts a lot, and breathing feels weird and cold. Page 2 of
this document warns about fumes from molten electrical tape, but I didn't heat it. Was the warning label accurate? I can't find any scientific info online. Should I take this stuff down from my walls, or will it be OK now that I'm no longer actively handling it?
posted by randomname25
on Feb 22, 2013 -
20 answers
Hypothetic/literary filter: Book character is looking for ways to die that are self inflicted, but would like it to seem like a deadly disease, but one that kills over a period of about 6 months. All I can come up with are nitrosamines but I don't think that is a sure thing. Any ideas?
[more inside]
posted by htid
on Feb 13, 2013 -
26 answers
My mom has been battling colon cancer for the last 6 1/2 years, and essentially my whole family had settled into the rhythm of her treatment, and I know exactly what I could do to help, but recently her condition took a sharp downward turn, and I feel as if I'd been blindsided without any idea what I can do now.
[more inside]
posted by Geektox
on Jan 30, 2013 -
19 answers
I took my dog to vet to get his teeth cleaned today. They saw a very obvious bump on his nose that I hadn't noticed before, told me to see a specialist ASAP, and the dental cleaning did not happen. And then I cried in the car for twenty minutes. Obviously, I'm not asking for a diagnosis via Metafilter, but how can I negotiate/maneuver with veterinary costs?
[more inside]
posted by ablazingsaddle
on Jan 28, 2013 -
50 answers
My cat is sick. I have next to no money. Is there a really-truly-worth it pet insurance company you recommend? Or is there a place I can apply for financial assistance?
[more inside]
posted by greta simone
on Jan 26, 2013 -
15 answers
One of my best friends was just diagnosed with late-stage cancer. My friend's going to need a lot of help, and I want to organize people to do it. Have you organized or been part of a caregiving group? I need advice from someone who's been down this road.
[more inside]
posted by feets
on Jan 25, 2013 -
10 answers
Looking for info from colo-rectal cancer survivors on what you've done to fix/deal with the diet change issues.
[more inside]
posted by curious nu
on Jan 13, 2013 -
11 answers
How does my friend get his prostate cancer research into the hands of the relevant researchers?
[more inside]
posted by unlaced
on Jan 3, 2013 -
36 answers
Have you ever not only been unable to see the light and the end of the tunnel, and don't care anymore if you do?
[more inside]
posted by thelastgirl
on Dec 11, 2012 -
20 answers
My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in May this year. We've just been told she now has 6 months to live. Help me with what to expect.
[more inside]
posted by sunshine arakhan
on Dec 10, 2012 -
22 answers
I was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer and will be having surgery next week to remove the testicle with the tumor. Should I be thinking about preserving sperm yet?
[more inside]
posted by zrail
on Dec 6, 2012 -
7 answers
We are lucky enough to have a Grandpa who is 84 years old. He just had a consult with his urologist and has elevated PSA and prostate biopsy positive for cancerous cells ( that is the phrase that keeps being repeated) .
[more inside]
posted by slothhog
on Nov 29, 2012 -
17 answers
An acquaintance has passed away, and in lieu of flowers, his family is requesting a donation to a religious cause that gives me some concerns. What to do?
[more inside]
posted by evadery
on Nov 28, 2012 -
23 answers
Is there anywhere in Sydney which will make a human-hair wig for a specific cancer patient?
[more inside]
posted by Bakaness
on Nov 6, 2012 -
5 answers
Eye cancer filter: how tired am I likely to be when undergoing plaque radiation therapy for choroidal melanoma?
[more inside]
posted by jrochest
on Oct 3, 2012 -
1 answer
So this was me
commenting a bit ago about how some views toward health care actually damage the lives of real people.
And now I need advice, because the situation has grown so far out of my control and I think I’ll go out of my mind with worry.
[more inside]
posted by bilabial
on Sep 26, 2012 -
52 answers
Routine mammogram yesterday, not entirely unexpected secondary mammogram and ultrasound next week. Please help me calm down about it.
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Sep 21, 2012 -
16 answers
My partner's father is in the early stages of death. They are in the Midwest. I'm in the Middle East. Snowflakes.
[more inside]
posted by femmegrrr
on Sep 15, 2012 -
6 answers
I'm in the middle of treatment for breast cancer (chemo and radiation) and am unsure how to handle sharing this information (if I should at all) during my job interviews. What is my legal obligation? What is my moral obligation? What makes the most sense for everyone involved?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Aug 31, 2012 -
17 answers
My extremely-gifted best friend halfway across the world was depressed and then recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Now she's nearly suicidal. I'm in over my head and I don't know what to do...
[more inside]
posted by luciphercolors
on Aug 31, 2012 -
11 answers
Please give me recommendations on good Bay Area cancer treatment centers.
[more inside]
posted by pluot
on Aug 15, 2012 -
6 answers
My husband has a few more months before cancer takes his energy, and then his life. We have a 17 month old son. My husband plans to write some letters to our son, but beyond that, I am not sure what to do to help my son know his father. Any ideas?
[more inside]
posted by Mozzie
on Aug 13, 2012 -
62 answers
Two friends affected by cancer: how can I help them given distance and financial restrictions?
[more inside]
posted by FlyByDay
on Aug 10, 2012 -
9 answers
Having a potentially cancerous skin growth removed by a plastic surgeon. What should I expect?
[more inside]
posted by swift
on Jul 27, 2012 -
16 answers
I'd like to get/make a gift for a breast cancer survivor. I am moderately crafty. Gift ideas?
[more inside]
posted by mooza
on Jul 25, 2012 -
10 answers
Mohs surgery, end of next month. What should I be asking the surgeon in the meantime?
[more inside]
posted by thrasher
on Jul 17, 2012 -
16 answers
80 years old, lost 40 pounds since May, no appetite, weakening, diagnosed with lung cancer today. What can we expect now?
[more inside]
posted by soulbarn
on Jul 17, 2012 -
30 answers
