Cruel Statistic

[kelle]

What are the chances of a married couple being diagnosed with cancer at the same time? My life has been turned upside down following my beloved parent's diagnosis in the past 3 weeks. People tell me it's so rare.

[Yinzer]

I've never heard anything about cancer diagnoses, but I have heard of married people who die within months of their spouse's deaths. I guess they just die of a broken heart. Don't know any statistics, though. I'm sorry to hear about your parents, but even greater than the odds of being diagnosed with cancer within 3 weeks of eachother are the odds of overcoming it. I Hope things work out for the best for all of you.

[bluedolphin]

So very sorry to hear about ur parents...but speaking from personal experience...a positive outlook, support of family and loved ones and laughter (yes it does work and boosts ur immune system)...and a good relationship with ur medical team will give u all a boost...but be ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride...ride it out...think positive...should u have a set back during treatment or such...leave it and move on...think positive... go and google for support groups u will find a wealth of info...and support ....

[Philtaz]

Sorry to hear about your news kelle, it probably is quite a rare event. My stepfather and father-in-law were both diagnosed with lung cancer within the same week, though that was nearly two years ago and both have responded well to treatment thus far. It's easy for me to say but keep your chin up, hopefully their treatment will yield similar results for you and them.

[Robinia]

As in the previous replies I'm so sorry about this awful blow & I'm sure that it must be very rare. It's a cruel life sometimes when all the bad things come along in a massive wave & I hope that you have brothers/sisters to help you. If not, do find someone to talk to, there should be lots of support & don't be afraid to ask questions. I know, from experience, that your parents will be as worried for you as they are for themselves, but please remember that however they react, they are still the same people. All the very best. x

[Jodyc]

This situation brings to mind the film 'Erin Brokovich' where illness was related to environmental factors. If they both have the same or similar illness, or have the same symptoms perhaps the cause could be the same. There are many carcinogens that we come into contact with everyday - food, fumes, pesticides, industrial waste, even the paint and insulation in our homes. I know this isn't very comforting but perhaps it'll provide you some assistance.

[kelle]

Jodyc I'm totally mystified, because they didn't smoke, drank very little, and ate very healthily. Mum stopped buying parsnips 15 years ago because she read in a magazine they can cause cancer! They never ate in restaurants because "you never know what's in the food". She also linked wheat with being a cause of cancer, so they haven't eaten wheat in 7 years! Was it worth it. Actually Dad started chemo today and is feeling drowsy but fine, and mum is starting next week. She's my best friend, I love her and I don't want to lose her, but her condition is an awful lot worse. I've tried to decide in my mind which one i'd rather lose, but I love them both so much.....

[kelle]

Sorry, jodyc, to continue answering your question, they live in the countryside (supposed to be healthier), it could be something in the house they live in, though Dad built it and I lived in it for several years. I'm definitely gonna get myself checked out at this rate, although getting bad news from doctors destroys you and puts me off!