Even if you beat cancer is it possible for you to live a full normal life?

[MHossa]

I've been doing a lot of reading over the past six months and all I hear is that cancer drastically shortens your life.

One statistic I read was

"Average number of life years lost from testicular cancer"-36.2

So does this mean that Lance Armstrong won't be living long even though he went through all that trouble to beat Cancer?

Cancer is a horrible thing that no one should get. I believe there is a god out there but I just don't understand why he makes people suffer from this disease.

[dadmo]

MHossa:
The number -36.2 years doesn't sound right. If the average life expectancy of a man is 72 years if you take 36 years away it would mean that your life expectancy is cut in half. I know the chemo and radiation are harsh but I don't see it cutting your life in half.

[Scott]

No, that can't be right, especially since many cases are solved by an orchiectomy without further treatment. Simple surgery won't take years off your life.

Where did you find that information?

[Scott]

I found a similar statistic, but I believe that it means that because testicular cancer usually strikes younger men, those who die from it die young. Those who are successfully treated -- a large majority -- go on to live full lives.

[Krokar]

Such a statistic means really nothing. It is really funny that if you do -36 then everybody die becauso of TC
I think also that this 36 was avarage years when people die because of TC.

I found a similar statistic, but I believe that it means that because testicular cancer usually strikes younger men, those who die from it die young. Those who are successfully treated -- a large majority -- go on to live full lives.

[LoneNutTheorist]

I think that some things we do take away years from our lives and other things that we do add years. But 36 sounds kind of low.

I'll be 35 in a few months. If I knew I'd be dead at 36 anyway, I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of getting treated.

But i think these numbers are rubbish. Here's a funny story:

I quit drinking coffee a year ago while going through radiation.

Then, last summer there was a press release that said "Americans get 10x more antioxidants from coffee than from tea."

So I started drinking coffee again.

But then I found out that americans drink about 20x more coffee than tea.

Therefore, we get more of our antioxidants from coffee only because we drink more of it. Coffee actually has fewer antioxidants.

The same can be said of this statement ""Average number of life years lost from testicular cancer"-36.2"

The sample of people are likely those who lost their lives due to testicular cancer. Not those people who survived. Since young men are the most common group for TC, those who die young would be losing an average of 35-40 years.

I don't know where the data is from, but that's what I think, anyway. You can make numbers say anything you want to say.

Goodyear's slogan for a long time was "more people ride on goodyear tires than any other tire"

They made tires for buses.

You can make numbers say anything you want them to say.

[Don]

Best thing to do is not worry or listen to this information that you read.. Live one day at a time and enjoy each day as if it where your last..I would be more worried about losing my life in a car accident or shortening the length of life due to poor air quality or the , chemicals and preservatives, that are in foods we eat!!!!! Chances are if you take care of yourself post cancer the your remaining years will be happy and healthy!!!!

[wannalive]

how to say it ?

Hi everyone

Happy news I am in love
bad news I fell a bit down due to my tc

what do you thing is the best time to bring tc and discuss with her ?
and as I am suspicious about lifetime expectancy this tread attracted me.

IS there any study or data about TC survivors life expectancy after EP and surgery for bulky mass removal. I expect no big change.

IS there any reduction in the life quality in the coming years.
I am very good now without side effects (although suffered neuropathy)
except some cramps in my back (due to stress?)

I also believe now how you live is more important than how much you live but I don't want these to be a question under my psyche and
also bringing up children is responsibility ( ups am I too far )

better to consult your opinions.

Take care everyone
Bekir

[Margaret]

Bekir,

I am not sure about life after TC because it has only been a short few months since my husband's RPLND...but I did want to say I am Happy you are in love!! If she is a caring woman, she will understand about the TC and support you. And if she does not, she does not deserve you.

M

[jaybird]

Wannalive-

It's hard to tell someone you love that you've had cancer. I married a nurse that figured it out on the 3rd date . The thing is, if she loves you she won't care so it's better getting it out on the table sooner than later.

-36 years might be correct b/c I was originally planning on living to 104.

[dadmo]

Life expectancy is are really hard subject to nail down. With the older harsher chemo drugs you could expect to have a few years taken off. With improvements in treatment protocols the doctors won't know until 40-50 years down the road when some of the patients begin to pass and then it has to be determined if it was chemo related.

[Already Bald]

also bringing up children is responsibility ( ups am I too far )

Bekir!
This is terrific news that you have found your woman And already talking children, you must be in love!
I would suggest that you take these good vibes you are feeling now and focus on a healthy lifestyle.
Quit smoking if you smoke now (I know you Europeans...Tell her to quit too)
Eat better, stay active and LiveSTRONG. These are behaviors that you can change that will definately help you feeling better about yourself.

You should talk to her about your health history, who knows- she may end up sharing something as well.
Well wishes from the States

[wannalive]

Hi

thank you everyone for comments
your notes are well taken, i won't consider this a bit more

actually I met her just before diaignose and didn't have much chance to see again, recently we are seeing each other again, i am not sure about her feelings though. she is not rejecting me but also not sending strong signals

lets see what the weekend brings

final note yes I quited smoking, she needs to

[Karen]

A "full and normal" life is what you make of it. Some people can live a fuller and happier life in 10 years than others can in 50. Id' like to see where that decreased life span number comes from.

[Jay68442]

I just saw this thread and thought this needed to be bumped back to the top.

Even if you beat cancer is it possible for you to live a full normal life?

I've been doing a lot of reading over the past six months and all I hear is that cancer drastically shortens your life.

One statistic I read was

"Average number of life years lost from testicular cancer"-36.2

So does this mean that Lance Armstrong won't be living long even though he went through all that trouble to beat Cancer?

Cancer is a horrible thing that no one should get. I believe there is a god out there but I just don't understand why he makes people suffer from this disease.

It is really important that people understand that stats are
1. not always correct
2. give an overview of a study group and are not specific to individuals.
3. can change as new treatments emerge.

Even if you beat cancer is it possible for you to live a full normal life? So does this mean that Lance Armstrong won't be living long even though he went through all that trouble to beat Cancer?

I would have to think Lance thinks so. He went on to win the tour 7 times and he created a movement to help rid the world of cancer. I think if he were to die tomorrow and on his way to heaven he was asked was it all worth it, his reply would be hell yes.

I was diagnosed 20 years ago. To me it was worth the trouble I had to endure. I finished treatment 18 years ago and feel because of treatment I gained 18 years so far and counting. I didn't lose any, I would have lost had I chose not to be treated. Life is all how you look at it.