What was or will be your 'go to' method for dealing with a life-threatening diagnosis for yourself or a family member?

2016-01-02T00:13:52-05:00

When the Army ENT surgeon confirmed my diagnosis of Stage IV neck cancer, my first comment was, "So what do WE do next?" I later told my good friend that I needed only strong and positive people supporting me as I had already seen how fear and negativity quickly accelerated the spiral into despair. She agreed. I am now 10 years into living my 'second bite at the apple', and I can relate to this Marine's method to deal with his diagnosis.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/12/31/marine-using-dark-humor-to-get-through-cancer-diagnosis.html?intcmp=hplnws

Marine using dark humor to get through cancer diagnosis | Fox News

A Marine who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma the day after Thanksgiving is tackling the disease head on while documenting it in a series of short videos titled “F- -k Cancer.”

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jan 2 at 2016 12:22 AM

2016-01-02T00:22:49-05:00

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS I dunno, Chief. At this point in my life I might not think it's such a bad thing. Then at least it wouldn't be my doing. Morbid, I know, but you asked, heh.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Jan 2 at 2016 12:26 AM

2016-01-02T00:26:58-05:00

As a Christian, this is an easy one. I know that God does not want me to be sick or in pain, and I also know that He will make ALL things point to His Glory.

That won't necessarily "cure" me, but the thought that the Creator of the entire universe is in control of whatever happens to me gives me peace.

My soul is set for an eternity of Joy. For my body, I'll trust in medicine, science and a good catastrophic care health insurance plan.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2016 12:31 AM

2016-01-02T00:31:02-05:00

Comedy. I make light of almost every situation. What will happen, will happen. Why go down negatively when you could go down laughing hysterically and enjoying yourself. I mean, if you or a loved one were diagnosed with some life threatening, whatever, I personally would die in laughter. As for if a loved one was diagnosed, I would make sure their final breaths weren't wasted on crying, but laughing, or smiling, depending on the diagnosis.
I'm morbid, it happens when one is insane.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2016 2:13 AM

2016-01-02T02:13:38-05:00

I believe, everything is exactly as it's supposed to be, according to God's plan. And, surrounding yourself with positive thoughts, prayers, people and humor is priceless. I pray for inspiration and strength during the time this becomes a reality in my life. And, my RP friends will rally to help me!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 2 at 2016 9:31 AM

2016-01-02T09:31:04-05:00

I too crack jokes.

Response by SSG Thomas Gallegos made Jan 2 at 2016 10:40 AM

2016-01-02T10:40:56-05:00

I've actually thought about this. Overall I'm a positive person who likes to help others. The way I think of myself as being a leader why would I want to change in the name of

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2016 4:39 PM

2016-01-02T16:39:23-05:00

Humor is certainly how I deal with things. An example is when I had to have my gallbladder removed. While my wife was worried for me, I just threw jokes out there. The doc (before being rolled into pre-op) asked me if I had any last questions....I asked if I was gonna get a balloon and a lollipop afterwards.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 2 at 2016 5:47 PM

2016-01-02T17:47:08-05:00

I'm not sure what the graphic has to do with the question (but I'm stealing and posting it on social media). Now, as to the question... When my mother was dying of brain cancer I sat next to her bed and read Mark Twain to her when I ran short of my own stories, even when she was comatose, while the rest of the family fought. Sadly, that was the typical response to stress for most of my family. I refused to participate. Humor really is the best medicine. It won't cure cancer, but it will sooth the soul. If any of your family are like mine, toss them out of the room. If they can't take a hint, don't let them back in.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 3 at 2016 12:30 PM

2016-01-03T12:30:42-05:00

If the outcome is in doubt, I will try to give the strength. If it is fatal then, I will try to get them peace. One can fill a hospital room with balloons, flowers, and pictures. You might feel weak, however, you must be strong.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 11:25 AM

2016-01-04T11:25:49-05:00

I will enlist (pun intended here) the help (or 'volunteer' people) to become my 'prayer warriors' probably buy them some BDU's and employ comedy, news stories, the local churches to get involved with either me/my spouse coping with a bad diagnosis. I/her may go down, but now without a fight dammit.