Posted on Jan 2, 2016
What was or will be your 'go to' method for dealing with a life-threatening diagnosis for yourself or a family member?
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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
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/12/31/marine-using-dark-humor-to-get-through-cancer-diagnosis.html?intcmp=hplnws
Cancer
Attitude
Health and Wellness
Support
Humor
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 10
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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.
I'm morbid, it happens when one is insane.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
SSG (Join to see) I think the Marine in the link would agree with you! Thank you for weighing in.
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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.
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.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
PO2 Steven Erickson faith is not a possession of all (2 Thess. 3:2), but for those who do, it seems they are able to access a greater level of peace.
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Capt Seid Waddell
CPO Andy Carrillo, MS, I find that I am a lot happier when I don't give a crap one way or the other.
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SSG Roger Ayscue
I have to accept that His ways are not our ways His time not our time and that NOTHING will happen to me or my family that is not in His will. Surrendering to Him was the best decision that I ever made. Because I am way way too dumb to do this all on my own.
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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.
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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.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
CPT Jack Durish, the Marine in the link uses 'dark humor' to cope with his recent lymphoma diagnosis, and the graphic is but one example of the 'dark humor' I, as former LE, used to cope with the daily tragedies inherent as a deputy sheriff-coroner. Now, about stock in this prayer rug company...
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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!
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PV2 Scott Goodpasture
I don't know I think I will endeavor to change things that are obviously wrong or unfair rather than just leave it to God. Maybe, he gave us a brain and a will so that we can use them to change things for the better.
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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.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
SGT (Join to see), Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.--Dylan Thomas
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.--Dylan Thomas
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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.
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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.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
SN Greg Wright, hey, brother! Hopefully I would be the last person on this planet to judge another's method for coping with a tragic diagnosis or situation. Acceptance is the fifth stage of Kubler-Ross's grief cycle.
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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
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SSG Thomas Gallegos
Of a life-threatening disease? I know my family is cared for and they have a great supporting cast.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
SSG Thomas Gallegos having a close-knit supportive family can be a tremendous blessing in difficult times. I've also seen where enmeshed families can be as bad as the disease, if not worse. You are blessed.
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SSG Thomas Gallegos
So, so true. You know with all families lies issues be it in home or in-laws it's a must to be able to lean on the Family as a whole.
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