CancerCompass message board discussion started by rick51 on 2/22/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21217,0.htm Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Monday will be #34 and my last radiation. Wow how time fliys when you're having fun!! Anyway, I must say that I was raised in a pretty religous home, then as an adult decided religion was no longer my thing. Not that I became a bad guy or anything, just wasn't as devout as I was as a kid. Probably a pretty typical American adult. Still believed in God, tried to do the right things, just not (pardon the term) "a holy roller". It's funny what brings people back to God. There are many things, and one certainly is for many people what we all are going through. I now pray every morning for members of my family, people I know, and even for all the people hurting on this board. I was a very fortunate business man. I hade lots of money and at age 47 (4 years ago) a big Fortune 500 compnay offerred me a bunch of more money to buy me out. I couldn't pass it up. So, for the most part, I'm retired. I promised God that when I recover I will do more to help those cancer patients that need help. We've all seen them. Yes, it is easy to write the check to help (and I will). But I want to do more physically. I've never been much of a volunteer guy. Give me some ideas? What should I do? Just walk into a cancer center and say put me to work? I want to use my time in the best possible fashion but there are only so many hours. Looking for suggestions to pick from.I'm a very blessed man (cancer and all) and need to give back. Help me out people. Shoot me some volunteer ideas.Thanks,Rick rick51 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/22/2008 rick51 wrote:Monday will be #34 and my last radiation. Wow how time fliys when you're having fun!! Anyway, I must say that I was raised in a pretty religous home, then as an adult decided religion was no longer my thing. Not that I became a bad guy or anything, just wasn't as devout as I was as a kid. Probably a pretty typical American adult. Still believed in God, tried to do the right things, just not (pardon the term) "a holy roller". It's funny what brings people back to God. There are many things, and one certainly is for many people what we all are going through. I now pray every morning for members of my family, people I know, and even for all the people hurting on this board. I was a very fortunate business man. I hade lots of money and at age 47 (4 years ago) a big Fortune 500 compnay offerred me a bunch of more money to buy me out. I couldn't pass it up. So, for the most part, I'm retired. I promised God that when I recover I will do more to help those cancer patients that need help. We've all seen them. Yes, it is easy to write the check to help (and I will). But I want to do more physically. I've never been much of a volunteer guy. Give me some ideas? What should I do? Just walk into a cancer center and say put me to work? I want to use my time in the best possible fashion but there are only so many hours. Looking for suggestions to pick from.I'm a very blessed man (cancer and all) and need to give back. Help me out people. Shoot me some volunteer ideas.Thanks,RickP.S. I may be a succesful business guy, but I can't spell worth a damn, and I type even worse. Is there any spell checker on this thing? I don't see one. I go back and read my postings and I feel like I'd fail "smarter than a 5th grader".Rick rick51 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Rick, One of the things we've been thinking of doing is volunteering to drive patients to and from chemo / rad treatments if they can't drive themselves. My husband has volunteered to be a contact for his doctors for new patients ... so when someone just gets diagnosed, they give his name out and new patients call him as a support person.  Also, I am thinking of doing some work with hospice.   Julie21 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/22/2008 rick51 wrote: On 2/22/2008 rick51 wrote:Monday will be #34 and my last radiation. Wow how time fliys when you're having fun!! Anyway, I must say that I was raised in a pretty religous home, then as an adult decided religion was no longer my thing. Not that I became a bad guy or anything, just wasn't as devout as I was as a kid. Probably a pretty typical American adult. Still believed in God, tried to do the right things, just not (pardon the term) "a holy roller". It's funny what brings people back to God. There are many things, and one certainly is for many people what we all are going through. I now pray every morning for members of my family, people I know, and even for all the people hurting on this board. I was a very fortunate business man. I hade lots of money and at age 47 (4 years ago) a big Fortune 500 compnay offerred me a bunch of more money to buy me out. I couldn't pass it up. So, for the most part, I'm retired. I promised God that when I recover I will do more to help those cancer patients that need help. We've all seen them. Yes, it is easy to write the check to help (and I will). But I want to do more physically. I've never been much of a volunteer guy. Give me some ideas? What should I do? Just walk into a cancer center and say put me to work? I want to use my time in the best possible fashion but there are only so many hours. Looking for suggestions to pick from.I'm a very blessed man (cancer and all) and need to give back. Help me out people. Shoot me some volunteer ideas.Thanks,RickP.S. I may be a succesful business guy, but I can't spell worth a damn, and I type even worse. Is there any spell checker on this thing? I don't see one. I go back and read my postings and I feel like I'd fail "smarter than a 5th grader".Rick Dear RickI think its great that you are in a good financial way and want to share. I also hope you are doing well i had 25  days of radiation and yes it does go fast. As for ideas i think maybe  you should think aboout exactly what it is you are looking to do. I know from my own expeience that when you have cancer money becomes a big concern and adds to the  stress you already have going through cancer  treatment. after researching i have found that therre arent any angencies out there that help with personal finances, i mean such as mtg electric, phone bill exct. Maybe you could start an organization that could help those in need of financial help other than the help thats out there for treatments. I am sure you would receive many responses.If this isnt any good maybe you could sponser a day out for cancer pts and their families . what ever you do i think is great that you went through the hardest thing a person can go through fighting cancer and now you want to give back ,I admire that best of luck to you Laborerlady laborerlady Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Rick,That's great that you want to volunteer! There are so many folks with this disease that are facing it alone. Meals, rides, and sometimes just someone to talk to are what I'm finding to be helpful to patients, especially the elderly. You know that when you get diagnosed your head is spinning. It's at that time that you are bombarded with information, schedules, insurance issues, etc... If I hadn't had my wife there to take notes and ask questions I don't know how I would have managed. Someone to act as an advocate or coordinator would also help patients greatly. When I was diagnosed the good folks where I work took up a collection and bought me a video Ipod. I am a musician so they knew that music would help me get through the ordeal. they had no idea how much it would help me get  through treatment and recovery. Heck it's still helping! I had an idea at the time that a charity called "An Apple A Day" that would raise money to buy Ipods for sick folks (children and adults) would be a good idea. There's a lot of just sitting around when you are having a chemo infusion or kidney dialysis or treatment like that. An Ipod loaded with your favorite genre of music would really make the time go by faster. I tried to reach out to Apple and Sony but never got a response. I'm ashamed to say I abandoned the idea but it's still in my mind to get up and get it done. Anyway, my point is if you just look at what your needs are/where and what helped you through the fire, those same things can help others and sometimes it's not the most obvious.Good luck and I'm really glad to hear that you've mad it through the wringer.Joe  Defjoeb Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT That is so wonderful for you to want to give back.  Good luck with treatment and you've sounded great through out the weeks.I experienced an incident once at the clinic, I fogot to bring myself some socks and I was freezing, a lady had an extra pair and it just made me cry to have such support during this time from a stranager.  One thing that I did when I got better, was to give the  chemo clinic here in San Antonio, socks for the new persons coming in.  I've been buying slip ons slipper type socks and dropping them off when I can every month. I crochet also, so on occasion I  make some blankets and take them up to the clinic to use for the patients.The smallest little thing I can do to help, I do.  It will be very well appreciated by all, and God is encouraging and supporting you through this as well. Up is the only way to go!God Bless, Lots of Love & Warm HugsPatricia pcn17 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Rick, I've also thought of volunteering.  I've got a Web site that gets a lot of traffic and I'm more than happy to answer questions, but I feel I could do more.  At, 47, I'm also semi retired, so I've got lots of free time.  That being said, I just can't bring myself to do it.  I've inquired a couple of times about helping out at the Cancer center, but when it comes down to it, just driving past the place brings back memories of pain and suffering.  Going back for my rechecks gives me the willies.I hope that when I reach the two year mark (this September) I'll feel a little better about it and be able to walk in and say "put me to work".Tom ThreePutt Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I hear you Tom. I too wonder if when push comes to shove, can I do it? But I'm sure planning on trying. So many people need it. The first day I went to MD Anderson, there were people there that were there for rechecks and they helped me, showed me around, knew what I was going to go through. I appreciated it very much. I think we all owe it to the "rookies".I see the pain and confusion on faces and I just want to reach out. My wife is the opposite. She just can't bring herself to seeing people suffering like that. To each their own, I understand.Now I have to say. I'm making a big assumption here. My last radiation is Monday, then off for a month and the usual check-up. I'm assuming I'm ok. If the news is bad I may be needing alot more help then giving it!! I don't know if I could go on with more treatments at this stage.God blessRick rick51 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT What is your website? I think you have to type it in code somehow becuase I've seen where compass blocks them?? rick51 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT If they block this, just Google, tonsil cancer tom nethThe site is  howstom "dot" com  It'smy treatment diary.  There's also a section on life after treatmentwith links to pictures of what I've done since.  Aside from the dieingpart, the two biggest fears people have are; what's going to happen tome and will I ever be the same after treatment.  I try to show folksthat after this little slice of hell is over, things can get prettymuch back to normal.Like I said earlier, I have plenty of freetime.  If you do something on a large scale and need help, let meknow.  You can contact me via my Web site or I can send you my emailaddress.Tom ThreePutt Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tom,I sent you an email through your website. It has my email address attached to it. You can send me yours after reading my note. From your pictures, looks like we have a lot in common.-golf-traveling-good street bikes Not oil dripping raddle machines.What else do you do? We like dirt bikes, jeeping, scuba diving.Can't wait to get back to doing all of them.Rick rick51 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I applaud your will to help others. I once volunteered at Senior Centers to keep the ederly company. So many people abandon their loved ones when they get old or sick. Many family members do not live nearby and often do not visit. Whether someone is sick or alone, they want company. They need to feel like they matter. Perhaps, a day at the park, a listening ear? I know in my dad's case I volunteer to clean his house and cook a few meals. Highschools' often have volunteer groups called T.A.S.C. (Teens assisting senior citizens). Maybe the schools can adopt a Teens Assisting Cancer Patients program? It can include bi-weekly cleaning (dusting, vaccuuming, sweeping) And monthly get togethers to celebrate the cancer patients life. Pizza and cake? Something, anything to look forward to to inspire hope.  P.S.At my Dad's hospital they have an anonymous gidt of daffodils program where anyone can pay a minimum of ten dollars and send cancer patients who are hospitalised, a vase of flowers with or without a bear. The best part is it is random. Bringing a ray of sunshine to somone lest expecting it.Priscilla welovedad Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thanks Priscilla.I've received many a good idea and the wheels are turning. I've already spoken to some people about doing a national fundraiser for children w/ cancer through Speedway Children's Charity, then helping drive local folks to appts. Heck, if I can drive a race car 203 mph in Atlanta, I should be able to taxi those in need. Also as important, you reminded me that I need to call my 87 year old dad. He is in a senior assisted living home in So. Cal. I'm in Las Vegas so I don't get to see him as often as I'd like.BTW: Priscilla is my favorite name of all time. I wanted to name our daughter that but my wife vetoed it.Thanks,Rick rick51 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Re: My NameMaybe it is a good think she vetoed it. I have been given so much grief over the years because of my name. From Priscilla -Gorilla (LOL) to Elvis' long lost wife (LOL) I always kep that in mind when naming my kids. Priscilla welovedad Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT lol rick51 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/22/2008 rick51 wrote:Monday will be #34 and my last radiation. Wow how time fliys when you're having fun!! Anyway, I must say that I was raised in a pretty religous home, then as an adult decided religion was no longer my thing. Not that I became a bad guy or anything, just wasn't as devout as I was as a kid. Probably a pretty typical American adult. Still believed in God, tried to do the right things, just not (pardon the term) "a holy roller". It's funny what brings people back to God. There are many things, and one certainly is for many people what we all are going through. I now pray every morning for members of my family, people I know, and even for all the people hurting on this board. I was a very fortunate business man. I hade lots of money and at age 47 (4 years ago) a big Fortune 500 compnay offerred me a bunch of more money to buy me out. I couldn't pass it up. So, for the most part, I'm retired. I promised God that when I recover I will do more to help those cancer patients that need help. We've all seen them. Yes, it is easy to write the check to help (and I will). But I want to do more physically. I've never been much of a volunteer guy. Give me some ideas? What should I do? Just walk into a cancer center and say put me to work? I want to use my time in the best possible fashion but there are only so many hours. Looking for suggestions to pick from.I'm a very blessed man (cancer and all) and need to give back. Help me out people. Shoot me some volunteer ideas.Thanks,Rick Hi Rick,First let me say how wonderful it is to hear you want to give back and your health now.  I am in the same situation, not the financial aspect like yourself, but the desire to give back as well.  I start volunteering at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday.  You see my late husband was a patient there and passed away from esophageal cancer.  The doctors and the social workers were wonderful and I figure it's my way of saying thanks.  That is an option for you in your local community.  Best of luck.  Nancy Ilovejoe45 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Rick:My husband is very much like ThreePutt.  I'm the one working on raising funds and DVD players for our local cancer treatment center.  I have a "team" of friends and industry associates (I'm in events) who are creating a multitude of fundraising plans in honor of my husband.  While giving your money and time and both wonderful and needed, you might consider heavily the helping of those going thru it alone.  I know I have already put my name on a list to drive locals to the center as needed.  I'll begin this summer when (hopefully) we receive the all clear.  I've also promised the social worker to provide an ear to wives of head and neck patients.  I'm doing this, in particular, because the majority of support groups have seniors (I am 42) and their spouses are near the end of life.  The social worker has said that they receive very few H&N but they are almost always in our age range and men.  I know I can at least provide an ear, kind words and those suggestions you all gave me here.  I found my most valuable advice from those on this board.Good luck with the do gooding.  It will help you as much as it helps them.  That much I know.God speed to you in recovery.Kara     Mediator Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT