It doesn't matter who you are. Black or white, rich or poor, famous or unknown__ no one is exempt. There are no free passes or get out of jail free cards when it comes to chronic illness. The truth is whether it be cancer, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, osteoarthritis, the list is endless as soon as we are born our genetic makeup and environment determine our bodies physical condition.From the very beginning everything, a new car, your washing machine even your vegetable or flower garden begins to wear or degrade. That's life, it's just the nature of all things animate and inanimate.
I have lived with multiple sclerosis for 30 years. My friend Mike is a nine year stage 4 cancer survivor who wrote the following, which I have paraphrased and wish to share with you.
Mike writes, in the year 2000 I went through the exact same thing but.... Actor Michael Douglas may have it even worse. His stage 4 cancer is directly in the throat.
Mike states that his first cancer was stage 2/3 in the nasal passages. Like Michael Douglas, Mike too was treated with rough, harsh chemo therapy and extreme radiation. Within 2 weeks of beginning treatment it felt as if there was a red hot branding iron stuck in my throat 24/7, Mike said. He could't eat or even swallow water. The doctors ordered a feeding tube to be inserted through Mike's stomach so that he could receive nutrients.
I know exactly how Michael Douglas is feeling at this point, says Mike. Two weeks ago Michael Douglas was on the David Letterman show and said that it was his first week of treatment and that he was not feeling too well.
Mike knows from experience that the worst of it is very shortly ahead of Mr. Douglas. Last winter, Douglas's first doctor missed the diagnosis of cancer under Michael's tongue. At that time he was told that his symptoms were probably an allergy or infection.
No doubt if the cancer had been caught nine months ago, before it had a chance to grow, Michael Douglas would have better odds of beating his cancer today.
Mike is the host of the "Miracle Mike" cancer survivor radio show and on his last show, this past Sunday, he urged everyone to get a SECOND opinion. After that, get a THIRD opinion. No matter if the issue is cancer or any other life threatening illness or disease.
NEVER ignore ANYTHING out of the ordinary, Mike says. Get to a doctor FAST. Even if you know the doctor well and have complete trust, get TWO more opinions. It's YOUR life on the line. This is one of Miracle Mike's biggest on going messages.
Michael Douglas exuded a quiet but resolute presence Monday night as he walked the red carpet at the New York premiere of his new movie, 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.' Sources close to the legendary actor say he is riddled with fear and finding it difficult to talk.
"It's cancer, of course he is frightened," a friend of Michael's says. "He's 65 years old and has everything to live for. Click here: Michael Douglas Stays Mum at 'Wall Street' Premiere PopEater.com
Blog entry by Chris Tatevosian
Author of of Life Interrupted, It's Not All About Me
http://www.lifeinterrupted-nolonger.com
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