Horrible News

[Unkle_John]

I got a phone call from my mother last night.

My father has stage 4 lung cancer.

I'm in shock. I honestly don't know how to feel at the moment. I love my parents but never have told them "I love you". The relationship I have with my father has gotten better over the years. I talked to him and all he said was "I guess you mom told you. There is nothing they can do." There was the sound of doubt in his voice. He goes in for a biopsy to find out what treatment they can do and promised to keep us informed.

I want to tell everyone that he did smoke, cigars. But he also worked in factories all his life. But with that said, I am quitting smoking and I urge all of you to do the same (if you smoke). Life is very precious and being around the longest you can is the best gift you can give. I have a feeling that if he does go into remission, he may not live long enough to see a grandchild from Julie and I (if we decided we want to try).

I also plan on eating 100% better than what we eat now. I need your help. I need websites or reading material on how to live a long and healthy life. I know eating healthy and exercising is the key, but I need to know what not to eat that isn't obvious (like fast food or processed food). I want us to live along time and enjoy life. My father is too young to have to do this.

[LIBRA]

Aww man im so sorry, really. I am not sure what to say, other then Im here for you and Julie, and my thoughts and positive energy are flowing your way!

One way to move towards a healthier you is to detox your body of all the chemicals youve been pouring into it, look up detox diets. I wouldnt be drastic right off but slowly detoxing at first then do a hardcore detox. Then try and eat completly organic diet, which can be hard but you will feel more alive then you have in along time!

Good luck with quitting smoking, Im sure you will do great and in the long run feel great.

:group_hug I hope all works out the best it can for you and your family.

[Hippie Staff]

Hi John,

Super sad news - sorry to hear this.

I hope your Dad explores all his options. My friend's Dad had lung cancer last year (advanced) and he's now in remission (he did chemo)
Chemo is not always the answer, nor does it always work - but you'll know more once the biopsies come back. I will get some info for you on what my friend's Dad did?

Regarding quitting smoking - awesome. Libra is right - don't be drastic. Please don't try to become super man all in one day. Quit smoking first, then work in more and more dietary changes. If you set the task too high, you're only setting yourself up for frustration. Use products to help alleviate the urge to smoke - any of them. Go for it.

You already know fast food sucks, so that's a good one to avoid right off the bat.

Keep us posted.

:group_hug

[CowboyHippy]

pretty much everyone on my mom's side of the family (including mom) died of lung cancer, i suppose letting your kids puff pall malls since they were 13 was a bad thing back thin. fortunatley non of my siblings smoke, we have to watch out for heart problems, which is what has offed 4 out of 7 on my dads side (including dad). I know how you feel.

upon talking to my doctor who assured me I am fit and healthy, he reccomended just substituting certain meals, so once a week here we have a veggie meal, and at least once a week substitute red meat with some sort of fish. It's nothing drastic, and I can't say that I have noticed major changes, but I am hoping for those few extra years.

[Unkle_John]

Thanks everyone. Like i said, I'm still in shock.

Ju and I plan on eating organic 100%.... if I can convince her that it's better. Oh I won't try to be a superman in one day, but i fear I may become the hulk after a few days of no smoke (tobacco that is ;) ). We do have 3 little exercise machines that greet me at the door when I come home everyday, plus the weather is cooler for walks now during sunlight.

My bestfriend suggested this site: www.bodyforlife.com it looks like it's got some good instructions for helping people like us.

Again, thank you all for listening. I just feel too young to lose my father and I'm one who learns from mistakes, whether they are mine or not. I don't want to go down the path he did. Thank you again.

[LIBRA]

"if" you can convince her its better???????? Oh how couldnt it be??? Some things you dont need to buy organic, theres a website that lists the do's and donts. I will find it and post it.

[Unkle_John]

money is tight and organic costs more than regular fruits and veggies.

[hippielove]

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad...but I'm glad that you are trying to give up smoking! My friend is taking this drug that literally makes you sick to your stomach to smoke...I believe it does something to the taste? I can NOT remember the name of it, but I'm sure your doctor would know. And yes, organic may be more expensive, but it is so much better for you, the environment... you could slowly integrate into your budget and pantry. That is what my husband and I are doing... Good luck buddy, and I'll send all sorts of positive energies your way! :cheers:

[Hippie Staff]

Unkle, do you have any local farmer's markets? Sometimes you can find good deals on organic produce in season.

Hang in there :)

:weird39:

[Unkle_John]

Hippielove, That's a good idea... but it reminds me of a Clockwork Orange. I think I'm going to try the patch. Did it (the pill) work ok for your friend?

Hippie_Staff, yeah... the local farmer's market is 30-40 mins from the house, which isn't bad. We are trying to start one in our town (again).

[hippielove]

Oh yes.. well, he is still on it, but within 2 weeks, he went from a pack a day, down to like 6, half smoked cigarettes a day. He said it just makes him sick to his stomach, like the taste of it, etc. But, whatever direction you take in quitting, kudos to you!!! My mother used the patch, and it worked for her... so hey, go for it dude!