General Discussion

Douglas Carpenter

(20,226 posts) Fri Apr 24, 2015, 04:47 AM Apr 2015

165

diagnosed with stage 2 Esophageal Cancer [View all]

Yesterday morning. Which basically means that my condition is probably inoperable.
Six months ago I was diagnosed with level 1 ASD (Autisms spectrum Disorder - formerly known as Asberger's Syndrome) I was so happy about it. Finally I have an answer to a life long puzzle.

But I can't see anything positive about this latter diagnoses. When I asked the Gastroenterologist if I probably have about one to three more years to live - He said, "Yes, that is probably about right."

When I was young I used to constantly contemplate suicide. Then I discovered that life was more bearable than I initially thought and that some of my unsolvable problems did have solutions.

Now it is all completely out of my hands. Is there a right way for a person with ASD to face the likelihood of death?

Sorry for being such a downer. I just can't come up with a way to put a positive spin on this one.

148 replies

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diagnosed with stage 2 Esophageal Cancer [View all] Douglas Carpenter Apr 2015 OP

I'm so sorry BainsBane Apr 2015 #1

That sucks, Douglas. beam me up scottie Apr 2015 #2

I am sorry for you SamKnause Apr 2015 #3

Shit! This is just not fair! Ken Burch Apr 2015 #4

So sorry to hear this, Douglas muriel_volestrangler Apr 2015 #5

ALL MY TRIALS bemildred Apr 2015 #6

This post does not seem like you. merrily Apr 2015 #14

Thank you voteearlyvoteoften Apr 2015 #137

My Sister in law was diagnosed with stage 4 squamis cell lung cancer. appleannie1 Apr 2015 #7

i hope douglas reads this post. and thank you for sharing with all of us, a reminder doctors seabeyond Apr 2015 #60

Lymphoma Roy Rolling Apr 2015 #104

Both these: Don't just give up. But also plan ahead. And all healing wishes to you. villager Apr 2015 #126

it may be treatable. barbtries Apr 2015 #8

Please, see another doctor. Ilsa Apr 2015 #9

... shenmue Apr 2015 #10

Please don't give up. Unknown Beatle Apr 2015 #11

I hate that this is happening to you, Douglas... Violet_Crumble Apr 2015 #12

I am sorry etherealtruth Apr 2015 #13

I don't know much about this. I hope someone else can help. Meanwhile, all I can do is say merrily Apr 2015 #15

Please don't give up. madamvlb Apr 2015 #16

Mayo Duppers Apr 2015 #17

Agreed. Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, Mass General, etc. MannyGoldstein Apr 2015 #75

M. D. Anderson, Houston, is excellent. okasha Apr 2015 #133

Easy for me to say but . . . Depaysement Apr 2015 #18

so sorry, douglas. I hope you have many more years than what you were told cali Apr 2015 #19

"...to face the likelihood of death" < I am sitting next to a little memorial my wife made jtuck004 Apr 2015 #20

This is very saddening to hear! RKP5637 Apr 2015 #21

i am so sorry to hear this please don't give up yet azurnoir Apr 2015 #22

Sorry to hear this, Douglas. Enthusiast Apr 2015 #23

Wishing you strength and serenity in the days to come. Surya Gayatri Apr 2015 #24

I don't wish to give you false hope, but... MrMickeysMom Apr 2015 #25

Get a second opinion. There are so many new treatments BreakfastClub Apr 2015 #26

You sound a kind sort of a soul. Why don't you Joe Chi Minh Apr 2015 #27

I'm sorry Douglas. I wonder if your doctor can refer you to a social worker who could help? RedCappedBandit Apr 2015 #28

Best wishes. Fight it as much as you can. joshcryer Apr 2015 #29

You're not being a downer. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Apr 2015 #30

Hard news to spin positively but malaise Apr 2015 #31

You're not a downer. I spiraled when I got my diagnoses and I still Solly Mack Apr 2015 #32

Sorry what you are going through Douglas, but you may want to consider a second or third opinion still_one Apr 2015 #33

I'm sorry, too. Warren DeMontague Apr 2015 #34

I'm so sorry. PeaceNikki Apr 2015 #35

I'm sorry to hear this, Douglas. octoberlib Apr 2015 #36

Make an appointment with an oncologist. kaiden Apr 2015 #37

+100. n/t Jefferson23 Apr 2015 #43

Cancer FlaGranny Apr 2015 #38

Mayo, Johns Hopkins, NIH sorefeet Apr 2015 #39

Hey Doug, sorry to hear about this. Warren Stupidity Apr 2015 #40

... tenderfoot Apr 2015 #41

Dear Douglas, you are a thoughtful highly intelligent fellow, let your ASD help you Jefferson23 Apr 2015 #42

I am so sorry you are going through this. As a cancer survivor (so far), may Nay Apr 2015 #44

Have a sibling who is clear two years after operation for that elfin Apr 2015 #45

my brother is in remission...same diagnosis spanone Apr 2015 #46

My wife was diagnosed with Stage 2B Squamous Cell Esophageal Cancer over 9 years ago. teamster633 Apr 2015 #47

D*mn it, cancer sucks........ a kennedy Apr 2015 #48

Go see an oncologist sharp_stick Apr 2015 #49

I'm really sorry, and I hope it immediately goes into remission forever. Zorra Apr 2015 #50

You need to find an oncologist stat. Has your doctor referred you to an oncologist? greatlaurel Apr 2015 #51

Douglas, my uncle had esophageal cancer & lived about 20 years after his diagnosis. whathehell Apr 2015 #52

Don't apologize - you aren't a downer JustAnotherGen Apr 2015 #53

There is no positive spin, that's a step too far... Tom Rinaldo Apr 2015 #54

Oh man ismnotwasm Apr 2015 #55

Catch your breath. Grieve a bit. Then get yourself to an oncologist! riderinthestorm Apr 2015 #56

I have no suggestions for you, but man that really sucks denbot Apr 2015 #57

right way? douglas, seabeyond Apr 2015 #58

Thoughts & prayers. think Apr 2015 #59

I strongly urge you to go to the best treatment center you can TBA Apr 2015 #61

agree with others here- get a second opinion mopinko Apr 2015 #62

I am very sorry Oilwellian Apr 2015 #63

What is it about gastroenterologists? TexasMommaWithAHat Apr 2015 #64

What a great reply! CountAllVotes Apr 2015 #112

You're welcome. I have many stories TexasMommaWithAHat Apr 2015 #114

I'm sorry to hear this... deutsey Apr 2015 #65

Very sad news Greybnk48 Apr 2015 #66

Wow, I am so sorry. You sure have had your share of woes. I hope you will OregonBlue Apr 2015 #67

We're here for you. myrna minx Apr 2015 #68

I honestly believe there is s certain trust and strength in sharing Sheepshank Apr 2015 #69

Hi Douglas...I'm so sorry you're faced with this diagnosis. BUT.... Avalux Apr 2015 #70

Just remember, as my oncologist told me, "You are not a number!" woodsprite Apr 2015 #71

my advice? Read This Thread. Over and Over. BlancheSplanchnik Apr 2015 #72

So very sorry, but seek a second opinion on the prognosis. Best of luck! n/t Bossy Monkey Apr 2015 #73

I'm so very sorry to hear this. Damn, that's unfair. Just get a second opinion, though... Hekate Apr 2015 #74

I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. greatauntoftriplets Apr 2015 #76

So sorry about your diagnosis.. Hoppy Apr 2015 #77

Dont know what to say. I dont even know you and I still just dont have words. NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #78

My heart is with you. MannyGoldstein Apr 2015 #79

That is a beautiful and generous post, Manny. I am sure he'll appreciate it. n/t Jefferson23 Apr 2015 #108

Thanks, but it's only a few minutes of emails and phone calls MannyGoldstein Apr 2015 #121

You're stuck with it, sorry..you're a mensch, Manny. n/t Jefferson23 Apr 2015 #122

I cannot imagine your experience. LiberalAndProud Apr 2015 #80

I am going to pile on here awoke_in_2003 Apr 2015 #81

Douglas, I am so sorry. sabrina 1 Apr 2015 #82

Sorry to hear. ONE IMPORTANT NOTE. As I understand it, Oncologists cannot discuss any treatment GoneFishin Apr 2015 #83

Enjoy every day you open your eyes..... N_E_1 for Tennis Apr 2015 #84

I am new here but, this thread has really touched my heart. I will be praying for you. Hiraeth Apr 2015 #85

The diagnosis is a downer brer cat Apr 2015 #86

Very sad news. Don't give up. Get a second opinion. Hugs and positive energy LoisB Apr 2015 #87

Damn... I'm Very Sorry... WillyT Apr 2015 #88

Look after yourself, Douglas sibelian Apr 2015 #89

My best to you. nm rhett o rick Apr 2015 #90

So sorry to hear that Douglas. cui bono Apr 2015 #91

Don't you worry about being a downer. Curmudgeoness Apr 2015 #92

Dr. Oliver Sacks was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Here's what he had to say about it. Electric Monk Apr 2015 #93

Please explore cannabis oil combined with... SHRED Apr 2015 #94

You've gotten the news so many of us fear the most: cancer. lexington filly Apr 2015 #95

U are in no way a downer.. busterbrown Apr 2015 #96

Thank you cp Apr 2015 #97

You're not a downer. hifiguy Apr 2015 #98

I would DEFINITELY get a second and even third opinion. . . BigDemVoter Apr 2015 #99

stage 2 and even stage 3 include surgery in their treatment, magical thyme Apr 2015 #100

I agree with your post! TexasMommaWithAHat Apr 2015 #115

Keep up hope Douglas. We are all here supporting you with uplift and healing energy. Dont call me Shirley Apr 2015 #101

My cousin was dx'd with the same thing CountAllVotes Apr 2015 #102

I am very sorry to read this. Thespian2 Apr 2015 #103

I am so sorry Liberal_in_LA Apr 2015 #105

Dear Douglas MissDeeds Apr 2015 #106

PLEASE READ swilton Apr 2015 #107

Great information. Arugula Latte Apr 2015 #119

I am so sorry you are going through this. hrmjustin Apr 2015 #109

I`m sorry for what you`re going through democrank Apr 2015 #110

I would do some serious research into cannabis oil. Voice for Peace Apr 2015 #111

I'm so sorry marym625 Apr 2015 #113

As a longtime fan of your posts... CrawlingChaos Apr 2015 #116

so very sorry to hear this, douglas. but, before you do anything else--get a second opinion. niyad Apr 2015 #117

(((Douglas))) Arugula Latte Apr 2015 #118

You need an oncologist, stat. And you will be in my thoughts. nt msanthrope Apr 2015 #120

Praying for you..... LovingA2andMI Apr 2015 #123

I have two relatives who got that diagnosis. MADem Apr 2015 #124

I'm so sorry. historylovr Apr 2015 #125

My friend's husband had a similar diagnosis dflprincess Apr 2015 #127

sorry to hear shaayecanaan Apr 2015 #128

Douglas please see an oncologist and a oncology surgeon - you have real options, all is not lost Justice Apr 2015 #129

I am so sorry, Douglas. You will be in my thoughts. NRaleighLiberal Apr 2015 #130

Keep fighting. No one has all the answers when it comes to cancer. /nt MatthewStLouis Apr 2015 #131

Horrible news, I am sorry to hear it. Moostache Apr 2015 #132

Hang in there brentspeak Apr 2015 #134

(((Douglas))) blondie58 Apr 2015 #135

Just know that you're not alone Cali_Democrat Apr 2015 #136

someone is always here on DU for you, Douglas Carpenter Skittles Apr 2015 #138

I had surgery for same about 20 years ago. AtomicKitten Apr 2015 #139

Cancer is NOT a death sentence emsimon33 Apr 2015 #140

No words, just don't give up. NYC_SKP Apr 2015 #141

Message auto-removed Name removed Apr 2015 #142

I am terribly sorry to hear this BUT please don't give up LeftishBrit Apr 2015 #143

ASAP, read "It's Not About the Bike." You will be inspired. proverbialwisdom Apr 2015 #144

.... madfloridian Apr 2015 #145

Cancer diagnosis Not a Fan Apr 2015 #146

Hugs. midnight Apr 2015 #147

In case someone hasn't read this yet. n/t Jefferson23 May 2015 #148