TB - that was interesting. No matter what course of treatment he took, there are always going to be people who say "if only he had done x" or "if only he hadn't done x". The fact that he ended up a liver transplant means he had to deal with all the related transplant meds. Those are many and can be rough on the body too. Plus if you miss a dose or decide to stop taking them, your health is immediately at risk.

le nub - glad you got to work your ass all class.

Science-based Medicine [link] has a longer look at the Steve Jobs question. The author points out that, except for the nine-month delay after the first diagnosis, Jobs threw all the science-based medicine money could buy at the cancer. He concludes that Jobs may not have done himself any favors by waiting, but there's no way know for sure without more information about the progression of the disease.

Mind you, I'd be happy about any thing that caused people to think twice about non-science-based alternatives. I know two people, one a good friend and one a friend's sister, who died horrible deaths depending on alternative quacks. If all of the people touting these cures were up to their necks in sand, I'd say, "Not enough sand."

What is amazing to me is that he lasted as long as he did. 8 years with pancreatic cancer is a long time.

The form of pancreatic cancer he had is very rare and is normally slow growing and not fatal if caught early.

No matter what course of treatment he took, there are always going to be people who say "if only he had done x" or "if only he hadn't done x".

It is about the most personal decision a person can make, and not one another person can second guess. My dad and my MIL at the time were both diagnosed with lung cancer the same week. Epic suck week for former DH and I. Dad played by all the rules all his life and did chemo and radiation and this and that. Betty said no way she was going to spend her last days going to doctors. They were both the same age and lifelong smokers. He lasted 6 more months than she did. I can't say they were quality time, but I respected both their decisions because they did what they had to do.

I honestly don't know what I would do facing those decisions, but I hope that my people would state their opinions, then support my decision. Also, $@#%# cancer. just can't do the potty mouth thing, don't judge me

Sigh. I really need to get away this weekend. I've got some stuff to do, so I figured I'd do stuff on Saturday and then go somewhere for the day on Sunday. I can't find anywhere to go, though. My first two thoughts, Amish country and Fallingwater, are both a bit too far for just a day. Hershey is close enough, but there's nothing I want to do there when it's cold and rainy. I really can't think of anything to do in Altoona or Harrisburg. I've already been to Johnstown, and there's nothing more I want to see there yet. I'm thinking maybe there's a farm somewhere that has some kind of fall festival thing, but I'm not sure if that's what I feel like doing. Really, I just need to have something to look forward to in order to get through tomorrow. Anybody know anything fun/relaxing to do in Central PA?

It is about the most personal decision a person can make, and not one another person can second guess.

I feel this way as well. As long as people are comfortable with their decisions, it's up to them.

Thank you for stating it beautifully, Laura.

Hil, you should go white water rafting on the Yakagany River! Well, only if it is fairly warm because wet will happen. It should be a pretty time of year for exploring.

I bought some Halloween decorations at the thrift store, including a pair of zombie arm tea light holders!! Score. And I found the first couple of elements for my costume. Most thrillingly, this crazy ass huge black and red skull belt buckle. I was waffling until I found the secret compartment in the back and then I was all WANT TAKE HAVE. But with paying. Struck out on the skirt and top, though, but I'll hit some other thrift stores tomorrow and/or Saturday.

Anybody know anything fun/relaxing to do in Central PA?

How are the local leaves? The big festival in my college town of Clarion, PA (roughly northwest of you) was the Autumn Leaf Festival around this time of year.