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 BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25351
  
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Recently I saw a real nice man for a routine annual physical who is around 70. He has been very healthy all his life. Without going into specifics, I found something when I examined him and I knew he was in trouble. He is the kind of person you really like a lot right away. I had to tell him that I was worried about what I found, and he needed a biopsy.
I just found out he has metastatic malignant melanoma. This has a very poor prognosis, to put it mildly.
This guy worked hard all his life and he and his wife were enjoying retirement the way all of us would want to enjoy it.
Anyway, I apologize for the sad story.
My point is I hope this serves as a reminder to life every day to the fullest. Don't squander days looking forward to a week, or a month, or a year from now. Enjoy it all now. We don't have any guarantees. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 902
Location: Qld Australia | That is so true. My sister and mum have made a pact for her 12 months that she has been given - each and every day. Live it! |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | You are so right HotbearLVR. It is hard to do, but likely so worth the effort to live your life to the fullest. Thank you for posting and helping us (me) realize how precious life is. Blessings to you and to that man and his wife.  |
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  More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Prayers for your patient. |
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 The Original Cyber Bartender
Location: Washington | Pretty sure we are all guilty of forgetting that from time to time. With age comes the knowing that our days are short here.
That is a part of your job Doc I could never do..... |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 319
| So true. Thanks for the reminder. |
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 Rebel Without a Cause
Posts: 2758
Location: Adopt a homeless pet - www.petfinder.com! | So very true, and we can all use this reminder now and then. My dad passed away a few years ago at 70. He had been a little "off" for a few weeks (he was trying to hide how bad he felt and we passed it off as him recovering from a minor surgery on his hand). He was diagnosed on a Friday with AML (acute myelogenous leukemia) and gone two days later. He was the one person in our family that everyone thought would be around until his 90s. It was the biggest shock, and loss, of my life. You just never know. |
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 Love Me Some Robert Redford
Posts: 2335
Location: WV | So true, prayers for your patient. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | This has really hit home recently. A young friend is going through testing for possible lung cancer (her mom passed away from it). She has a very young baby. And then yesterday, my 36 year old neighbor, who I had known her whole life, passed away suddenly. I have no idea what happened, but she wasn't sick. You seriously never know when your time is coming. |
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10794
Location: Kansas | Hot Lips Houlihan standing over the body of a young soldier who had just died on the operating table: "It never ceases to amaze me. You're alive and then you're dead."
Simple as that. For some reason when we're basically healthy we think we're going to live forever. It just isn't so. |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25351
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Frodo - 2013-12-11 6:49 PM Hot Lips Houlihan standing over the body of a young soldier who had just died on the operating table: "It never ceases to amaze me. You're alive and then you're dead."
Simple as that. For some reason when we're basically healthy we think we're going to live forever. It just isn't so.
Sounds almost trite, but it's very true. I have seen this more times than I care to admit. Like the young couple who had just gotten engaged and went out for a ride on his Harley on the same evening. An hour later they both died in front of me and I had to tell a room packed full of relatives. You just never know. |
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 Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | Love the people God gave you......Because he's going to need them back someday..... |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1118
Location: The South | So true. My mom passed away when she was only 56. She always looked forward to retirement (she was an RN) but she never got to enjoy it. That made me so sad.
Then I had my near-death experience in September when I hit my head while riding alone. That made me appreciate the fact that it could all be over so quickly. My husband and I are always putting things off for 'after we get our student loans paid off' but now I realize we need to enjoy these next 4-5 years, not just work our tails off and nothing else. So we're going to do a modified version of Dave Ramsey's debt snowball plan. I hope I can enjoy each day now and be thankful for my wonderful life. |
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 Underestimated Underdog
Posts: 3971
Location: Minnesota | Amen! |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Life is way to short, I lost my dad when he was just 69 and then 3 years later my mother pasted and she just had turned 69, so yes I agree life is just to short for some |
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 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | God bless and keep your patient and his family and most of all God bless you Scott. Thank you for posting this reminder.
No promises for just another day. I just wish there were more doctors like you and wish I had one like you. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 836
Location: Southern Pennsylvania | I'm sorry for your patient. This has been on my mind a lot lately. My grandfather is in his 80s. He worked hard his entire life and never really retired. He used to do excavating and ditching (anything that involved a backhoe or shovel lol). He still continues to work, raise beef cattle, and honey bees. If something were to happen to him our family will fall apart. He's someone that is special to anyone he meets...As for myself I am just starting my life. I hope I am blessed to do everything I want to do. I hope this post helps everyone (and myself) realize what an impact we are having on others. I don't think I can ever replicate my grandfather, but I hope I can keep pieces of him alive forever. Work hard, keep your promises, and do what you can for family and friends (or even strangers).
I'm sorry I'm rambling.
Edited by SunnyGotMeGood 2013-12-11 8:42 PM
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | I firmly believe that it doesn't really matter what you do... when you're number is up, it's up. Make everyday count and live prepared to meet your maker. |
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Veteran
Posts: 183
Location: Wyoming | I think everyone needs to be reminded of this at times. I have never seen a calendar that says today's your last day. I have had so many close calls my daughter says to me this summer your going to die of something so stupid, like you forgot to put you C-pap on. This was after I got bucked off hit my head. broke my leg, jammed my thumb and walked to the house.
I have had my share of accidents. Honestly cannot count the near misses. Most noteable was a motorcycle accident in which I hit the Kelly barrier at the rate of 65mph should of killed me but for what ever reason didn't it has however changed my life forever. I have learned to get the most out of each and every day I make the extra effort to make sure to tell the one's I love how much they mean to me every morning and night. You never know if there will be a tomorrow. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 459
Location: La Vernia, TX | I'm sure there are plenty who would criticize the amount of money I've spent to keep my horses, or to travel...but guess what? I only regret the things I DIDN'T do, I hardly ever think about "what I might have done" with the money. I figure I can make more money, but I can't make more time. |
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 Lived to tell about it and will never do it again
Posts: 5408
| This is so true.
My husband gave me the scare of my life back in Aug, 2011 then in Oct I broke my ankle. Next we lost my step dad only to find out on the day he died that my mother in law had cancer. 18 days later she was dead. Wow what a fall! I changed jobs, lots less stress / hours and paycheck but Hubby and I are enjoying life so much it is almost a crime. He turned 52 in Oct and I will be 52 in March so we really aren't that old but what the heck. Both boys are married and out of the house and we are totally enjoying our time together. Who knows we may not be able to go to as many ropings or the USTRC finals ever again but by golly we at least had a ball this last year.
We have truely been blessed and we aren't taking any of it for granted! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1114
Location: CA | Im so sorry about this pt; I always hope in some way a miracle could help him. Sadly, I want to add to this a little because it is weighing heavily on my mind... I got a call today that a friend on mine passed away unexpectedlt yesterday from a reaction to a food allergy..This friend was only 22, loved her horses, dogs, cats, and really just a good person. I cannot imagine what her family must be going through, it breaks my heart. I agree life is so short.
Edited by allaboutme 2013-12-12 12:43 AM
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 Toy Story Fanatic
Posts: 4148
Location: Oregon | So very true. Prayers for your patient. My Dad passed away at the age of 70 on April 14, 2011. My dog Buddy, on April 18 2011. 7 months later, my very dear friend found out she had lung cancer. I took her to chemo and radiation but on January 26 2012 she passed away. She was 56. Life is short...shorter for some. Make sure if tomorrow never comes your loved ones know how you love them!(yes, I know=a Garth song) I now have my 95 yr old Grandma living with me. I know, once again I will have someone die in my presence. She is ready. She has outlived all of her siblings, 2 husbands and her friends. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7264
| VERY true. I lost my mom when she was only 49 - asthma - she was in Switzerland on a vacation, had an attack
and they couldn't get her to a hospital. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | Griz - 2013-12-12 5:42 AM
VERY true. I lost my mom when she was only 49 - asthma - she was in Switzerland on a vacation, had an attack
and they couldn't get her to a hospital.
Oh my goodness! :( that is so sad. That must have been soooo hard. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 359
Location: BETWEEN HOT FLASHES AND GERITOL | That is so true, last year at Christmas I had a great time with my Momma and my Brother. On Jan 6th my Momma passed away and on July 1st my brother. So it can really change in a hurry. I have mixed feeling's this Christmas, I'm sad that I'm the only one left, but I'm Happy that they are in the kingdom of Heaven. I still have a niece and nephew and their families but it's still not the same as your immediate family. But we are growing closer so that's good. |
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 Road Rash Expert
Posts: 5501
Location: Near San Antonio, TX | Phoenix98 - 2013-12-11 9:15 PM I'm sure there are plenty who would criticize the amount of money I've spent to keep my horses, or to travel...but guess what? I only regret the things I DIDN'T do, I hardly ever think about "what I might have done" with the money. I figure I can make more money, but I can't make more time.
I get the same thing. I travel a lot, and my husband and I both work hard, but we enjoy life also. We just got back from Vegas on Saturday (first time to the NFR!), and we are taking a week to take our daughter to Lake Tahoe to see the snow and ski January 11th. A couple of people have made comments to a friend of mine about how we do too much. I don't really care. Life is too short, and there is so much we want to do in life, and well.... we are getting after it!
So sorry for your patient, Hotbear. Life is so tough, and so not fair. Which is why living life to the fullest is so, so important. None of us is guaranteed another miniute. |
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 Looking for Lady Jockey
Posts: 3747
Location: Rodeos or Baseball games | I am in the public everyday and I run into people wishing the days away. Wow, I am wanting them to slow down so I can enjoy them. I agree life is to short and God is always needing Angels. |
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Nut Case Expert
Posts: 9305
Location: Tulsa, Ok | Scout1320 - 2013-12-12 10:42 AM Phoenix98 - 2013-12-11 9:15 PM I'm sure there are plenty who would criticize the amount of money I've spent to keep my horses, or to travel...but guess what? I only regret the things I DIDN'T do, I hardly ever think about "what I might have done" with the money. I figure I can make more money, but I can't make more time. I get the same thing. I travel a lot, and my husband and I both work hard, but we enjoy life also. We just got back from Vegas on Saturday (first time to the NFR!), and we are taking a week to take our daughter to Lake Tahoe to see the snow and ski January 11th. A couple of people have made comments to a friend of mine about how we do too much. I don't really care. Life is too short, and there is so much we want to do in life, and well.... we are getting after it!
So sorry for your patient, Hotbear. Life is so tough, and so not fair. Which is why living life to the fullest is so, so important. None of us is guaranteed another miniute.
As I always say - I have never seen a brinks truck at the cemetary. |
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| It is so true. My sister passed in 1998 at the age of 42 of brain cancer just 6 months after being diagnosed, two surgeries and radiation just slowed it down a bit. We just never know. Enjoy the blessings that you have, enjoy your family and accept Jesus as your Savior so that when it is your time you know you have even more to look forward to! So many people die suddenly without that warning or getting ready period that a cancer patient gets, sometimes it's go to work in the morning and never make it back home in the evening. |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | Thanks for the reminder, Hotbear, that we should all live life to the fullest. We never know. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 357
Location: Canada | So very true. This has been on my mind a lot in the past few months. My dad (who is only 61, was very healthy and led an active lifestyle as a cattle rancher) woke up one day with no short term memory and didn't know where he was or what was going on. He spent almost 2 months in the hospital and only improved slightly. He's home now but will never be the same, he's withered away and his mind is very poor. Every time the phone rings I'm scared it's someone calling to say he's gone. I try to spend as much time with him as I can and make the most of things as they are because it can change in an instant. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 433
Location: North Central South Dakota, west of the Might Mo | This is without a doubt true. My Mom and Dad worked each and everyday of their lives, building a ranch. They finally decided to slow down a little, and planned on going to see some of the natural and human made wonders that were near them, that they had never seen, like Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. They did make it to Chaco Canyon National Park. My Mom passed away in a very bad car accident on August 9th. I am sure that my Dad truly wishes they would have taken more time away from the ranch to go see some of the things they always wanted to but "had chores" or "cattle to feed". I am married to a workaholic rancher, and to be honest, I am equally as much of a workaholic. I just told him a week ago, we need to make time, and schedule it, to do something fun every now and then. I once heard a quote that I believe fits, "If you forget to live life, then you quit living."
Thank you for the reminder, and prayers for a miracle for your patient, Dr. Scott.
God Bless you all and Merry Christmas!
BHR |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Griz - 2013-12-12 5:42 AM VERY true. I lost my mom when she was only 49 - asthma - she was in Switzerland on a vacation, had an attack
and they couldn't get her to a hospital. That is so sad, I can't imagine getting that kind of news.
Edited by rodeomom3 2013-12-12 3:26 PM
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Rebel Without a Cause
Posts: 2758
Location: Adopt a homeless pet - www.petfinder.com! | Scout1320 - 2013-12-12 10:42 AM Phoenix98 - 2013-12-11 9:15 PM I'm sure there are plenty who would criticize the amount of money I've spent to keep my horses, or to travel...but guess what? I only regret the things I DIDN'T do, I hardly ever think about "what I might have done" with the money. I figure I can make more money, but I can't make more time. I get the same thing. I travel a lot, and my husband and I both work hard, but we enjoy life also. We just got back from Vegas on Saturday (first time to the NFR!), and we are taking a week to take our daughter to Lake Tahoe to see the snow and ski January 11th. A couple of people have made comments to a friend of mine about how we do too much. I don't really care. Life is too short, and there is so much we want to do in life, and well.... we are getting after it!
So sorry for your patient, Hotbear. Life is so tough, and so not fair. Which is why living life to the fullest is so, so important. None of us is guaranteed another miniute.
The way I look it as you're making memories that no one can ever take away. Beats spending money of "stuff". |
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 Veteran
Posts: 114
Location: southeast | Thank you for starting this post!!! I work at a regional medical center and see a lot of bad trauma cases on a daily basis. I've been in healthcare for about 26 years, and there comes a time you get almost numb to the bad stuff. It's almost like you have to condition yourself to deal with it. Within the last month I've lost two co workers, that were good friends, from cancer and it really hit home with me.... One of them was having a CT scan the week before he passed away. I went into the scan room with him and he looked up and told me he had lived a good life and was tired. I had to leave the room so I could sit down and cry my eyes out. Life is so short and we never know when our time is up. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7264
| rodeomom3 - 2013-12-12 3:23 PM Griz - 2013-12-12 5:42 AM VERY true. I lost my mom when she was only 49 - asthma - she was in Switzerland on a vacation, had an attack
and they couldn't get her to a hospital. That is so sad, I can't imagine getting that kind of news.
You know, I think about her every single day - it was a long time ago - back in 1989 - now I can remember all the good times and the fun we had. She was just a hoot. We would drive around in Topeka with paper sacks on our heads with holes cut for the eyes and wave real big at everybody. She was one of my best friends. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 980
Location: Southwest Minnesota | I always admired the fact that when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer she never missed an opportunity to do things. Whenever an opportunity presented itself to spend time with family, do something for a friend, try something new, etc. She jumped at the opportunity because literally, that opportunity may never have presented itself again in her lifetime. We had conversations after she was put in hospice about being okay with what was happening to her and what was going to happen to her. She seized every moment and passed away at 56 years old having lived what she said was a full life with no regrets. I think if we fully grasped how brief our time here was, some of us much briefer than others, we would all live this way.
Edited by chuckie31 2013-12-13 7:28 AM
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 Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11493
Location: 31 lengths farms | When it isn't your illness holding you back from leading this "life" though sometimes it is easier said than done. This life I lead reminds me of the part in the movie "Field of Dreams" where Ray is saying he has done all of this (the building of the field) and not once has he asked whats in it for him and another Character asks him "so what are you asking Ray and he says "Im asking...whats in it for me?" LMAO!!! I beginning to feel like that. My mom's dementia has stolen my mom, to a point my father because he just can't deal with it, and 2 of my remaining siblings whom also cannot handle the new mom they've been handed, my other sister has a tolerance of about 12 hours so you have to plan carefully. But thank God for those 12 hours sometimes, they are the difference between breathing and suck starting a pistol. |
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 Max is Back
Posts: 6795
Location: Flat Rock,IL | I lost my brother from a massive heart attack, he was 53. Last night i get a message from my sister inlaw who was married to my brother, that she has breast cancer, it's not the first time she fought cancer.I'm one of these people who worrie all the time about my health. My dad, told me you are not living life by worrying.
Edited by Kcaughran 2013-12-13 12:01 PM
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 Purveyor of unconventional wisdom
Posts: 17112
Location: CA | We have all lost people way too soon. But take a moment and look at your life. I see so many in bad situations that stay there because they feel it is the right thing to do. Living with unkind people that barely tolerate their existence. I took the leap, and gained my freedom. It scared the heck out of me, it challenged my family unit, and after the dust settled, I find I am happier now than I can remember being. I will have no regrets when I leave this planet, I am doing the best I can with what I have to work with. I am selfish! I am looking out for number one. How dare I be so cold and mean! But ya know what? I now have the energy to help way more people than I hurt making this decision, I am open to new ideas, to avenues of giving and I can show kindness to who ever I want with out judgment.
I lost my dad too soon, but he never wasted a day. I am sorry he was sick, but that dude lived life! My mom had an accident and now has dementia brought on by a brain injury. She lost her dream of travel after retirement. She is set up financially to go and do what ever she wanted, she built her dream and then simply fell and hit her head. Now she lives a gentle life, but nothing like what she planned for.
So no, you just never know. I don't believe in getting into debt, if I can't afford it, I don't do it. I will work for what ever I want, and not be a burden to anyone if I can help it. But I try to live every day in excitement and awe of how amazing this world is. I really think that is what Christ wants for us. |
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Just a friendly reminder - life is too short