Language Timothy!

I’ve had statements like “We’re going to treat you palliatively”

I wanted another curative attempt (and eventually succeeded in getting that).

“Your treatment will attempt to control but not cure your cancer.”

“You may have many months or years ahead. “

”I think you have microscopic systemic disease”

Some of the language I’ve experienced that had a big impact on how I felt to say the least.

Hope this is useful.

The worst I get is that Prostate Cancer is the best cancer to get.  Yes.  OK now I probably appreciate that  but when you hear that early on or when you are having problems from HT or just don't know exactly the details of your disease and treatment is then its best not to say this.  I don't think any disease or illness is the best type to get. Do you? 

Thanks Ido4

1. Thanks freefaller, I agree no cancer is the best to get.

I've seen your comments under a separate thread concerning the words cure, curative etc..

Having had the misfortune to be separately diagnosed with both prostate and lung cancer I recall only lung cancer where such a word was used. This was that treatment was with "curative intent" which personally I thought was very indicative of the true situation - that treatment was given with an intent to cure but this is not guaranteed. So far it has been curative and I am obviously delighted but I am under no illusion that this is permanent (although I continue to live in hope!).

I guess that the doctor's delivery can affect how this is interpreted as well though.

I'm with Freefaller on that one. I heard it from a doctor of all people. Tell that to someone who's PC is incurable. It's a phrase that tests my ability to produce a civilised reply, especially when I consider what my family have been through since my diagnosis.