I started drinking around the age of 14; that's what some blue collar American kids from my generation of baby boomers did. My boozing lasted until Feb 25, 2023. I had been trying to quit boozing for the past 5 years or so. So, I asked my doctor at the Sepulveda VA to check "under the hood" to see how much damage, if any, there was.
Basically the results said, "You have significant dilation of the main pancreatic duct, and your liver is a mess."
So I asked the internet, "Internet, what is dilation of the main pancreatic duct."
Internet responded with, "Carla, dilation of the main pancreatic duct indicates a high risk for pancreatic cancer." "Awww, that's bad news Internet, I don't like them apples!" I sez.
The good news is the ultrasound, and the MRI after that, did not show any mass or growth, so, no cancer...yet. (I added the yet...) High risk means just that. I may get it, but maybe not. Or if caught early...
My liver being in shambles is one thing, but nothing made me stop boozing more than the words "Pancreatic Cancer." As in, "Yeah, you're doomed, start giving away all your stuff...can I have your guitars?
So I immediately ceased the boozing, and drastically altered my diet to foods and drinks that reduce inflammation. Interesting thing, a few weeks in, I noticed that I felt different, like a weight had been lifted from me; I felt strangely, more clear headed.
I no longer have heart flutters (so far) whereas before I had them at least once or twice a month. (I'm also at risk for stroke, because of a prior pericardial infection; but even that wasn't enough to get me to stop boozing...I'm no quitter)
My knees still hurt, but not as much; I sleep better, dream longer. I still ruminate and get depressed, but I don't linger on those sweet comfortable memories nearly as long. My anxiety has lessoned. I lost weight; at least that's what people are saying. Of course, my mind immediately goes to "Is that cancer weight" or just "no-more-booze?" weight. Hopefully the latter.
So all-in-all, positive changes.
It's tough to change habits. Especially addictions. Research does point that out. And you don't have to be a chronic alcoholic to be addicted. Even moderate amounts of alcohol, consumed for many years, can alter brain chemistry.
You can be addicted to fast food as well. All that fat, sugar, and salt...mmmmmmmm, such tasty goodness! Pushing those dopemine levels to the limit.
Funny, I was never addicted to Kale. Yuck! Right?
I had hoped that the online articles about alcohol and cancer were hyperbole. I would sometimes, while shopping, scour the internet on my iphone for stories telling me, "Alcohol is great, it's even heart healty!" "Whew!" Now I feel better; hmmm...tequila or Rum tonight?"
The alcohol industry wouldn't lie to me. Besides, look at how pretty all those bottles are; beautiful labels, pretty colors...so mesmerizing.
I don't think my father, now 98, had problems with his pancreas, or his liver; at least not that I recall. But then again, he started drinking late, and quit early, like in his 40's. Mostly a nightly after-work beer guy; and never hard liqour.
I started early, and stopped, well, 3 months ago, at 63. And I drank everything (except martini's; never got their popularity...tastes like varnish)
So, I'm thinking cancer is probably more lifestyle and diet, than it is genetic.
One could say, "Well, what's the sense of living to your 90's, those are your worst years anyway. That is something to ponder. I mean, my hero, Lemmy Kilmister consumed a bottle of whiskey a day for 40 years; died at 70. But oh boy, what a life he lived. I wish I was Lemmy...sometimes.
Of couse, I'm no Lemmy.