Dear Mary, Your comments about documenting health in genealogy is good. The physical characterics of our ancestors and their problems (mental and physical) will help not only us but our descendants as well. We are all equal (in legal and moral beliefs) and while each of us come from varying backgrounds (physical and mental) it is up to us to "deal with life." We all should all beware of our history and make sure the young know it also. John R. Carpenter La Mesa, CA Mary Carpenter wrote: > > I find the comparisons of physical characteristics simply a fun way to > get to know each other's families. It is certainly not meant to show > someone's family or type is "superior" as suggested by kgj ("Mein > Kampf" comment). But here is something more important that may interest > people. > > My dad (Clarence) had prostrate cancer which wore him down, and he > eventually died of complications of a stroke (the cancer would have > killed him anyway. It was advanced) > > Dad's brother Frank Herman also had prostrate cancer, and died of > complications from brain cancer. > > Frank's son, Mark (my cousin) has suffered from prostrate cancer, but > is doing well. > > Clarence and Frank's father, Frank Isaac suffered from prostrate > cancer. > > Frank Isaac's father, Cass, died of certain complications and I wonder > if they may have been prostrate related as well. > > A cancer researcher talked with me about this family history and she > said our family was very unusual in having this ongoing "legacy" of > prostrate cancer through the generations. Because of this we were > included in her research. > > I am wondering if anyone else has encountered a strange situation as > this. And I am hoping this information will bring people's attention > this disease. If someone in your family history has or had prostrate > cancer, it may be a good idea to have younger generations tested as > well. > > Thanks, > > Mary :) > === > Mary C. Carpenter > Quaternary Studies Program > "Where Death is Just the Beginning!" > NAU Box 5644 > Northern Arizona University > Flagstaff, AZ 86011 > Ph. (520) 523-1718 > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com