Comments on: What's going on with Steve Jobs' hormones?

By: Maija Eerkes, Bellevue Washington

Maija Eerkes, Bellevue Washington — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:35:32 +0000

As a successful 29 month survivor of pancreatic cancer, who is doing very well (without the Whipple surgery), I have two comments:

1) I sincerely wish him good health and continued success in winning the battle …. and

2) Since this disease (4th largest "killer" among all cancers — 95% die within 5 years of diagnosis) needs more spotlight due to it's very limited survival rate, it would actually be beneficial if someone of Mr. Jobs' prominence would be wiling to be the "face" of the disease. I'm not suggesting that he is still plagued by pancreatic cancer, but we sure could use his help at the national level via the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).

By: Dr Chuck, Bridgewater, NJ

Dr Chuck, Bridgewater, NJ — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:18:38 +0000

Mr. Jobs' "hormone imbalance" probably results from removal of a significant portion of his pancreas for his tumor removal, with the subsequent loss of either hormone production (specially insulin, but also glucagon, which counters insulin) or digestive enzymes (which his docs may have oversimplified by calling them "hormones" too. I vote for the latter, since he suggests in his statement that it is easily treated, and one only has to take pancreatic enzyme supplements in pill form to correct the loss of the enzymes. It also explains why it's taken "so long" to figure it out– a California man his age who exercises regularly and eats well would be happy to stay "trim" until the press and blogosphere start ranting about his imminent death from cachexia. This "hormone (enzyme)" deficiency acts in much the same way as the drug Alli works– and people pay money to get that effect.

Neither of the 2 "experts" Fortune quotes are likely familiar with pancreatic insufficiency, since they see mostly the bad pancreas cancer cases. And to suggest that this is a recurrence of his original cancer would mean that the multiple CAT and MRI scans I'm sure he's gone through have missed a BIG mass, which is unlikely. Starting "proper treatment" with chemotherapy would not make Mr. Jobs too sure of his future.

One does not need sophisticated or expensive tests to figure it out, just a good doctor. He probably hasn't seen his pancreatic surgeon since 2004, and his other docs probably haven't seen this complication enough to think of it–after all, most patients with run-of-the-mill pancreatic cancer die too quickly to develop long-term side effects from the operation.

By: robscott2007

robscott2007 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:43:47 +0000

Does the author require an in-depth analysis on the state of Mr Jobs' health? It certainly seems that way, given the medical consult. I asked Dc Gregory House who told me he couldn't give an exact diagnosis because "I'm a fictional character." Needless to say, that really riled me: I simply cannot continue to use Mac products without knowing the PRECISE details of the Apple CEOs physical well-being.

By: Nicolas Martin, Indianapolis, Indiana

Nicolas Martin, Indianapolis, Indiana — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:56:26 +0000

If there is idle speculation afoot the blame rests mostly with Mr. Jobs. If he had wanted to protect his privacy he would have released a statement to that effect, rather than one which gives obfuscatory information about his condition. He can't have it both ways. In any case, it is better for Apple — and especially its stockholders — if Mr. Jobs is forthcoming about his illness. Many billions of dollars and the future of Apple are at stake.

By: Richard Fasanello, Washington, NJ

Richard Fasanello, Washington, NJ — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:19:26 +0000

Mr. Jobs is reported to be a vegan and likely eats lots of soy. Check out the web site dogtorj.net and discover the "soy myth" and how this "food" (and others) adversely affects our hormonal systems. It projected me into almost a vegetable state, but the information presented on the site mentioned above saved me just in time.

By: Richmond VA

Richmond VA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:41:11 +0000

This is a tasteless invasion of privacy. Shame on you!

By: Jason, Halifax, NS

Jason, Halifax, NS — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:50:59 +0000

I'm going to bypass all of the controversy and just state that you have likely misquoted Dr. Sherman. If someone is losing weight, one would suspect hypERthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone which speeds up metabolism), not hypOthyroidism (lack of thyroid hormone, resulting in slowed metabolism).

By: Ariel, Paterson nj

Ariel, Paterson nj — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:29:57 +0000

Let me guess ya want Jobs to say more of what he might not know for sure since he's not a freggin Doctor so ya can come up with all kinds of expeculations, ya really are Sick

By: Steve, Cupertino, CA

Steve, Cupertino, CA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:43:33 +0000

This really is no one's business. Name one other CEO held to this standard. I'm glad I don't have a press release every time I have a bowel movement. Leave him alone, or please do cover Larry Ellison's hemorrhoids.

By: Steve, Cincinnati Ohio

Steve, Cincinnati Ohio — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:43:31 +0000

People make me laugh. Obviously, Jobs has put the right people in place to take over, soon you goofballs will say how great this transition is and his word "relax" will finally be heeded. He knew this would come one day. Everyone acts like Apple will be no more when he is gone. Then everyone complains about CEO/President pay but every newspaper in the world talks about how lost Apple would be w/o him. So do CEO/Presidents make too much or what or is Jobs this priceless??? I will pray for his good health.