You check your oil, have you checked your PSA lately?

[GFC]

This being Veteran's Day (Not that this has anything to do with anything) I thought I'd give you an update on what's going on in my life.

First of all, I couldn't possibly be feeling any better than I am today. Sailor got me up at 7:30 a.m. for our morning walk. It was chilly (38*) but no wind and a beautiful sunny day.

I spent part of the morning cleaning leaves out of the pool because the guys are coming tomorrow to shut it down for the winter, Then spent an hour or so with the lawn tractor picking up leaves in my yard as well as 4 neighbors' yards.

It's a beautiful day today after several days of high winds and some rain. It felt really good to be out with him and let him sniff his way up and down the river., Our walks usually take about 30 minutes and I let him set the pace and direction. I'm not sure which of us enjoys it most.

Last week I had a checkup with my oncologist. We both were pleased with how I'm handling this cancer crap. My PSA level was down to 4.39 which is a huge improvement over what it has been! Whatever he's doing it's working. The best part of that office visit was getting a shot in my butt from a 5'10" tall, slender blonde, good looking nurse. Ahhhh, life is good.

I'm feeling better all the time and I'm REALLY enjoying that. The old spring is back in my step and I'm getting stronger all the time. I love finding the little improvements that let me know things are getting better. I'm talking LITTLE things like being able to open the tab top on a beer. Couldn't do that with just my finger nails up until about a month ago.

My hair has started to grow back and it looks like it's going to be a bit whiter than it was before, and my fingernails are almost grown to full lenth. (I lost 5 fingernails and 4 toe nails from the chemo). Again, little successes are greatly appreciated.

As many of you know two friends and I took the boat around the coast to Seattle in August to sell. I couldn't have asked for better weather and a good time was had by all of us. When we set out on that trip I had a bit of trepidation about it:
..was the boat going to run without any problems?..it did
..was the weather going to cooperate?..it was wonderful except for the first day
..were the 3 of us going to get along without any personality conflicts?..yes
..were we going to make it without anyone getting seasick?...no problems there

So all things considered the trip was a success by anyone's measure.

So I hope this finds all of you in good health and good spririts and looking forward to the end of this COVID crap.

Happy Veteran's Day, Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas to all of you, and to all a good night!

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

This being Veteran's Day (Not that this has anything to do with anything) I thought I'd give you an update on what's going on in my life.

First of all, I couldn't possibly be feeling any better than I am today. Sailor got me up at 7:30 a.m. for our morning walk. It was chilly (38*) but no wind and a beautiful sunny day.

I spent part of the morning cleaning leaves out of the pool because the guys are coming tomorrow to shut it down for the winter, Then spent an hour or so with the lawn tractor picking up leaves in my yard as well as 4 neighbors' yards.

It's a beautiful day today after several days of high winds and some rain. It felt really good to be out with him and let him sniff his way up and down the river., Our walks usually take about 30 minutes and I let him set the pace and direction. I'm not sure which of us enjoys it most.

Last week I had a checkup with my oncologist. We both were pleased with how I'm handling this cancer crap. My PSA level was down to 4.39 which is a huge improvement over what it has been! Whatever he's doing it's working. The best part of that office visit was getting a shot in my butt from a 5'10" tall, slender blonde, good looking nurse. Ahhhh, life is good.

I'm feeling better all the time and I'm REALLY enjoying that. The old spring is back in my step and I'm getting stronger all the time. I love finding the little improvements that let me know things are getting better. I'm talking LITTLE things like being able to open the tab top on a beer. Couldn't do that with just my finger nails up until about a month ago.

My hair has started to grow back and it looks like it's going to be a bit whiter than it was before, and my fingernails are almost grown to full lenth. (I lost 5 fingernails and 4 toe nails from the chemo). Again, little successes are greatly appreciated.

As many of you know two friends and I took the boat around the coast to Seattle in August to sell. I couldn't have asked for better weather and a good time was had by all of us. When we set out on that trip I had a bit of trepidation about it:
..was the boat going to run without any problems?..it did
..was the weather going to cooperate?..it was wonderful except for the first day
..were the 3 of us going to get along without any personality conflicts?..yes
..were we going to make it without anyone getting seasick?...no problems there

So all things considered the trip was a success by anyone's measure.

So I hope this finds all of you in good health and good spririts and looking forward to the end of this COVID crap.

Happy Veteran's Day, Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas to all of you, and to all a good night!

Awesome Mike. 12 years cancer for me. My PSA at the beginning was 10.2. I am happy to report that last week my PSA is 0.02. Hang in there buddy.

Oh and get a haircut you are starting to look like a hippie!

 

[Insequent]

Keep doing whatever is working for you Mike! Hope all that your plans turns out the way you want.

I did have my PSA checked a week ago. It was 1.7. On the other hand fasting glucose was 7.5 so I may be on the pathway to Type II diabetes. Its a bugger getting old, but nonetheless that beats the alternative!

 

[BandB]

This being Veteran's Day (Not that this has anything to do with anything) I thought I'd give you an update on what's going on in my life.

First of all, I couldn't possibly be feeling any better than I am today. Sailor got me up at 7:30 a.m. for our morning walk. It was chilly (38*) but no wind and a beautiful sunny day.

I spent part of the morning cleaning leaves out of the pool because the guys are coming tomorrow to shut it down for the winter, Then spent an hour or so with the lawn tractor picking up leaves in my yard as well as 4 neighbors' yards.

It's a beautiful day today after several days of high winds and some rain. It felt really good to be out with him and let him sniff his way up and down the river., Our walks usually take about 30 minutes and I let him set the pace and direction. I'm not sure which of us enjoys it most.

Last week I had a checkup with my oncologist. We both were pleased with how I'm handling this cancer crap. My PSA level was down to 4.39 which is a huge improvement over what it has been! Whatever he's doing it's working. The best part of that office visit was getting a shot in my butt from a 5'10" tall, slender blonde, good looking nurse. Ahhhh, life is good.

I'm feeling better all the time and I'm REALLY enjoying that. The old spring is back in my step and I'm getting stronger all the time. I love finding the little improvements that let me know things are getting better. I'm talking LITTLE things like being able to open the tab top on a beer. Couldn't do that with just my finger nails up until about a month ago.

My hair has started to grow back and it looks like it's going to be a bit whiter than it was before, and my fingernails are almost grown to full lenth. (I lost 5 fingernails and 4 toe nails from the chemo). Again, little successes are greatly appreciated.

As many of you know two friends and I took the boat around the coast to Seattle in August to sell. I couldn't have asked for better weather and a good time was had by all of us. When we set out on that trip I had a bit of trepidation about it:
..was the boat going to run without any problems?..it did
..was the weather going to cooperate?..it was wonderful except for the first day
..were the 3 of us going to get along without any personality conflicts?..yes
..were we going to make it without anyone getting seasick?...no problems there

So all things considered the trip was a success by anyone's measure.

So I hope this finds all of you in good health and good spririts and looking forward to the end of this COVID crap.

Happy Veteran's Day, Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas to all of you, and to all a good night!

Wifey B: And the reason you're having such a wonderful day is you've chosen to do so. No, not without doctors or family or friends, but you decided to make the most of it. Really all any of us can do is make the most of every day we have. You do so wonderfully and it clearly works for you. Thanks so much for sharing this today, just made my day, got my mind off flooding and stores and things.

 

[GFC]

WifeyB, you are most welcome.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. GFC. ATTA BOY!

 

[BandB]

Have you had these things checked or done?

Wifey B: Hubby and I go to a concierge doctor as our primary physician. She is extremely thorough. Yes, I did say "she." GFC's hot nurse made me think of her. We've reached ages, omg I hate saying this, where complete periodic physicals are appropriate. We got physicals like we'd never received before, nor could we find others who had, but they made tons of sense.

First, extensive labs, the basics plus things often not done such as thyroid, diabetes, autoimmune, vitamin d and b. If nothing else it gives you a baseline for later problems. Things like estrogen and testosterone too. 24 hour urine collection. Allergy tests via blood.

History. Both health and general. Where you were born and lived, what your parents did, all your jobs may become relevant. A simple example, lady has eye issues that initially look a lot like macular degeneration but found out she lived to the age of 14 in Mobile and she has Histoplasmosis. Still treated much like macular degeneration. Lung diseases with parents who smoked heavily even though you didn't. Worked in high school clearing a huge pile of debris that had accumulated by dumping on a vacant lot. Did find some asbestos in it. Everything is important.

Then questions about lifestyle. These only help if you answer honestly. Sexual partners past and present. Drug, alcohol, cigarettes past and present. The doctor isn't looking to arrest you but if you develop certain conditions it may give them clues. You really need a doctor you feel you can be honest with. I couldn't be about a certain part of my life but was honest in that regard and explained why and that what I was telling her was basically the same with names and locations perhaps changed and a few months left mystery. Also your family situation and social activities. Explaining to her that we had the same parents who we chose to be our parents when he was 30 and I was 21 was interesting but in our mind they are our parents, and our sister the same way which gives us our wonderful niece. And our "daughter" who first came into our life on her 18th birthday but quickly became a daughter to us.

Mental health questions and survey. One thing she noted was that whether it be drugs, alcohol, eating, depression, anxiety or other that most people don't even know when it becomes problematic. I'd say so true during the pandemic that someone might develop serious depression and not realize the degree. Also, to note, that one thing they are seeing post recovery on Covid 19 patients is mental illness issues, primarily depression and anxiety and they are not tied to how bad the Covid 19 was, even in asymptomatic. Nearly one in five Covid 19 patients. I learned something from a Psychiatrist friend a few years ago that makes sense but surprised me. Many middle age or even elderly patients who report depression and haven't previously had it, are leading toward diabetes and typically in the past would be diagnosed within a year. Now with A1C labs, most can be immediately diagnosed, at least as borderline.

Also any issues experienced, however mild. Let the doctor decide if they are important. Details about sexual activity and performance and about urination, defecating. Also simple things like swallowing and response to exercise.

All medications, even supplements. She said it amazes people to find out the side effects of commonly used supplements. She also looks for what she considers "bandwagon" drugs, those overprescribed or where a new better one is prescribed which has very little advantage and far more side effects than the old one.

Diet, both normal and the less regular but occasional.

Now for the physical. The doctor talked her way through it all explaining to us everything she did, why she did it, how, and what she found or didn't find. We remained in the room for each other's. Even taught us some things to keep and eye on or check ourselves periodically. Here are some things I think some might not normally have done.

Vocal cord exam. Now we do both sing and have known many to have problems but few doctors examine. They use a mirror heated over flame so it won't steam.

Vision and hearing checks. Most leave those to specialists but most problems could be detected earlier, especially eye problems in people who don't wear glasses. Most general practitioners don't check for glaucoma, yet people who have never worn glasses can get it.

Six minute walk. With oximeter. A great check for any possible lung issues.

Heart testing before and while on and after treadmill.

Naked and every inch of your skin checked. Now we do see more of each other's skin than many do and likely wouldn't miss anything but we might. Any sort of spot or growth is worthy of attention with photos so then any change can be tracked. Skin cancer is common, especially in the area we live and the earlier caught the better. She also checked for tenderness in many areas.

Now this part may seem invasive but genitals of both of us and rectum exams including a prostate exam of hubby. People are hesitant to tell doctors of any issues in these areas and some don't look or examine carefully. Now women generally get well woman exams, but men don't get anything until they get a prostate exam. With all the talk over the years of self checking breasts, have any of you ever been taught anything about checking your penis or scrotum. There are so many potential problems, most of which have fairly simple treatments.

She also encourages for those who get colonoscopies that a good many of them need to get upper endoscopies as well. Esophageal issues are not uncommon.

I know most would consider all this excessive. However, we had no medical records to speak of. Hubby and I have very seldom been to doctors. Our only medical trips in FL had been for our Captain's licenses and one for life insurance that included very little. It just seems sensible to me to have a good starting place, then in future years she'll have this baseline and decide what is needed. We thought we were healthy, but it's nice to have that confirmed and to know if there is a change, there's now a baseline for comparison.

Hubby laughed after we left and then thought seriously about it. He just turned 50 and this was the first time in his life a doctor had ever had him remove all his clothes, first time they checked him all over. He said nothing between his waists and ankles had ever been checked. (He has had bouts of torn ankle ligaments.) I thought for a second that a gynecologist checks females thoroughly but they don't, only two areas. You could have a mole growing somewhere else and they'd never know.

This is just for thought. But also to follow up on GFC, if you suspect anything anywhere get checked and even if you don't, get a good doctor and get them to monitor your health and advise you. A lot of conditions are treatable but not curable and the sooner the treatment, the better controlled. Others are curable or partially so. GFC is a success story, but it all started with his doctor. We know we had been negligent in our medical care. We've been lucky more than smart.

Thanks to GFC for his posts that made us think that PSA wasn't all we hadn't had checked. We've always been quick to tell others to get to doctors, just not ourselves. Guest this thread told us to.

 

[menzies]

My health care provider is a very pretty Hispanic lady PA in her early thirties.

I quite look forward to my manual prostate check!

In all seriousness (though the above is quite true) I have both the finger and blood test every year during my birthday month as part of my full physical.

I know so many people who simply don't bother with preventative care, and it often shocks me to the point where I am not the most politically correct when I react to them bragging that they haven't seen a doctor in XX years. And these are people in their sixties and seventies who had successful professional careers!

 

[BandB]

My health care provider is a very pretty Hispanic lady PA in her early thirties.

I quite look forward to my manual prostate check!

In all seriousness (though the above is quite true) I have both the finger and blood test every year during my birthday month as part of my full physical.

I know so many people who simply don't bother with preventative care, and it often shocks me to the point where I am not the most politically correct when I react to them bragging that they haven't seen a doctor in XX years. And these are people in their sixties and seventies who had successful professional careers!

Wifey B: We woke up. We insisted for others but not ourselves. Also, years ago hubby had to have a physical for a business key person life insurance thing but it was more like a fly by. What so many call physicals are not.

Here's one for you. Dermatologists are hard to get appointments with as they are saying primary care physicians should be handling most things. Well, that's because the dermatologists are busy with their spas. But what all that means is most are unlikely to see a dermatologist until referred so a primary needs to check your skin.

What struck me in all that is how inadequate the typical physical is. I think part of it is doctor patient fears. Doctors fear if they do too much, patients won't like it. There are still a lot of people who would be horrified at a doctor touching them in some places, but then in hospitals after surgeries, nurses offer to give sponge baths to patients who can't get in showers yet and some patients are horrified at the thought of someone bathing them. Their sense of modesty prevents it. But it's just part of their medical care.

I know someone who complained of being tired and out of breath a lot and their doctor said they were out of shape and older. A simple six minute walk would have gotten their terminal lung disease diagnosed 4 years earlier instead of when their capacity was already down to 40%.

 

[GFC]

WifeyB, I chuckled at some of your comments about people being afraid of being touched by their doctors. My doc and I got way past that years ago, but part of the reason my prostate cancer spread so far is that in the last two physicals with my non-VA doctor he asked me if I wanted a prostate check. We'd never found anything unusual so I just blew it off. (Well, maybe that was not a good choice of words!)

Likely if I had not been so cavalier about it he would have discovered an enlarged prostate a couple of years earlier and we could have acted on that finding.

My bad.

 

[BandB]

WifeyB, I chuckled at some of your comments about people being afraid of being touched by their doctors. My doc and I got way past that years ago, but part of the reason my prostate cancer spread so far is that in the last two physicals with my non-VA doctor he asked me if I wanted a prostate check. We'd never found anything unusual so I just blew it off. (Well, maybe that was not a good choice of words!)

Likely if I had not been so cavalier about it he would have discovered an enlarged prostate a couple of years earlier and we could have acted on that finding.

My bad.

Wifey B: It's always struck me as funny how some people are so horrified by a finger up their butt. I think men associate it with something negative and think of it far worse than it really is and just are somehow bothered by the thought. Some women are just as bad about having their vagina examined and I'm like just go with it, so it's cold and metal, just something different, but it's not like it's going to really hurt you. These are doctors, not predators. Well, do make sure a witness in the room.

Our doctor encourages spouses be in the room to learn. However, she gets a lot of shocked spouses, saying no, they can't do that. What, you've not seen your spouse naked? Why don't you want to be there? To us, it wasn't just observing, but it was a learning experience. I loved that the doctor talked through it all too and we knew her observations and thoughts.

I know we're more casual about such things as many others, but it's all important. I was so happy to go to a doctor where she actually did something. I don't want to get back home and think of what it cost and how wasted the time was.

 

[SteveK]

Wifey B: It's always struck me as funny how some people are so horrified by a finger up their butt. ........:

:lol:
You have a sense of humor.
Every time my male doctor of 49 years would say it is time he had to answer correctly this question.
Are you still happily married, ok go ahead. He retired and my new to me Doc, female is doing PSA, dam covid anyway, video conferencing, the personal touch is gone.

 

[SteveK]

On another note. If anyone with prostrate problems cares to share here or PM, I am interested to know if there is any telltale signs at the time you did not know what it was. Is there clues to look out for?

 

[soin2la]

Our doctor encourages spouses be in the room to learn…To us, it wasn't just observing, but it was a learning experience…I know we're more casual about such things as many others, but it's all important.

I too have an active curiosity and interest in all things body. I have watched my own voice box and seen the inside of my lungs via bronchoscopy; watched radioactive sparklies run through my veins; observed and questioned x-rays. If there is a screen, I want to see it.

To my own prostate;
My long term GP moved up to a high level administive position in or medical system so it was 3 years between DREs for me.

On my first visit to my new doctor, a DRE found a “nodule.” A lab test produced an unusually high PSA, so off to the urologist.

He confirmed a nodule and assured me it wasn’t just a kernel of corn. When asked how long it may have been there and why it might have been missed by my previous doctor, he replied; “maybe your new doctor has a longer finger.”

A 13 needle biopsy returned a negative result and four subsequent PSAs have shown the “level of a twenty year old.” The nodule remains present but unchanged.

I don't want to get back home and think of what it cost and how wasted the time was.

From DRE to biopsy results took 5 weeks and cost me a few bucks for gas and $8 parking. Eek indeed.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

On another note. If anyone with prostrate problems cares to share here or PM, I am interested to know if there is any telltale signs at the time you did not know what it was. Is there clues to look out for?

Annual physical with the "finger." Have your PSA checked. This will tell you the story of your prostate. If your prostate is elevated and indicates cancer, the ONLY was to be sure is biopsy of the prostate.

If you do have cancer then you have some decision. I chose Proton Therapy at UF Jacksonville FL.

Want more info, feel free to PM me.

 

[soin2la]

Soo-Valley, the last thing you want to do is take medical advice from social media.

DRE and PSA do not "tell you the story of your prostate" and "if your prostate is elevated,' your doctor won't likely have a finger long enough to reach it.

 

[SteveK]

I must be speaking a different english.
I asked, in hindsight was there any signs between checkups that could have caused you to go to the doctor before the regular annual. Like the doctor asking if you felt this or that, you know symptoms. Or is this another asymptomatic illness.

 

[steelydon]

Several years ago I was talking with my attorney about a regulatory matter when out of the clear blue he said Don my wiener hurts when I pee. I looked at my phone thinking somehow I had misunderstood. But sure enough that’s what he had said. I told him it was probably better that he tell his doctor rather than me and long story short he went and the doctor ordered a PSA test and digital exam.

He was 48 at that time and when he asked the doctor why he hadn’t had these tests before. The doctor replied we wait until you are 50. His test results were sky high and the exam revealed a growth. Not to bum everyone out but he died at 52.

I have been having both tests since I was 35. My father died of prostate cancer so I try to keep a close check on it. I know each of you are aware that this is not an old man’s disease and developing PC at a younger age is very serious. Point is, have it checked regularly so you can keep cruising.

Steelydon

 

[menzies]

Only information I was given by my HCP is if I start to want to urinate more frequently then it COULD be an enlarged prostate irritating the bladder. However there are a number of issues that can cause frequent urination - including being pre-diabetic.

So plan for annual finger and PSA and know your own body. If something doesn't feel right talk to a professional.

I was in for my annual physical last month and after the finger test we had a discussion on prostate cancer with me telling her that my wife's uncle was a doctor and died of metastasized prostate cancer. I didn't understand how a doctor would die from something that no man should ever die from as it is 100% treatable when caught early.

She informed me of a few points of data. One that struck me is that African Americans and Hispanic men generally will refuse the finger test and often the blood test. It seems there is a "macho" effect regarding the procedure. Interestingly my BIL also had prostate cancer that wasn't caught early but in time that he could be treated. I don't want to generalize too much - but he is Greek.

 

[soin2la]

I must be speaking a different english.
I asked, in hindsight was there any signs between checkups that could have caused you to go to the doctor before the regular annual. Like the doctor asking if you felt this or that, you know symptoms. Or is this another asymptomatic illness.

No.

 

[soin2la]

I must be speaking a different english.
I asked, in hindsight was there any signs between checkups that could have caused you to go to the doctor before the regular annual. Like the doctor asking if you felt this or that, you know symptoms. Or is this another asymptomatic illness.

That"s not what you asked.

 

[menzies]

That"s not what you asked.

Actually it was...

On another note. If anyone with prostrate problems cares to share here or PM, I am interested to know if there is any telltale signs at the time you did not know what it was. Is there clues to look out for?

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Soo-Valley, the last thing you want to do is take medical advice from social media.

DRE and PSA do not "tell you the story of your prostate" and "if your prostate is elevated,' your doctor won't likely have a finger long enough to reach it.

I am not a doctor. My statement is from experience.

 

[SteveK]

I am not a doctor. My statement is from experience.

Thank you to those that understood the question.

Now a little humour sointula.
ASD said I am not a doctor and B&B said couples are encouraged to attend together reminded me of the saying.

I am not a gynecologist, but I will have a look.

 

[BruceK]

A friend asserts he is "an amateur gynecologist".

I had to ask my GP to do the "finger test". The gastro doing my routine colonoscopy does the finger test, and reports.

 

[Al]

Of all the threads I’ve started on here this is by far the most difficult I’ve written. The reason? I have prostate cancer. Well, actually I have Metastasized Prostate Cancer.


Bruce- Sent you a PM- Get back to me ASAP= Al-Ketchikan

 

[Al]

Of all the threads I’ve started on here this is by far the most difficult I’ve written. The reason? I have prostate cancer. Well, actually I have Metastasized Prostate Cancer.


Bruce- Sent you a PM- Get back to me ASAP= Al-Ketchikan

Bruce- Now I read the date, you are or have made a decision. Still if you are interested, my PM will be the test.
Prayers- Al

 

[menzies]

Bruce- Now I read the date, you are or have made a decision. Still if you are interested, my PM will be the test.
Prayers- Al

I was just about to post that you are a bit behind the eight ball Al!

 

[Al]

https://i.postimg.cc/0jRqx0Gf/20200523-114500.jpg[/img]

GFC- I didn't finish the full list of post as it is getting late. I will start with the BLT. Now here is my receipt for a BLT- Hamburger bun toasted. Butter on one Mayo in the other. Crunchy peanut butter (Adams), slice cheese, bacon,lettuce. one slice of white onion, tomato slice, two 'Valsic-"Stacker" pickles.

As to the cancer scene- Sorry for my haste in wanting to make contact, didn't see the date of your post and subsequent choice of addressing you cancer.
Before I tell my tale I wish to clarify I am not a medical person to give advise, I am more than willing to tell my story matter of fact, I enjoy telling my story. As a part of that story, the usage of CBD must be included for the reasons CBD is do damn underrated. Cannabis Kills Cancer, Multiple Studies Confirm | CannaMD Based on my due diligence, I had placed myself on 500mg daily of CBD.
(Lazarus Naturals - Buy CBD Oil | Cannabidiol Oil | CBD Shop) Why and the success of taking CBD is a whole other story to tell.
Now-Cancer
I too am a prostate cancer patient. I was diagnosed late. I was at 9 on the PSA and after a biopsy given a 9 on the Gleeson scale. Our cancer facility here in Ketchikan is much a 'Triage medical level" Great GP hospital with a quick air lift decision making. Having said this I wish to echo others where you have to do your own due diligence, I did so seeking three second opinions after hours of reading on Google and YouTube. I contacted your parent organization, Cancer Alliance, then Virginia Mason (our to to hospital for serious stuff) and finally the Swedish hospital.
I should also explain to answer the question of "When did you know or were there signs of prostate issues early?" Yes and no, What was developing was a very slow and slowing pee flow. To the extent that my GP had placed my on a couple of medications that would improve the flow (Flowmax) and a second to reduce the size of the prostate (A year for it to begin taking effect!) Still on both
The pee problem extubated in to having to wear a catheter when things stopped in total (You do not want to be in the ER with this condition, trust me!)
Needless to say still no biopsy and outside of a "Hummmmm" from the doc following the invasion of the finger that my prostate seemed 'rough" and then suggested a biopsy at my earliest convivence. So after a visit with the visiting Urologist who stated "At my age (80) were I his father, would suggest we just continue the PSA and "wait and see."
Not one to accept that, I may be 80 (81 now) I felt and do, like I am 50. both mentally and physically. So off to Bellingham WA to a real urologist who performed the biopsy.(Stop here: I do not bare pain well, a threat and I will tell you where Hillary hid the emails). So at 8 sample efforts I was off the table and no more biopsy today! He said he had enough, he already knew I was in trouble. To the extent that his telling me that he would give me the results the following week, called me four days later to say I had cancer Gleeson 9 and that it was a 'rapid' type of cancer that needed attention ASAP. Then, he said "I have scheduled you for a shot of 'Lupron" which will give you a quality of life for 3-5 years at the end of next month, like that made it a two months out for the shot, and I was still wearing the catheter bag which was now near three months including three ER calls to replace leaking or failed Cather. Each time folks, it required the removal and replacement of the Cather. Now friends and neighbors, the cats don 't squalor louder than Al Johnson while two grown men hold me down to insert said 8 foot 2x6 up the old 'Johnson'. Damn it hurts to think back on it.
My wife asked what the doctor from Bellingham had said. I said "I was just told to take two aspirin and don't call me" I contacted my GP and had their agreement to deliver the Lupron shot in Ketchikan. So, as I said, due diligence. I cut off the long delay to start the homone shot.
Now I am up and running, I am now back to where I mentioned the three opinions (still wearing the Cather). I met with the Cancer Alliance folks who were really good at explaining their procedures with great detail, However, they indicated that I should go through the scheduled TURP, ( forgot to mention the Bellingham urologists' and I had agreed to having a procedure called TURP done. Will not go into that process and pray none need to and to those who have God Bless!!
Virginal Mason Hospital with a different radiation process also stated that I have the TURP prior to radiation. Both outfits indicated SIX MONTHS FOLLOWING THE TURP, radiation would be started with no explanation. I was to accept this decision. Now, I am a bit excited as being told the cancer is a rapid stage, To me 'Rapid' means tomorrow or sooner!! I was despondent as Swedish hospital had indicated on contact and review of my scans, (All three had my scans to read prior) that their process may not be applicable due to the high Gleeson number, however I should retain the appointment and speak with the oncologist, Dr. Meier, who was knowledgeable in many fields of radiation. I agreed and met with the good doctor. The first thing he asked was how long I had been with the Cather and on the 'Lupron' I said 3 plus months with the Cather and 6 weeks on Lupron, He said "okay, let me tell you that we can address your prostate cancer with our process CYBERKNIFE, radiation, We have been successful with Gleeson 7-8-9 and some 10."
You have been on Lupron for six weeks, That is about the period of time Lupron works on shrinking the prostate which has expanded with the cancer cells full of blood squeezing the urine tube running through the prostate. What I would recommend is when the time to change the Cather arrives, leave it out and see if you can pee. If you can, we can start the CYBERKNIFE within a couple of weeks." He continued, " The cancer cells don't act like normal cells, they take a long time to die, normal cells die often (I had the times but-- - --) so if you had the TURP, which is upsetting to the prostate, those blood filled cells being drilled by the TRUP will cause concern as well it takes SIX MONTHS FOR THE PROSTATE TO HEAL PRIOR TO RADIATION. See he explained everything. I signed up for Cyberknife :CyberKnife - How it Works - CyberKnife
How did it go? following the prep work of placing the gold pellets, the process took five days, Monday through Friday, maybe 30 minutes tops, street clothes on, music of your choice, and a short nap, Bingo, done for the day.
However during the second set of scans two lymph nodes were discovered to be in play as was a spot on my pelvis ( metastasized). which required my having a two week spread between the lymph node five day application and the metastasized spot on the pelvis an additional 5 days of radiation

I went in with a Gleeson 9 and a PSA of 9, I left the final sessions with a PSA of 1. A month later the follow up PSA was .,046 The third and fourth jPSA two months apart, found me with a .02 PSA. The oncologist has taken me off the Lupron,

So- in conclusion,
See, he explained what the others had not, Swedish Cyberknife successfully addressed all three cancer issues. When asked if the cancer were to return, would Cyberknife still be in play and was assured that tumors could be addressed elsewhere in the body if needed. Continued PSA test.And By the way, Because of his advice and my ability to now pee and still am!!! I did not have to have the TURP procedure!!!

Thanks for reading. All of the post related to what and how to attack and eliminate Prostate cancer, thank you all.
Sincerely
Al

 

[Al]

I was just about to post that you are a bit behind the eight ball Al!

Way,way behind!! My bad, I then finished reading ALL the post and read my original. Guess I am too damn excited to spread the word on prostate cancer applications that may be of assistance in decision making.

Menzies, beg your forgiveness

Regards,
Al