Cancer fight begins

[LopeHunter]

If possible, talk to a radiation oncologist for a different perspective.

My wife found that radiologists can widely diverge from surgeons when are parsing through treatment options for cancer. The old saying rings true that everything looks like a nail to someone holding a hammer. Radiologists hold one type of hammer while surgeons hold another. Each tends to favor their own.

This divergence was quite stressful in her case which goes to the saying that a man with two watches never knows what time it is. The potential treatment paths for my wife were not additive so she needed to wear one watch.

Follow-up screenings twice a year are stressful as wait for results. Adulting is not quite as carefree as imagined when we were in middle school.

She has had a positive outcome. The journey also prompted us to re-evaluate our goals, near and long term. We also simplified our financial account structure and some other lifestyle housekeeping. These were all very positive impacts from an unfortunate diagnosis.

 

[hank4elk]

Thanks for the encouragement. I’m ready to get the treatment and recovery started.

Stay positive!

 

[DHoldmeyer]

Best of luck with your treatment and recovery. Sending prayers.

 

[utah400elk]

Just sending more thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.

 

[recon6036]

My wife found that radiologists can widely diverge from surgeons when are parsing through treatment options for cancer. The old saying rings true that everything looks like a nail to someone holding a hammer. Radiologists hold one type of hammer while surgeons hold another. Each tends to favor their own.

This divergence was quite stressful in her case which goes to the saying that a man with two watches never knows what time it is. The potential treatment paths for my wife were not additive so she needed to wear one watch.

Follow-up screenings twice a year are stressful as wait for results. Adulting is not quite as carefree as imagined when we were in middle school.

She has had a positive outcome. The journey also prompted us to re-evaluate our goals, near and long term. We also simplified our financial account structure and some other lifestyle housekeeping. These were all very positive impacts from an unfortunate diagnosis.

I have a video appointment with a Radiologist prior to my surgery. The Oncology M.D., who is going to do my surgery, actually recommended the appointment just to get an opinion.
He also said Surgery or radiation would work in my case, but with radiation only, the chance of Cancer returning or additional cancers occurring is 7% and with removal, it’s 1% or less.
7% isn’t a lot, but it’s a chance I’m not willing to take.
Also, with radiation, if the Prostate has to be removed later on, it’s much more difficult.
So many choices in cancer treatment today….I guess it gets to the point where you do your research, get multiple opinions, weigh the pro’s and cons, then make a decision and move forward with the plan.
Do something or die, I guess.
Prostate Cancer moves like a Turtle, I’ve been told numerous times, but I’m still fairly young and can’t wait to see what happens.

 

[Salmonchaser]

Good luck, Mayo did a great job for my younger brother and my Uncle. My uncle was struck with two different cancers about two years apart. He is in remission on both and getting ready for birthday 85. Those docs there are outstanding.

 

[gouch]

Best wishes to you. You may not be a 100% but you should be good to go by Oct. 1

 

[LopeHunter]

I have a video appointment with a Radiologist prior to my surgery. The Oncology M.D., who is going to do my surgery, actually recommended the appointment just to get an opinion.
He also said Surgery or radiation would work in my case, but with radiation only, the chance of Cancer returning or additional cancers occurring is 7% and with removal, it’s 1% or less.
7% isn’t a lot, but it’s a chance I’m not willing to take.
Also, with radiation, if the Prostate has to be removed later on, it’s much more difficult.
So many choices in cancer treatment today….I guess it gets to the point where you do your research, get multiple opinions, weigh the pro’s and cons, then make a decision and move forward with the plan.
Do something or die, I guess.
Prostate Cancer moves like a Turtle, I’ve been told numerous times, but I’m still fairly young and can’t wait to see what happens.

That is wonderful guidance. Perhaps the medical specialties are more closely allied these days or you are locating doctors willing to set part of their egos aside to get the best outcomes as a team.

My son is a doctor and one of my friends, also a doctor, was giving feedback two decades ago to my pre-med son at the end of a shadowing day where my son puppy-dogged along on medical rounds (likely a no-no now, my buddy tossed a stethoscope and a white coat to my son and said to not talk in front of any patients that day): Do not go into surgery…you are not enough of an azzhole.

My son is a pediatrician and has won awards. He got great guidance. Sounds like you are getting great guidance, as well. Keep up the vigilance. You got this!

 

[cbat]

Have you looked into alternative like Ivermectin or the like ? Alkaline system kills cancer. I hear about these things but do not know if they have any merit.

 

[WC53]

I did proton therapy in November. Not too many side affects. I did not need hormone therapy. It seems most treatments have similar outcomes. The side affects can very greatly depending on your situation. I’m a decade older.
Do your research and stay strong.

 

[recon6036]

Have you looked into alternative like Ivermectin or the like ? Alkaline system kills cancer. I hear about these things but do not know if they have any merit.

No. Not saying they don’t work, but I feel more comfortable with the traditional methods of fighting Prostate Cancer.

 

[longbow51]

Ivermectin and its derivatives show promise, but not solo therapy yet.

Stay the course.

 

[Outlaw99]

Kick it’s ass!!! I wish in the “As they Lay” thread; we could have pictures of dead cancer cells. I hate cancer to my very core

 

[recon6036]

Update….my wife and I have been at Mayo (Rochester MN) since last Thursday for pre-op appointments and my surgery is tomorrow.
I followed the Dr’s recommendation's, changed my diet and lost 45 lbs (230-185).
I was hoping to workout (weights-cardio) more than I did, but with work, my dad passing away and trying to work on his 5 bedroom -3 bathroom house by putting a new roof on, moving belongings, etc. I didn’t have a minute to spare and time caught up with me.
I guess I'm as ready as I’ll ever be, but I have to admit, the second guessing and pre-op jitters have set in…
Im not looking for sympathy….just thought I’d ramble a bit and give an update….f’ Cancer!!!

 

[JohnCushman]

You got this! Give it hell!

 

[JLDemo]

Good luck, pray for a fast recovery, and Eff Cancer!

 

[wyoelkfan15]

I know this is nowhere related to hunting and I’m not looking for sympathy in any way, but I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer recently and thought I’d reach out to others who have experience with the different treatments, side effects, lifestyle changes, etc.
I’m 55 with a Gleason (3+4)=7 scoring.
Follow up is next Tuesday to discuss treatment options.
Im in good spirits and am very thankful it seems to have been caught early enough.
Anyway, Ill obviously follow medical advise, but if anyone wants to share experiences, recommendations, etc, that would be great.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis recon. In good news, this is very treatable, especially when caught early. My dad got this same diagnosis three years ago. Some focused radiation over 8 weeks and he's doing just fine. Played 18 holes with him just this morning. Best of luck my man, you CAN beat this chit!

 

[Outlaw99]

Stomp its ass into the dirt!

 

[Big Fin]

Good luck. You'll whoop this.

 

[ashersdad]

You got this! We'll be praying for you!