Cancer Boy [Archive] - RonFez.net Messageboard

Beenherebefore

03-21-2007, 08:10 AM

First off let me say I am an old time member, but because of a desire to stay private and a need to talk about this. I'm using a nom-de-plume. Can't think of a better place to journal the trip than ronfez.net. Anyway here goes...I just turned 47 and went for my annual physical. The Doctor said my PSA test was low, but  prostate felt a little hard so lets do a biopsy to be sure. There was a 90% chance of it being negative, but as always with me it's positive and they are recomending that I have surgery and remove the prostate. I don't know much except that I have cancer and will have to have a bone and cat scan to see if its spread. There's not much else to say, but I wanted to admit I am terrified that this has spread and I will get really sick.I don't fear dying, but being incapcitated definately scares me. Lots of questions like. Will my new girlfriend be gone in a ball of dust (I would if the situation were reversed) Can my business survive a prolonged absence? Will I be a eunuch?...more after the consult

Knowledged_one

03-21-2007, 08:12 AM

busybeeman?  Joe Rockville?

BoondockSaint

03-21-2007, 08:15 AM

My brother's father-in-law had prostate cancer a few years ago and he is fine now.  I hope it turns out the same for you.  Try to stay positive.

RoseBlood

03-21-2007, 08:18 AM

Beenherebefore wrote: First off let me say I am an old time member, but because of a desire to stay private and a need to talk about this. I'm using a nom-de-plume. Can't think of a better place to journal the trip than ronfez.net. Anyway here goes...I just turned 47 and went for my annual physical. The Doctor said my PSA test was low, but  prostate felt a little hard so lets do a biopsy to be sure. There was a 90% chance of it being negative, but as always with me it's positive and they are recomending that I have surgery and remove the prostate. I don't know much except that I have cancer and will have to have a bone and cat scan to see if its spread. There's not much else to say, but I wanted to admit I am terrified that this has spread and I will get really sick.I don't fear dying, but being incapcitated definately scares me. Lots of questions like. Will my new girlfriend be gone in a ball of dust (I would if the situation were reversed) Can my business survive a prolonged absence? Will I be a eunuch?...more after the consultFirst off, i'm very sorry to hear this and wish you the best, stay strong. Maybe I have been misinformed but I thought lower PSA count was a good sign? What stage cancer are you at? Is it absolutely necessary to have the surgery? What about radiation treatment? and you have every right to be terrified.

RoseBlood

03-21-2007, 08:19 AM

BoondockSaint wrote: My brother's father-in-law had prostate cancer a few years ago and he is fine now.  I hope it turns out the same for you.  Try to stay positive. yes.. prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates.

mikeyboy

03-21-2007, 08:19 AM

Knowledged_one wrote: busybeeman?  Joe Rockville? Knock it off.  Note which forum you are posting in.  Consider it a warning. BeenHereBefore, I'm very sorry to hear about your news.

Beenherebefore

03-21-2007, 08:32 AM

RoseBlood wrote: Beenherebefore wrote: First off let me say I am an old time member, but because of a desire to stay private and a need to talk about this. I'm using a nom-de-plume. Can't think of a better place to journal the trip than ronfez.net. Anyway here goes...I just turned 47 and went for my annual physical. The Doctor said my PSA test was low, but  prostate felt a little hard so lets do a biopsy to be sure. There was a 90% chance of it being negative, but as always with me it's positive and they are recomending that I have surgery and remove the prostate. I don't know much except that I have cancer and will have to have a bone and cat scan to see if its spread. There's not much else to say, but I wanted to admit I am terrified that this has spread and I will get really sick.I don't fear dying, but being incapcitated definately scares me. Lots of questions like. Will my new girlfriend be gone in a ball of dust (I would if the situation were reversed) Can my business survive a prolonged absence? Will I be a eunuch?...more after the consultFirst off, i'm very sorry to hear this and wish you the best, stay strong. Maybe I have been misinformed but I thought lower PSA count was a good sign? What stage cancer are you at? Is it absolutely necessary to have the surgery? What about radiation treatment? and you have every right to be terrified.Apparently the PSA test is highly inaccurate. The way it's been explained to me is that a low PSA test should mean there's no cancer at all, but the error rate is high. But as is my luck the PSA has like 30% false positives and only 2-3% false negatives. By the way...I realize that this is highly curable and all that stuff, but when you actually read stuff it's way scary. And for my age surgery is the preferred method of treatment. Most people who get radiation are older...and...the recurrence rate is relatively high. 

This message was edited by Beenherebefore on 3-21-07 @ 12:35 PM

mendyweiss

03-21-2007, 10:35 AM

You should always get another opinion, especially from a radiation oncologist.Implanting of Palladium 103 seeds is a very effective treatment even in men in their forties.

Bulldogcakes

03-21-2007, 04:18 PM

Its among the most curable forms of cancer, so keep your chin up, bro. And good luck.

Gvac

03-21-2007, 04:21 PM

All the best to you my man, and there is good reason to remain positive.  As others have stated, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable forms.  Both my father and grandfather came through with flying colors many years ago.My grandfather is now 93 and healthy as an ox.  Ditto for my 67 year old dad.

Tenbatsuzen

03-21-2007, 05:50 PM

Bulldogcakes wrote: Its among the most curable forms of cancer, so keep your chin up, bro. And good luck.  Again, watch the forum you're in. All kidding aside, there's a ton of "famous" prostate cancer survivors - Rudy Giuliani and Joe Torre immediately come to mind.  It is very treatable and highly survivable.

Beenherebefore

03-22-2007, 05:25 AM

Tenbatsuzen wrote: Bulldogcakes wrote: Its among the most curable forms of cancer, so keep your chin up, bro. And good luck.  Again, watch the forum you're in. All kidding aside, there's a ton of "famous" prostate cancer survivors - Rudy Giuliani and Joe Torre immediately come to mind.  It is very treatable and highly survivable. Yeah, but Giuliani has Satan on his side and Torre is SatanThe fucked up part of all this is my PSA is 1.45. Had my doc not been "anal" and done the finger it would not have been found.Anyway what we know so far is that my Gleason Score is a "6" and the PSA is a 1.45. Taken together it means it should be contained. But the right side of my prostate is pretty well infected with cancer. I am going to have a bone and cat scan to makes sure it hasn't spread.The surgery is scheduled for the 5th of April although the 19th is an option. As far as all this goes I am using these pages to chronicle my adventure. I appreciate Bulldog's comments and don't think he was giving me the "Peter Jennings" kiss of death.

EliSnow

03-22-2007, 06:14 AM

Beenherebefore, I feel for you.  I've actually have a lot to say, being a cancer survivor myself.  I had testicular cancer and I don't know things about prostrate cancer, and can't give you facts,etc. about your disease.  Also, forgive me if my thoughts here are not concise, because for personal reasons (not related to this) I'm a little scatterbrained today.Okay first things first.  Get a second opinion, not only to confirm that you have cancer, but on options, etc.  I went with the second doctor I spoke to about this, because he was able to get me into surgery faster.  Second, it's okay to be scared and sad at first.  When I was first diagnosed, it felt like someone had dropped the weight of the world on my shoulders.  I was terrified.  Having the disease could mean death, and it definitely mean the removal of a testicle.  At the time, I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to have kids or that my sex life was over.  After I had surgery, and found out the cancer remained, I was even more scared.  I actually don't remember two hours of the day that I heard that news, as I wondered NYC in a daze.  Every now and then, I'm still dazed that I actually had cancer.  So admit your feal and sadness, and surround yourself with your family and friends and get strength and support from them.  It really does help.  It may help to cry and tell them you're scared.  I did, and it was like a catharsis to get it out.  I called friends I hadn't talk to in awhile, and told them and got so much support.  This is what friends and family are for - to help you through incredibly difficult times.  Don't be afraid to ask for help and rely on them.  You won't need them all the time, but having support helps so much for your attitude. And having a good attitude is the the key.  And the first step to that is to remember that you can survive it.  It sounds like prostate cancer has a high survivor rate, as does testicular cancer.  That helped me, and I remember feeling lucky to have that going for me.  That doesn't remove the scariness, because going through the treatment itself can be scary.  But you can survive it, and you need to know that to help you.  Because attitude is important.  Believe me.  My last thought, at least for know is, fuck cancer.  It doesn't belong in your body, and it has no right to try to kill you.  So you and your doctors are going to kill it.  You're going to fight it, and you'll win.  It's not an easy process to go through, but you'll win.  I'm hoping this helps.  I realize it may not, but if you ever want to chat, etc.  Feel free to pm me.

This message was edited by EliSnow on 3-22-07 @ 10:17 AM

angelinad128

03-22-2007, 07:45 AM

I know 2 older men who have had this and they are both fine years later.  Be positive that it hasn't spread. It sucks though that you would run if it was your girlfriend. Not cool.

Tall_James

03-22-2007, 07:48 AM

Stay strong man.  These folks are saying the right things.  I'll keep a good thought for you since I have a history of this in my family.  My dad has it.  He's still going strong at 70.

Zorro

03-22-2007, 09:13 AM

F'ed that up too. Thanks for heads up James

This message was edited by Zorro on 3-22-07 @ 3:12 PM

EliSnow

03-22-2007, 09:30 AM

Zorro wrote: Eli thanks...the reason I am sharing here is that my family and friends are more annoying than helpful. I went through heart surgery in 1999 and even though I'm fine from that people still treat me oddly. Don't want to be cancer guy... and I do appreciate the thoughts...I can also relate to the feelings...my first thought when getting the news was I'm gonna be a eunuchYou're welcome.  It does suck to be cancer guy, but it does lead to a good thing - being a cancer survivor.  I'm proud of being a survivor.  To a large extent, it is a matter of luck that I am one, but often the fact does give me strength to deal with other problems. As for how people treat you, it is something you have very little control over, other than to act in a way that reflects how  you wanted to be treated.  After that you can't control them.  So if you can't get support there, you'll get it here.

ralphbxny

03-22-2007, 10:16 AM

Gvac wrote: All the best to you my man, and there is good reason to remain positive.  As others have stated, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable forms.  Both my father and grandfather came through with flying colors many years ago.My grandfather is now 93 and healthy as an ox.  Ditto for my 67 year old dad.  What I was going to say was summed up by Gvac.Stay positive dude. Its all about attitude!!

angelinad128

03-22-2007, 10:59 AM

Zorro wrote: angelinad128 wrote: I know 2 older men who have had this and they are both fine years later.  Be positive that it hasn't spread. It sucks though that you would run if it was your girlfriend. Not cool.Won't know about the spreading thing til next week. As for the girl we've only been on four dates...too much too soon. So, don't think horribly about me. Best of luck. Your not that bad of a guy if after 4 dates you connsider her your girlfriend, LOL.

Recyclerz

03-23-2007, 07:33 AM

That is a pretty full shit sandwich you've been given for lunch, BHB.  Like everyone else, I'm wishing you the best.I know two guys this has happened to over the last couple of years so here's my $0.02 of second hand knowledge.  The bad news is that if you get prostate cancer earlier in life (late 40's - early 50's) like you have it tends to be the more aggressive type (eg. Frank Zappa, Bill Bixby).  If you get it in your '60's or later it tends to be the slow developing kind.  The good news is that if caught early enough, which it sounds like you have, it is very curable.  The better news is that even if they have to yank it out (v. radition seed implantation) there is a surgical technique that preserves all the nerve endings around the prostate, which are the only things you need anyway (unless you're trying to make babies), to keep Mr. Happy standing tall. It is a more involved operation but worth it.  One of the guys I know who had it, once he got better, traded in his not at all bad looking wife for an even hotter model that was 15 years younger.  Your results may vary, but at least you'll have options. ;)Anyway, good luck.

Beenherebefore

03-23-2007, 09:02 AM

angelinad128 wrote: Zorro wrote: angelinad128 wrote: I know 2 older men who have had this and they are both fine years later.  Be positive that it hasn't spread. It sucks though that you would run if it was your girlfriend. Not cool.Won't know about the spreading thing til next week. As for the girl we've only been on four dates...too much too soon. So, don't think horribly about me. Best of luck. Your not that bad of a guy if after 4 dates you connsider her your girlfriend, LOL.We've known each other for a year and finally found the time to hook up.

Beenherebefore

03-23-2007, 09:06 AM

Recyclerz wrote: That is a pretty full shit sandwich you've been given for lunch, BHB.  Like everyone else, I'm wishing you the best.I know two guys this has happened to over the last couple of years so here's my $0.02 of second hand knowledge.  The bad news is that if you get prostate cancer earlier in life (late 40's - early 50's) like you have it tends to be the more aggressive type (eg. Frank Zappa, Bill Bixby).  If you get it in your '60's or later it tends to be the slow developing kind.  The good news is that if caught early enough, which it sounds like you have, it is very curable.  The better news is that even if they have to yank it out (v. radition seed implantation) there is a surgical technique that preserves all the nerve endings around the prostate, which are the only things you need anyway (unless you're trying to make babies), to keep Mr. Happy standing tall. It is a more involved operation but worth it.  One of the guys I know who had it, once he got better, traded in his not at all bad looking wife for an even hotter model that was 15 years younger.  Your results may vary, but at least you'll have options. <img src="http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/images/smilewink.gif" border="0" width="15" height="15" /> Anyway, good luck.  Oddly enought that's the opposite of what I've been reading. I have decided on robotic prostrate removal.The next big step are bone and cat scans Tuesday to see if its spread

Zorro

09-27-2007, 09:32 PM

Since i was unmasked anyway I figured I'd just use my real identity.

Surgery was three months ago and the biopsy results showed low grade cancer confined to the prostate. But the only way to be sure is to have negative PSA tests for a year. There's no reason to suspect they didn't get it all.

More importantly for the moment is the recovery. Things just don't work as well as they used to. They say it takes about a year to get back to normal and since the alternative was death it's not like I had a choice. But I'm well enough to run a 5K this Sunday and expect a complete recovery.

Just want to encourage all the men over 40 out there to get a PSA test.

Thanks to the bunch of you that sent good wishes...especially the former R&F Icon and my buddy Bobo. Hope he comes back into the fold

Snacks

09-28-2007, 12:05 AM

Sorry to hear your news. Good luck with your treatments. Like many others have said its curable. As for your new girlfriend hopefully she stays and helps you through out this situation. If not she was worth it and better you know now.

spoon

09-28-2007, 12:15 AM

Since i was unmasked anyway I figured I'd just use my real identity.

Surgery was three months ago and the biopsy results showed low grade cancer confined to the prostate. But the only way to be sure is to have negative PSA tests for a year. There's no reason to suspect they didn't get it all.

More importantly for the moment is the recovery. Things just don't work as well as they used to. They say it takes about a year to get back to normal and since the alternative was death it's not like I had a choice. But I'm well enough to run a 5K this Sunday and expect a complete recovery.

Just want to encourage all the men over 40 out there to get a PSA test.

Thanks to the bunch of you that sent good wishes...especially the former R&F Icon and my buddy Bobo. Hope he comes back into the fold

So far so good! Thanks for posting the good news. Good luck.

Furtherman

11-06-2007, 09:48 AM

Here is an amazing story on a man who just may have found a way to kill cancer.

John Kanzius, sorely weakened by leukemia treatments, drew on his lifetime of working with radio waves to devise a machine that targets cancer cells. The miracle: It works. (http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-cancer2nov02,0,4741362.story?page=1&coll=la-tot-topstories)

Four years after he came up with his idea, researchers continued experiments and killed human cancer cells in petri dishes using nanoparticles and his machine. They recently killed 100% of cancer cells grown in the livers of rabbits, using Kanzius' method.

Curley said the treatment is the most promising he has ever seen because it has the potential to kill cancer -- without invasive treatment or surgery -- that doctors currently have no way of detecting. The next step for scientists is to perfect a method of binding nanoparticles with antibodies that, when introduced into the bloodstream, will attach only to cancer cells while avoiding normal cells. He said the treatment could work on any kind of cancer, and he estimates clinical trials are three to four years away.

EliSnow

11-06-2007, 10:13 AM

Since i was unmasked anyway I figured I'd just use my real identity.

Surgery was three months ago and the biopsy results showed low grade cancer confined to the prostate. But the only way to be sure is to have negative PSA tests for a year. There's no reason to suspect they didn't get it all.

More importantly for the moment is the recovery. Things just don't work as well as they used to. They say it takes about a year to get back to normal and since the alternative was death it's not like I had a choice. But I'm well enough to run a 5K this Sunday and expect a complete recovery.

Just want to encourage all the men over 40 out there to get a PSA test.

Thanks to the bunch of you that sent good wishes...especially the former R&F Icon and my buddy Bobo. Hope he comes back into the fold

Zorro, glad to hear things are going well. Take care of yourself.

topless_mike

11-06-2007, 10:13 AM

fucking wild man

led37zep

11-06-2007, 11:08 AM

Here is an amazing story on a man who just may have found a way to kill cancer.

John (http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-cancer2nov02,0,4741362.story?page=1&coll=la-tot-topstories)

Holy shit this story is amazing, talk about the potential for a huge leap for Cancer treatment.

Furtherman

11-06-2007, 11:12 AM

Holy shit this story is amazing, talk about the potential for a huge leap for Cancer treatment.

Seriously... but you would think it would be posted on every news site.

cougarjake13

11-06-2007, 07:42 PM

Seriously... but you would think it would be posted on every news site.

theres no money in it

if cancer has a cure, theres goes all the doctor visits, chemo, pills etc.

millions and millions of dollars will be lost