Prostate Cancer Survivors

 

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Re: Re: Robert Young's Advice

Thank you Gary and all the other men who share their experiences and help their fellows along the path we are all travelling.

I think that you are correct in what you say - we all have to learn to live with the unexpected intimation of mortality that a cancer diagnosis so often is. This process will often mean that we understand more fully how wonderful life is and how important it is for us, and all around us, to get the most out of it before it is gone.

A question that comes up from time to time is why there are so few long term Mentors on the site - this usually from newbies who assume that means that death has come early to most men. I tell them that is simply not the case; that the fall off in numbers as the years go by is not bad news, but good news. The men who do not update their stories have gone back to their lives, no longer prepared to have PCa intrude.

That's fair enough, although I am happier if they can just drop me a line once a year to confirm that all is well - it is tremendously encouraging for the newly diagnosed to see that proof of life continuing after PCa.

All the best

Terry

Re: Re: Re: Robert Young's Advice

Thank goodness for that. It did concern me greatly when I have looked for a similar diagnosis to my husband's (psa 93.5 gleason 9 stage T3b)that apart from a very few men there did not seem to be many long term with a bad initial diagnosis on the site. I look at the site every day. Please come on all you long termers with a bad diagnosis give me hope.
Many thanks
Jennie

Re: Robert Young's Advice

I was diagnosed in 2001 when Robert Young's PHOENIX 5 website was alive and well because he was in charge. I can remember following him almost day to day in his reporting. It was a sad day when his goodbye arrived. I have been facilitating an American Cancer Society/UsTOO International Man to Man group in Florence, Oregon USA now for about 7 years and have had my share of goodbyes due to prostate cancer. Much of my strength comes from the times I read what Robert was going through and wondering how he could manage. He was an inspiration to me and I'm a stronger advocate for having "met" him even if only on the internet.

Re: Robert Young's Advice

As a new member i find this site great very supportive and great advise.That was a great read really good.Thank you Terry.

Re: Robert Young's Advice

I am a physician survivor.

Some comments on this piece:


3. If you are confused, overwhelmed, and depressed, you will not be able to learn or think. First try to achieve some degree of equanimity, until you can learn and think. Meditation has been studied in cancer patients, and found to be very helpful. Many traditional religious ministers can be helpful, depending on their orientation, training, and insight. Some psychologists can also be helpful. Ask around, and see what is available. You might initially engage all three, and see what works best for you. You don't have forever to find out.

If you need to take some vacation days to create the time, remember, your life is on the line. Consider taking unpaid leave if necessary; many employers are understanding in this situation.

If you have difficulty getting an appointment in less than a month, explain your situation; if you still can't get in reasonably quickly, ask about a cancellation list, and alternative providers. Fortunately, most prostate tumors move slowly enough to give you some time to make a decision. Still, the sooner you can get started, the better.


7. Statistics, properly understood, do not lie. However our intuitions about probability do not accord with the math. Hence, statistics can be manipulated by the unscrupulous to deceive those who do not understand it, which is most of us. But I think we can trust statistical evaluations in medical research studies. They are read by lots of people who do understand statistics; any deceit would be quickly spotted, and the reputation of the author trashed.


11. Medicine does indeed know how to cure some cancers, including prostate cancer. Not everyone can be cured, but, with optimal treatment, over 80% can be CURED. Period. For low grade tumors, the best treatment produces cure rates a bit over 90%. And some tumors don't even have to be treated, though they do need to be watched.

Those cancers which cannot be cured can usually be slowed down enough that something else will get you first. The most common cause of death in prostate cancer patients is heart attacks. In fact, one research study I read concluded that the most useful thing those treating prostate Ca could do for their patients would be to improve their cardiovascular health! (Most of the patients in that study died of heart attacks.)

12. Cancer will test some as they have never been tested, but this is not always so. Different people respond differently. Depending on your tumor and your equanimity, you might not find it terribly stressful. If you do find yourself stressing out, see 3. above.

13. Never give up or give in! That's one take. But there may come a time when peaceful acceptance offers your best way forward. Would you rather leave fighting, or loving your family?

Re: Robert Young's Advice

Beautifully done. These comments are well thought out and articulated in a 'calm' straightforward manner. Should prove very helpful to many.

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