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Posted 12/20/2006 11:26 PM (GMT -7)
My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer today.  He's older - 72 - but this hits me hard because he's always been the picture of health.  Until a couple of years ago he was running several miles a day; now bikes because of a bad knee.  I guess I'm mostly depressed about the sudden shock that my invincible dad has cancer.

I know that prostate cancer is very common, especially in older men, and that it's treatable, but it's still hard to swallow.  Especially being 5,000 miles away.  I am mostly concerned about his emotional health - he's always been the type to dismiss any health concerns in the family (he's a physician, after all!) and now the prospect of facing his own illness; I can't imagine this is going to be easy for him.  And that, more than the prognosis itself, is the most difficult thing.

Posted 12/20/2006 11:50 PM (GMT -7)
Oh Sarita, I am so sorry. {{{{{Sarita}}}}}
Cancer is difficult for anyone to swallow... Especially when it happens to you or a family member. You are absolutely right, it is common and it IS treatable. There is 1 guy over on the Prostate Cancer forum that is 72 as well and just had the robotic Da Vinci done. He had great success with it. Most "older" men go for the radiation pellets, BUT either way, your father can get through this. You can too. Lean on Adam.... You are very lucky to have each other. You can also visit the Prostate forum - members there are SUPER friendly and supportive.
We'll be here to help hold your hand and walk you through this. \0/\0/\0/\0/
Posted 12/21/2006 12:15 AM (GMT -7)

Thank you Lil!!!  You brought tears to my eyes, chica!  You are awesome...I just wrote an e-mail to my dad and was actually brave enough to bring the subject up...told him that even though it's "just his prostate" I'm here for him and he doesn't have to be Superman about this whole thing.  It was actually a pretty big step, considering we're not a mushy family at ALL.  We tend to sweep stuff under the carpet most of the time!

No, but really Lil, thank you for your support and concern.  You're super-special!

Posted 12/21/2006 12:30 AM (GMT -7)
Sarita, they are so advanced with prostate cancer therapy now. Being 70 myself 72 doesn't seem that old and he is in good health otherwise and that is a big plus. Just knowing you are there for him to talk to will be very important as with any disease it is scary. I have friends that have done will with the seed proceedure. I just hope he will seek out the very best care possible as there is a difference. If he is close to the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Klien is the end all, be all for prostate cancer. I wish you and he well and just know that we are all hoping that everything goes well and be very glad that this is 2006 with so many choices. They say that if most men live long enough they will get prostate cancer at some point. It is usually very slow growing so there generally is not rush to make a decision about treatement. Knowledge of options if the key. Be well.
Posted 12/21/2006 9:15 AM (GMT -7)
Sarita,
That is so important for you to open up the lines of communication the way you did. We take too many things for granted and sometimes forget to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us. I'm sure your father knows how much you love him, but it is so nice to hear it first hand. "Better late than never."
We will be here for you always. Please keep us posted (on YOU and your father).
\0/\0/\0/\0/
Posted 1/1/2007 4:03 PM (GMT -7)
Sarita,
How are things?????
Thinking of you,
Lil
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