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Posted 1/13/2008 10:35 PM (GMT -6)
I'm a mess.  This happens everytime between the PSA blood draw and the week later when I get the results.  I'm grumpy with MaryLu.  I have all kinds of new and strange aches and pains that convince me I have more cancer.  Uncertainty drives me nuts.  I hope I can go on 6 month intervals after this time so I only have to do this twice a year.
 
Please excuse my whine....
 
Jim
 
 
Age 73. Diagnosed 11/03/06. PSA 7.05. Stage T2C Gleason 3+3.
RRP 12/7/06. Nerves and nodes okay.
Catheter out on 12/13/06.  Dry on 12/14/06.
Pathological stage: T2C. Gleason 3+4. Cancer confined to prostate.
PSAs from  1/3/07 - 10/17/07 0.00. 
Next PSA test on 1/15/08
 
"Patience is essential, attitude is everything."
 

Posted 1/13/2008 11:39 PM (GMT -6)
Hang in there Jim! I understand the anxiety, but look forward to celebrating another undetectable PSA with you! No apologies needed...we all "get it"...that is why we are here. Thinking of you and lifting you up in thought and prayer.

Doting
Father's Information
DX July 15, 2007
Age 62 (now 63)
PSA 5.5
Original Gleason 3+4=7 
Post Surgery Gleason- 4+3=7
DaVinci Surgery Aug 31, 2007
Focally Positive Right Margin
One positive node
Bone Scan/CT Negative (Sept. 10, 2007)
T3a N1 M0
Oct. 17 PSA 0.07
Nov. 13 PSA 0.05
Casodex adm. Nov 07
Lupon beg. Dec 03, 2007 2 yr
Radiation soon to follow
 
 

Posted 1/14/2008 12:52 AM (GMT -6)
Jim,
 
We're holding your hand...hang in there dear friend.
 
Swim
 

Posted 1/14/2008 1:35 AM (GMT -6)
Jim,

I know the feeling. I have a few extra prayers the week of my PSA test even though my path report says that I should have nothing to worry about. I told my urologist last week when I was asking about erections and penile implants that I felt guilty in doing so when I think about the guys and gals dealing with advanced PCa. He quickly put me in my place and told me that he does not consider just getting rid of the cancer to be termed a success. That his goal is to return me to as normal prior to surgery as possible.

I will include you in my prayers this week as you go through the rigors that all of us dread.

Tamu
Diagnosed 7/6/06, 1 of 10 core samples, 40%,Stage T1c, Gleason 3+3
Da Vinci on 11/01/06, Catheter out on 11/13/06
56 Years Old
Post Op Path, Gleason 3+3, Approx. 5% of prostate involved
Prostate Confined, margins clear
Undetectable PSA on 12/18/06, 6/25/07, 1/8/08
No more pads as of 1/13/07
Began injections in April '07
 

Posted 1/14/2008 1:51 AM (GMT -6)
I understand your feelings, Jim.   Occasionally, when I feel an achy bone, especially in the pelvis or back, my mind pronounces the C-word. My early diagnosis and surgical pathology give me the best possible odds of survival.  But emotions don't care about the facts.  I have an upcoming PSA test in a week and have been thinking about it. 
 
My dearly beloved has been going thru some health issues of her own, so it has been good for me to be able to focus on her, which takes my mind off the next PSA test. 
 
You are in my prayers.  Take care and hang in there...Tim
Age 59 PSA 2.6 (PSA velocity--quadrupled in 1yr) 1 of 12 biopsy cores positive
Bilateral nerve-sparing open RRP 6/21/06  Gleason 5
Cancer confined to prostate, post-op PSA's non-detectable

Posted 1/14/2008 8:24 AM (GMT -6)
I'm right there with ya, Jim. I hate waiting on PSA results. I had my third post-op PSA test taken a few days before Christmas, so I had the added anxiety of waiting for the results longer than usual since my urologist's office was closed four days over the holidays, doesn't work weekends and had lab staff on vacation. It was hard trying to celeberate the holidays waiting for the results. I'll be praying for a big fat 0 for you.
Diagnosed: March 25, 2007. Age 49
Biopsy: Gleason 6. Five of twelve samples positive with <5% each. No perineural invasion seen.
Surgery: May 21, 2007
Post-op Pathology: Upgraded to Gleason 7 (3+4), negative margins, negative capsular penetration, negative seminal vesicles, lymph nodes left intact, multifocal perinural invasion, 15% of prosate involving cancer in both lobes. T2c
Continence: Out of pads at five weeks. Seven months post-op I'm fully continent.
Erections: Yes! With the assistance of Cialis.
Post Surgery PSA: Three tests, all <0.1
Family history: Great-great grandfather died from PC. My Father had his prostate removed at age 67 in 1997 and has had an undetectable PSA ever since. I was diagnosed at a much earlier age and had a more agressive cancer than my father. Go figure.

Posted 1/14/2008 9:08 AM (GMT -6)
Jim,

Coming up on over a year of zeros?!!
I feel certain  -and pray with all- that these will continue!

Those aches and pains are likely just normal mileage on your bike!
(73?  Perhaps a 1935 Indianhead?  Regardless, you are a classic!!)

Thanks for all you do here, Jim!

Your Friend,

CCedar
ICTHUS!
Posted 1/14/2008 9:10 AM (GMT -6)
We're with you on that, Biker. It drives us nuts, knowing that the magic number is floating around on someone's report and computer and we can't know until the "big" announcement at the doc's office. While it's easy to say "try not to think about it," that just isn't going to happen.

I look at it as our "lot" in life and take it on as a reminder that we should be as fervent in praying/hoping for the best the rest of the year. I'm saying all this after the fact, of course, as we don't have to go through it again personally until April!

PSA on 5/1/06: 4.2 (had doubled in 13 mos. and rising monthly)



<FONT color=blue>T2a (at biopsy)



<FONT color=blue>Post-Surgical PSA on 10/06, 4/07 - undetectable!



<FONT color=blue>PSA test "Un-zero-detectable" on 10/16/07.



<FONT color=blue>Future: PSA tests twice-yearly for now.

<FONT color=#0000ff>

Posted 1/14/2008 9:22 AM (GMT -6)

Hi Jim,

Just looked over your journey and you have many blessings thus far.  I'm sure this week will be stressful, waiting yet again for the results. Certainly the hardest part is the the waiting.  We all seem to worry more about uncertainties.  Whenever I am feeling that way, I count my blessings and feel much better.  Stress can and will make you sick!

So pamper yourself and do something nice that brings you comfort and pleasure and take care of you and your sweet wifey.  I enjoyed seeing a photo of you and Lee, putting a face with the name.

You are always such a positve guy.. The Rock!  You Rock! yeah   Soon we will all be celebrating another zero with you!

Marie

Husband 55 years old
No symptoms
PSA taken on routine health exam
06/18/07  PSA 9.2
07/14/07  Put on antibiotics for a month
09/18/07  PSA 8.77
09/18/07  PSA % Free  9.61
10/17/07  Biopsy =  Gleason 3 + 4  (7)
10/17/07  Biopsy 40% Right Side less than 5% Left Side
12/31/07  D Day!  Davinci Surgery Day - Jon Huntsman Cancer Institute
12/31/07  Left side nerves spared, Right side partial, right nodes taken
01/03/08  Home from the hospital! Let the healing begin!
01/11/08  Cath removed, post-op gleason 3 + 3 = 6, nodes clear
                Margins - capsular invasion but no penetration.

Posted 1/14/2008 11:26 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Jim,

I am sure MaryLu understands your "grumpiness" - this is the most frightening and most difficult of times, and we are with you too across the miles in spirit, wishing and praying for your continued zero results and good health this week. Hang in there Biker. Love from us to you.
Creed_three (Lana & CJ)
 
Husband CJ aged 50 yrs (49 years at diagnosis and surgery)
PSA (2002) 2.1.  PSA (Nov 2006) 3.5.  1 x (5%) core of 12 positive at biopsy. 11 cores negative. Open Radical Prostatectomy with nerve sparing, on Tuesday 17th April 2007 (Sydney, Australia).
Gleeson 3 + 4 = 7.  Cancer confined. Margins all clear, including bladder neck and seminal vessicles. No incontinence (thankfully).
1st PSA 0.01 - undetectable (June 07)
2nd PSA 0.02 - undetectable (Oct 07)
ED post-op recovery:  Good now with Levitra 20mg effective at 7-8 months post surgery (minimal (30-50%) response prior to 6 months on any meds).Continuing with Levitra 20 mg when needed now (at 9 months),  and noticing some gradual, spontaneous response without medication. Next PSA March 2008.

Posted 1/14/2008 12:08 PM (GMT -6)

  tongue Embraced…….by *bluebird  (Lee, Buddy, & Murphy)

 

    One wing surrounds you Jim ~  * Our Biker90

         One wing surrounds our MaryLu

 

Keeping you extra warm and close during this time…  yeah  

 

Hugs and Kisses….

A few little pecks…. on your cheeks

And a few soft whispers of comfort

coming from the 3 of us!

 

 

Jim*Biker90..,Lee*bluebird…&…MaryLu

click here

Buddy…&…Biker

click here

 

Marie after your comments above I decided to place a few pictures here!

Cedar ~ you are the best!!!!  What a special posting….

Posted 1/14/2008 12:38 PM (GMT -6)

Thanks Lee,

That's sweet of you to post the photo's.  Looks like happy times with good friends.  I met some wonderful friends through a similar online support forum 15 years ago and have met several of them and continue to have reunions and spend vacations together. We're all scattered across the U.S., but that doesn't keep us apart.  Ahhhh life is good! 

You are such a gem and always know just the right things to say.  Thanks for your continued love and support.  You bring a lot of comfort and hope to everyone.  As does Jim.. he's the greatest!

Marie

Husband 55 years old
No symptoms
PSA taken on routine health exam
06/18/07  PSA 9.2
07/14/07  Put on antibiotics for a month
09/18/07  PSA 8.77
09/18/07  PSA % Free  9.61
10/17/07  Biopsy =  Gleason 3 + 4  (7)
10/17/07  Biopsy 40% Right Side less than 5% Left Side
12/31/07  D Day!  Davinci Surgery Day - Jon Huntsman Cancer Institute
12/31/07  Left side nerves spared, Right side partial, right nodes taken
01/03/08  Home from the hospital! Let the healing begin!
01/11/08  Cath removed, post-op gleason 3 + 3 = 6, nodes clear
                Margins - capsular invasion but no penetration.  T2C

Posted 1/14/2008 12:41 PM (GMT -6)

Jim,

I know what your saying even after 4 1/2 years I still get it. If we were still drinkin men I'd know what to tell you! But since we're not I'll tell you what I do, I do something I enjoy to take my mind off of the PSA blues. Since I work way too many hours and am constantly on the phone or computer, that time is not a problem for me. But when I get home, I try to stay busy so my mind dosen't wander back to the "what if's?" Right now my thing is building fly rods even though I already have way too many of them already. I'm planning on donating some to Reel Recovery, the Cancer~flyfishing retreat that I've been on twice now. They are such great people and although I'll never be able to thank them enough for what they did for me, they are always in need of fly tackle. I gave them a rod I built when I was w/ them in the Cascade Mts. last November and they loved it! They said that they would probably auction it for $$$ because it was nicer than the ones the loan out to the beginners that don't bring their own. Anyway, thats what I do, it doesn't always work but I haven't found anything better yet.

Hang in there old boy, I'm sure it will be all eggs for you for a long time. You have so many people praying & pulling for you. If you beleive in karma, youve got it made, after all the people you have helped and stayed with in their times of stress!

Your old friend,

Pete    

54 years old, Surgury, Radical Prostatectomy 8/20/03, PSA 6.6, Gleason 3 + 3 = 6, Adenocarcinoma extent (moderate) Stage & Margin:T2NOMX, No Metastases, Organ Confined, bone scan: Neg. Testosterone Theropy since 12/06. I am's what I am and that's all that I am!!! 

Posted 1/14/2008 2:02 PM (GMT -6)

                       Group Hugs for Jim!!!

       ___                  ____                  ___
  ____(   \              .-'    `-.              /   )____
 (____     \_____       /  (O  O)  \       _____/     ____)
(____            `-----(      )     )-----'            ____)
 (____     _____________\  .____.  /_____________     ____)
   (______/              `-.____.-'              \______)
 
Hi Jim,
 
Having met you personally, I know what a good guy you are!  Thanks for expressing your normal "jitters" and how it is affecting your life.  We are all here "pulling" for you and praying for another set of good results.  yeah
 
I'm looking forward to seeing you again (and hopefully, your sweetie) when I visit my Mom in your town this Spring.
 
Kind regards,
 
Barry
 

"Idaho" ~ Barry

 

Da Vinci Surgery July 31, 2007… 54 on surgery day
PSA 4.3  Gleason 3+3=6  T2a  Confined to Prostate

1st PSA  9/11/2007   <0.04 (undetectable)

2nd PSA 12/10/2007  <0.04

My web site: http://pca-info.blogspot.com

Posted 1/14/2008 2:51 PM (GMT -6)
Jim

I know exactly what you mean and be assured we are all praying that you will have great results once more. I have my next date to find out where my PSA now stands this Thursday and sometimes I don't know if I want the day to finally get here and over with or just never get here again. Keep the faith and don't let it get you down.

Norskie
norskie
Age 49, PSA 6.22 on 9-26-06
Biopsy 11-01-06, 2 of 13 cores 10% cancer, 2 other cores abnormal Up-dated 20% prostate cancerous
Gleason score 3+3=6 After Pathology report 3+4=7 a couple agressive Grade 5 cells found
Da Vinci surgery 01-09-07 UW Madison
Pathology Report- cancer 100 % capsual contained 1-18-07
Catheter removed 1-18-07 suffered bladder spasms Catheter reattached 1-18-07 Catheter removed 2nd time 1-24-07
1st Post PSA Blood Test 3-22-07 <.1 Undetectable
2nd Post PSA Blood Test 7/5/07 <.1 Undetectable
3nd Post PSA Blood Test 11-12-07 .2 monitoring
Next Post PSA Blood Test Scheduled for 1-17-08
Incontenence-Pad free since end of May 07 4 1/2 months post surgery 
ED back to 95% prior to surgery - no medication required.

Posted 1/14/2008 6:00 PM (GMT -6)

Thank you all.  I feel you hugs and warm wishes - they buoy me up.  You are truly my bridge over troubled waters.

My situation isn't nearly as serious as some here.  Thinking of you and praying for your situations to improve puts me back in perspective.  Thank you for posting.  Let's all get well together...

Jim

Posted 1/14/2008 7:50 PM (GMT -6)
Hi JIm. I just went through my second PSA last week. It is always hard to do and not think about all the bad things. Keep your head up and try your best to be positve. We are all here with you, travelling along on your journey to be cancer free.

Mika
Posted 1/14/2008 8:59 PM (GMT -6)
Jim, Jim, Jim... :-)

That's not whining...you're so normal! You can see your post strikes that chord in all of us..."THE WAIT" is hard to bear.
You know we're all here to support you and we think the world of you. You're on many minds and in many hearts.

Bless you Biker,
Susan
Husband Diagnosed 11/17/05 Age: 63 PSA: 7.96 No Symptoms
2/09/06: LRP - Post Pathology - Gleason 4+3 Stage T2b NO MX
3 mo. PSA: 11.8 Stage T3a
6 mo. PSA: 18.8 Stage IV Systemic w/ distant lymph node involvement
Start HT - Lupron 3 mo. shots
12/06/06: PSA 0.8
03/07/07: PSA 0.3
06/06/07: PSA 0.1
09/05/07: PSA 0.1
11/27/07: PSA 0.1

Posted 1/15/2008 6:52 PM (GMT -6)

Hey Jim, I think the jitters are normal.  I don't get 'em, but I would have a year ago.

When I first learned that I had cancer I was a wreck.  Much worse than most of you.  I hated the cancer and my reaction to it.  I knew that I had to change my ways, or be miserable. 

I decided to do all that I could to fix that over which I had some control and not worry about that which I couldn't control.  I have worked hard on this mind set and it has worked to quite a degree.  I worry very little about my PSA and its results.  It just doesn't bother me much.  A year ago, I would have been sweating bullets over it and being unpleasant to my bride and waking up at 0300 to do some useless worrying. 

I hope this doesn't sound like bragging.  I only managed it because I was such a complete weenie (cowardly, in fact) about the whole thing.  I had to change my ways because I was so unsuccessful the way I was behaving. 

In fact, you have been a model for the rest of us, Jim.  PCa and low T and you have won.  Beaten both of them and your bride still tolerates you.  So does my bride, but that says more about her than it does me.  (I was going to do a smiley face here, but my last sentence was just the truth.) 

Best to you, Jim,

Bill

August of 2006, PSA up to 4.2 from 2.7 one year ago. 
October free and total PSA 12% free and 5.0 total.
A month, or so later, 4.7.
Late in the year decide on Image Guided IMRT.
Begin 43 treatments on January 23, 2007 and finish on March 23.
Four month post treatment PSA is 1.9.
Seven month PSA is 0.8.

Posted 1/16/2008 2:51 AM (GMT -6)

 

Hello out there.  I'm 83 and diagnosed at 78 with Gleason Score of 7.7  I've had NO operations buit Took 3 Zoladex injections and PSA went down to 0.8.  stopped that (side effects I didn't like).  now 5 years later my PSA is 34.6 and keeps going up.  I'm wondering how high it can go until you konk out ???? My oncologist wants me to take Casodex which I might do just for the hell of it, but I'm content to just wait and see what happens.  I figure the heat will give out before the cancer....

 

 

Posted 1/16/2008 5:01 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Jim,
I don't know how I missed your post. But you are supported well by us all. And mostly by your loving MaryLu. I know you will be fine. Our prayers are overwelmingly strong for you. Hang in there! I have marked my calandar and can't wait to see your next set of zeros.

Always your friend,

Tony

PS. I'm getting the point on missing T in my life. No depression but it does affect me now.
Age 45 (44 when Dx)
Pre-op PSA was 19.8
Surgery on Feb 16, 2007
Post-Op Pathology was poor: Gleason 4+3=7, 4 positive margins, Stage pT3b (Stage III)
HT began in May, '07 with Lupron and Casodex 50mg
IMRT radiation for 38 Treatments ending August 3, '07
 
My PSA did drop out after surgery to undetectable.  It has not returned and I will continue HT until January '08.
 
My Life is supported very well by family and friends like you all.
 
Visit my journey at:
 
STAY POSITIVE!

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