GFMPH Weekend #2 9/24, 25, 26 in Rochester, NY - T minus one month

Guys I sent this around earlier so it is time for an update. GFMPH is only one month away!

GFMPH stands for "Good For Mens Prostate Health" for those newbies in the bunch.
The GFMPH trick is one of the benefits of getting PCa! If you use it properly you can get any request answered in the affirmative. Anything!
Here's an example or two: (I hope no wives are reading this.)

Put on your best sad, puppy dog face and say:
You: "I heard that eating a box of Whitman's chocolates is GFMPH." Her: "Would you like me to get a box for you now?"

You: "I heard that doing 'xyz' is Good for Mens Prostate Health." Her: "Would you like to do that right now?"

It's amazing. I got a Leupold VX2 3-9x40 rifle scope because I told her it was GFMPH! Fantastic.

Give it a try. Say: "Dear, I heard that going to the GFMPH retreat in Rochester, NY, Sept 24, 25, 26 is GFMPH." Her: "Please go! I'm tired of hearing about pee pads and PSAs and the guys on HW. Go and enjoy! Please!"

Mark your calendars guys. Click here for last year's summary. (And it's tax deductible!)
I'd like to get a rough count. Nothing cast in stone. It just helps decide what we can do and how much space I need to make for vehicles.
So far I have heard from about 6 guys. For privacy I won't publish names. You can, if you like.
I'll send out info as we get a little closer.

Can't wait!
Jeff

Remember no personal info on this site. OK? Contact me offline My email is listed.

Post Edited (Worried Guy) : 8/27/2010 8:55:47 AM (GMT-6)

YAHOO! jeff, I can hardly wait. This is one of the best weekends ever.

Guys, if you can at all do it, get away for this great weekend. Just hanging out, eating a lot...laughing even more. You will be glad you did it. Jeff does everything big...big fires...big explosions...big toys...

It's the weekend your wife doesn't need to know all the details about. "It's all fun and games till someone puts their eye out.' At that point, it turns into a party.
Paul

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www.franktalk.org ED website for PCa guys

46 at Diagnosis.
Father died of Pca 4/07 at 86.
10/07 PSA 5.06 (Biopsy 11/07 1 of 12 with 8% involvment) (1mm)
Da Vinci surgery Jan 5, '08 at Mt. Sinai Hosp. NYC www.roboticoncology.com
Saved both nerve bundles.
Path Report: Stage T2cNxMx
-Gleason (3+3)6
Pad free on March 14 - (10 weeks.) Never a problem since.
ED - at one year, ED is fine with viagra.
Two year PSA - undetectable!

I can not wait to get on the big bird heading your way. It will be so nice to visit you guys.

Cajun JEFF

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9/08 PSA 5.4 referred to Urologist
9/08 Biopsy: GS 3+4=7 1 positive core in 12 1% cancer core
10/08 Nerve-Sparing open radicalSurgery Path Report Downgrade 3+3=6 GS Stage pT2c margins clea
r3 month: PSA <0.1
19th month: PSA <0.1
Only issue at this time is ED

Jeff, I wish you and the other attending gents, the best of times.

Your shin-dig starts the day I will be having this next major surgery. Perhaps I can call and say hello once I am settled into the hospital, might be there as much as a week this time.

Sure sounds like fun.

David in SC

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Age: 58, 56 dx, PSA: 7/07 5.8, 10/08 16.3
3rd Biopsy: 9/08 7 of 7 Positive, 40-90%, Gleason 4+3
open RP: 11/08, on catheters for 101 days
Path Rpt: Gleason 3+4, pT2c, 42g, 20% cancer, 1 pos marg
Incont & ED: None
Post Surgery PSA: 2/09 .05,5/09 .1, 6/09 .11. 8/09 .16
Post SRT PSA: 1/10 .12, 4/8 .04, 8/6 .06 11/10 ?
Latest: 6 Corr Surgeries to Bladder Neck, SP Catheter since 10/1/9, SRT 39 Sess/72 gy ended 11/09, on Catheter #21, will be having Ileal Conduit Surgery in Sept.

Jeff, I too wish you and the other lucky guys the best of times - and "no running with scissors" -
-I will be having my open studio tour that weekend with a silent auction fundraiser for Prostate Cancer Canada - I am donating one of my paintings - PASSAGES, NEWFOUNDLAND (c)2008 -will be using your GFMPH insights and slogans as a light point on the PCa message - I have pamphlets, pens and pins to give out from PCC -
- KAST website -www.agp.on.ca/studiotour/
-my artist website -web.mac.com/tatt2man
-you guys have given me hope to continue and the hope that I will ....

envious hugs
BRONSON

p.s. hint->maybe it could be a week earlier or later next year? - start of fall colour season ...
.............

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Age: 54 -gay with spouse, Steve - live in Peteborough, Ontario, Canada
PSA: 10/06/2009 - 3.86
Biopsy: 10/16/2009- 6 of 12 cancerous samples, Gleason 7 (4+3)
Radical Prostatectomy: 11/18/2009
Pathology: pT3a- gleason 7 -extraprostatic extension -perineural invasion -prostate weight -34.1 gm
Post Surgery-PSA: April 8, 2010 - 0.05 -I am in the ZERO CLUB - hooorah!
Next PSA: October 8, 2010 -TBA

Post Edited (tatt2man) : 8/29/2010 6:55:34 AM (GMT-6)

This was just sent to me by a member who wishes to remain anonymous. He is attending.  He is quiet by nature and does not wish anyone to know the party animal that dwells within.

Oh baby! I'm getting things ready.

For you guys that have been here before, remember that giant, rare American Elm tree that was on its side for the past 12 years after the ice storm? The one that my wife hated because she would hit her head whenever she mowed back there? The one I figured it was precious and a remnant of a past age - like finding a live mastodon in your back woods? Well, I called Cornell and asked what to do about it. They were surprised there was one still around and said "Cut it down." Thirty seconds after she heard that, the chain saw was fueled and burbling on the back porch, and my work boots, gloves and glasses were out on the back lawn. I didn't even have time to swap out pee pads!

The brush is already on the bonfire pit for our GFMPH enjoyment and the logs are stacked neatly in the back drying out for 2011-2001 heating season.

I will save some of the leaves so everyone can take home a souvenir sample of original American Elm DNA.

David, Your situation has touched more guys than you can imagine. If you want to contribute in spirit you can send a used Catheter bag. We can inflate it with oxy-acetylene and detonate it in your honor. You'll be able to hear the explosion by phone (and a little over an hour later if you stand in your front yard an listen very quietly.)
As I say every time, May your plumbing work to specifications.

Guys - newbies. Don't be shy. Come on over. It really is fun and you will meet some great guys. We have plenty of room. Honest.

Jeff

Jeff, e-mail me a mailing address, and I will send you a used leg bag/hose which can be destroyed in my honor. When I awake from this surgery, I will not physicall need or be able to have a catheter again. I would enjoy knowing that it died in flames.

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Age: 58, 56 dx, PSA: 7/07 5.8, 10/08 16.3
3rd Biopsy: 9/08 7 of 7 Positive, 40-90%, Gleason 4+3
open RP: 11/08, on catheters for 101 days
Path Rpt: Gleason 3+4, pT2c, 42g, 20% cancer, 1 pos marg
Incont & ED: None
Post Surgery PSA: 2/09 .05,5/09 .1, 6/09 .11. 8/09 .16
Post SRT PSA: 1/10 .12, 4/8 .04, 8/6 .06 11/10 ?
Latest: 6 Corr Surgeries to Bladder Neck, SP Catheter since 10/1/9, SRT 39 Sess/72 gy ended 11/09, on Catheter #21, will be having Ileal Conduit Surgery in Sept.

WG, don't know yet if I will be able to attend, but if I do I will probably fly in. How far is Rochester aitport from your place? Do you have a recommendation for a hotel/motel close by? I'm not fussy

---

Dx with PC Dec 2008 at 56, PSA 3.4


Biopsy: T1c, Geason 7 (3+4) - 8 cores taken with 4 positive for PCa, 30% of all 4 cores.

Robotic Surgery March 2009 Hartford Hospital, Dr Wagner
Pathology Report: T2c, Geason 8, organ confined, negitive margins, lymph nodes negitive - tumor volume 9%
nerves spared, no negitive side effects of surgery

One night in hospital, back to work in 3 weeks

psa Jun 09 <.01
psa Oct 09 <.01
psa Jan 10 .07 re-test one week later .05
psa Mar 10 .28 re-test two weeks later .31
psa May 10 .50

April 10 MRI and Bone Scan show lesion on lower spine, false positive.

Started HT 5/25/10 with 3 month shot of Trelstar. SRT scheduled for late July

psa July 10 <.01 HT at work

I'll ask again.  Is there anyone in the Ohio, Michigan, Indiana area that would like go to the GFMPH weekend, and would like a ride ?  I will be leaving from the Toledo area , and would be happy to share the ride with 2 or 3 guys.  Details can be worked out.

.

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Goodlife

To all of my fellow travelers and PCa Brothers,

Lynn and I received some really good news today. We met with her doctor and discussed with him our desire to have QoL and yet still battle her cancer. We discussed with him some alternative chemo regimens that we had discovered and he came around to our side.

Bottom line is that Lynn will start the new regimen this Friday and WILL NOT HAVE TO RECEIVE ANY DRUGS VIA IV.

This will allow us to continue with our plans for the Fall Trip.

The trip kicks off with our attendance and the 2nd Annual GFMPH Weekend.

We are looking forward to the gathering and hope to see/meet many of you there.

The sun is shining a little brighter today,

Sonny

WooHoo Sonny is going to make the trip. I am so pleased Sonny. It will be so nice to have brothers together.

Cajun Jeff

---

9/08 PSA 5.4 referred to Urologist
9/08 Biopsy: GS 3+4=7 1 positive core in 12 1% cancer core
10/08 Nerve-Sparing open radicalSurgery Path Report Downgrade 3+3=6 GS Stage pT2c margins clea
r3 month: PSA <0.1
19th month: PSA <0.1
Only issue at this time is ED

That is fantastic news !

---

Goodlife

Sonny, I have "present" that I was going to mail to NY Jeff, but if you end up routing by me northbound, I will save it so you can deliver it for me. If that is ok with you. No, it doesn't tick and its not made out of C4.

I am so glad that you and Lynn are going to make the trip after all. It will be so good for your heads and hearts.

I am jealous, you guys will be having the time of your life, while i will be waking up in a hopsital bed, being waited on hand and foot,getting morphine pumped into me. Hey wait a minute, that might be fun too after all, lol.

Long live the brother hood.

David in sC

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Age: 58, 56 dx, PSA: 7/07 5.8, 10/08 16.3
3rd Biopsy: 9/08 7 of 7 Positive, 40-90%, Gleason 4+3
open RP: 11/08, on catheters for 101 days
Path Rpt: Gleason 3+4, pT2c, 42g, 20% cancer, 1 pos marg
Incont & ED: None
Post Surgery PSA: 2/09 .05,5/09 .1, 6/09 .11. 8/09 .16
Post SRT PSA: 1/10 .12, 4/8 .04, 8/6 .06 11/10 ?
Latest: 6 Corr Surgeries to Bladder Neck, SP Catheter since 10/1/9, SRT 39 Sess/72 gy ended 11/09, on Catheter #21, will be having Ileal Conduit Surgery in Sept.

It may not be C 4 but it will make just as much noise.

Sonny that is great news! We are rolling out the carpet (crushed stone) for your arrival!

Jeff

bump

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9/08 PSA 5.4 referred to Urologist
9/08 Biopsy: GS 3+4=7 1 positive core in 12 1% cancer core
10/08 Nerve-Sparing open radicalSurgery Path Report Downgrade 3+3=6 GS Stage pT2c margins clea
r3 month: PSA <0.1
19th month: PSA <0.1
Only issue at this time is ED

Guys,
The driveway's done, and the septic tank's pumped. We're good to go!
Jeff

Great News. Now I have a place to park the RV beast and a place to dump the tanks. Jeff, I have been to many a party and seen many gracious hosts, but you are at the top to go to such extremes for my arrival. LOL

Seriously though, really looking forward to meeting you in person as well as the brothers and sisters who are making the trip. This may be one of those things where the reality surpasses the expectation.

Sonny

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60 years old when diagnosed
PSA 11/07 3.0
PSA 5/09 6.4
da Vinci 9/17/09
Post Surgery Pathology: GS 4+3=7
Stage: T3a
Tumor Volume 12.5%
positive margin, extra-prostatic extension
30 day PSA 0.4, 50 day psa 0.53, 64 day psa 0.6
IMRT completed 1/15/10 35 treatments- 70Gy

2/24/10 FIRST POST RAD PSA 1.0---CARRRP --waiting for the next test.
3/22/10 Second Post RAD PSA 1.5 Dammmmnnn stubborn son of a gun
4/19/10 YAHOO PSA dropped to 1.2 Moving in the right direction.
5/7/10 PSA test 1.3 Sodium Fluoride PET Scan & CT SCAN -performed
5/20/10 PSA test 1.2 Holding off on future tests for 3 months- single lytic lesion found and scheduling radiation.
7/22/10 PSA test 1.3 - Begin radiation for MET on leg
8/9/10 - Met radiation completed

sonny - so pleased you are able to go to the GFMPH weekend - I am envious - still have the kid inside of me that likes parties and see things blow up good ...
Lynn - glad things are going how you want for the Q of L ... you two are in our thoughts and prayers
Jeff - I wanna see pix of stuff blowing up !

hugs
BRONSON
.................

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Age: 54 -gay with spouse, Steve - live in Peteborough, Ontario, Canada
PSA: 10/06/2009 - 3.86
Biopsy: 10/16/2009- 6 of 12 cancerous samples, Gleason 7 (4+3)
Radical Prostatectomy: 11/18/2009
Pathology: pT3a- gleason 7 -extraprostatic extension -perineural invasion -prostate weight -34.1 gm
Post Surgery-PSA: April 8, 2010 - 0.05 -I am in the ZERO CLUB - hooorah!
Next PSA: Sept 23, 2010 -TBA

Oh! I forgot the best part! The 6 foot deep hole for the outdoor hot tub in the woods! Unfortunately it is too sandy to hold water. I'll have to line it with a couple of hundred pounds of bentonite clay or plastic. Until I get it done, you guys can sit in it and pretend.

Sonny, No matter how hard I tried to convince my wife that having a 3 inch RV dump port on our front lawn would be a good retirement income generator she refused to let me do it. Even when I told her the typical dump fee is $15! Women!

_{(Don't tell her, but I have 250 feet of 4 inch weep pipe going through the woods that it perfect for sending nutrients back to nature.)}

I can't wait.

Jeff

Two weeks from today!

I cleaned off the Mettler lab balance so it will be available for your use. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, that is the accurate scale that measures down to 0.01 grams that my wife uses for cooking (and I use for pee pad weight). I used it when I was splitting my 100 mg Viagra in to 25 mg wedges. You can too.
Bring anything you want weighed or counted. Is that One ounce weight really one ounce? How accurate is your postal scale? How many pills are in that container? Are there really 160 tissues in that box?
Bring anything you want weighted or counted. It will never be easier.

The septic tank is pumped out, the borescope is clean and polished, and the UV radiation is turned off. The house is ready for guests.

Bring your sense of humor.
Fun is GFMPH !

Jeff

2 wks from today I will be with my PCa Brothers. WOOOOHOOOOO! Getting very excited about the visit.

Cajun Jeff

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9/08 PSA 5.4 referred to Urologist
9/08 Biopsy: GS 3+4=7 1 positive core in 12 1% cancer core
10/08 Nerve-Sparing open radicalSurgery Path Report Downgrade 3+3=6 GS Stage pT2c margins clea
r3 month: PSA <0.1
19th month: PSA <0.1
Only issue at this time is ED

I second the WOOOOHOOOO! Lynn and I are really getting excited about our trip as well. We are leaving a week from tomorrow and after a stop at Niagara Falls will be at Jeff's front door Friday the 24th. I hope to be set up and done by the time you guys start to arrive so I can have as much time as possible with you.

Can't Wait,

Sonny

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60 years old when diagnosed
PSA 11/07 3.0
PSA 5/09 6.4
da Vinci 9/17/09
Post Surgery Pathology: GS 4+3=7
Stage: T3a
Tumor Volume 12.5%
positive margin, extra-prostatic extension
30 day PSA 0.4, 50 day psa 0.53, 64 day psa 0.6
IMRT completed 1/15/10 35 treatments- 70Gy
2/23/10 Post IMRT PSA 1.0
3/22/10 PSA 1.5
4/19/10 PSA 1.2
5/22/10 PSA 1.3
8/9/10 Completed Radiation for MET
9/7/10 PSA 2.2

I told my wife I should be allowed a good night with a local escort since after my operation I may never get a full erection again. She said she would think about it. I'm betting I get an answer around Oct. 15th when she will say "tomorrow night or never". So much for GFMPH.

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Age 68 weight 185 height 6'
Samples taken 4/19/2010 sent to Bostwick
3 out of 12 samples cancer
1) gleason score 3+3 involving 65%
2) gleason score 3+3 involving 65%
3) gleason score 3+3 involving 10%
PSA 3.5 Mar 19
PSA 2.5 Apr 4
Bone scan clean CT scan clean
Da Vinci 8/24/2010, rescheduled to 8/26, now Oct 12th
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.