Although I haven't been on lately, I've been reading about
each of your adventures. And, thought I share my early Christmas gift with you. And, yes, I know its Thanksgiving.
Anyway, my better half asked me the other day what I wanted for Christmas. I thought before replying, heck, I've got everything I need; a shop full of tools, super kids and grandkids, in-laws that I can tolerate, and good health (except for the obvious), so I responded that the only thing I really wanted for Christmas was to get rid of this cancer! Santa must have been listening in.
After two CT scans, a bone scan, chest x-ray, more blood tests than I can count (I'm diabetic and have to come off the Metforin each time while the dye works out of the system), consultations with the Urologist and my surgeon, I got the news this afternoon that my cancer will be evicted by a robot on December 6 at 9 a.m. This is all I wanted for Christmas!
And, I've been preparing for it: 3 -4 miles of speed walking everyday along with working out each day. Watching my diet, keeping my blood sugar out of the stratosphere and now I can begin the countdown. Finally!!
Don't know if this is normal or not, but I'm not at all apprehensive or anxious about it. At all! My Doc said with my positive attitude, great physical shape and overall good outlook on life, I'll do fine. Having read all your posts and asking a few questions of my own, sure made adjusting to life "pre" surgery much easier and offers great promise for my new life after surgery. And, what better way to start it than to know that my one simple Christmas wish has just been answered.
Best wishes to each of you for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Regards;
George
Age 59 (knocking on 60)
10-17-06: 3+3,3+3,3+4 - psa 2.5 to 4.5 in 11 mon.
10-30-06: CT & Bone Scan
Cancer is what we HAVE
"Cancer SURVIVORS is who we'll be!!"
mickeyboy
Regular Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 56
Posted 11/22/2006 1:57 PM (GMT -7)
Hi George, never looked at it as an early xmas present, but you have put a great thought in my head, now its also going to be my early xmas present, im goin in 2 days after you, likewise trying to get myself in shape with walking and eating right and hardly drinking any beer ( i enjoy the odd pint here and there as im sure we all do ). i agree with you about this forum , what a great place to find new friends and i feel the same as you about the weight its lifted off my mind, everyone on here seems to be doing great, thats going to be us in a few weeks time.
Nice talking to you, i hope your surgery goes well i wil be thinking of you on the day, be well and be lucky.
Keep in touch.
Mike ( London UK 48 years old )
lawink
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2006
Posts : 621
Posted 11/22/2006 2:16 PM (GMT -7)
Boy - all the best to both of you Mike and George - we'll be praying for you on your "cancer eviction" dates. Bob's numbers looked very similar to yours George and he just pushed 60 last March. His eviction date was September 27th and last week his pathology report was all clear with a PSA that was undetectible. You guys are headed for the same Christmas present.
{{{{BIG HUG}}}}}}} to you both.
;o) Linda & Bob
Bob (60) had laproscopic prostate surgery on Sept 27, 2006 - 2/12 malignant biopsy samples - gleason 3 + 3 = 6. Follow up PSA results and pathology results received Nov 14th are NO MORE CANCER! Gleason changed to a 3 + 4; cancer completely confined to prostate; (even a second more agressive, previously undetected cancer) PSA UNDETECTABLE.
Bob also takes Hydroxyurea to control Polycythemia (elevated red & white cells & platelets) has secondary condition . . Myelofibrosis) -- If anyone has experience or knowledge of these, please post us.
jetguy
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 742
Posted 11/22/2006 4:26 PM (GMT -7)
Way to go George! You will be fine. With an attitude like yours, you can't lose.
Regards,
Bill
Gleason 3+3=6, T1c, one core in twelve, another pre-cancerous.
62 years old and good health. Married 37 years. To same woman!
M. Kat
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2006
Posts : 715
Posted 11/24/2006 5:38 AM (GMT -7)
I'm glad to hear you'll soon have the cancer gone and will be on the other side of recovery. I think one of the hardest parts of this whole thing was before surgery...making the decision. once that's done, the rest doesn't seem so bad. you'll be just fine with your great attitude and good health!
same to you Mike! kat
Husband Jeff 56 years old
diagnosed July 27, 2006
PSA 6.5
2 positive areas in biopsy, Gleason 3+3=6
Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy August 30, 2006
pathology report - all clear - cancer gone
1st post-surgery PSA test 0.1
no more pads Oct 12, 2006
Tim G
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2006
Posts : 2433
Posted 11/24/2006 9:08 AM (GMT -7)
George--I have practiced good fitness principles for the past 10 years, and I can tell you firsthand what a difference it makes in recovery from prostate surgery. The only thing I added prior to surgery was more abdominal exercises. I did a lot of walking post-surgery, then slowly resumed my exercise routine beginning about 8 weeks out from surgery.
I, too, was not overly anxious or apprehensive prior to surgery. But it hit me like a truck the day before and the morning of surgery--"This is it!!" After surgery, I was much more relaxed and was positively ecstatic to get the news that my cancer was confined to the prostate. The 3-month non-detectable PSA was barely a blip on the emotional radar--I expected it to be exactly that.
Best to you!
Tim
Age 58 PSA 2.6 Gleason 5
Bi-lateral nerve-sparing RRP 6/21/06
Cancer confined to prostate 3-month PSA non-detectable
GreenAcres
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2006
Posts : 474
Posted 11/24/2006 9:22 AM (GMT -7)
Great news, George. And, even better, you'll have to time to recuperate before the holidays and family gatherings are here. That will also give you something to look forward to after you've hit "the other side." The days will fly (at least in hindsight) and before you know it, you'll be waking up in recovery and ready to move on.
Mickeyboy, same goes for you!
Husband age 65
PSA on 5/1/06: 4.2 (had doubled in 13 mos. and rising monthly)
DaVinci Surgery 8/2/06
T2a (at biopsy)
T4c (at pathology) w/cancer cell leakage into fatty tissue
Post-Surgical PSA on 10/3/06 - undetectable!
Update: 11/1/06 - perhaps bladder neck involvement; 30%-50% chance of recurrence
Future: PSA tests twice-yearly for now
bluebird
Veteran Member
Joined : May 2006
Posts : 2542
Posted 11/25/2006 9:09 PM (GMT -7)
Hi George & Loved One,
It is true ~ positive thinking brings the sunshine and rainbows into the most beautiful blue sky for us to pull that extra strength that is needed at this time.
This posting truly brings a smile to my face and a warm touch to my heart!!!
We would like to send a “Special” gift to both of you from us.
It’s a gift ~ We don’t mind returning…
Special Hugs just for YOU!
This is “YOUR” rainbow
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Rainbows brings smiles, smiles bring positive energy into our being!!!
Continue on this journey with the attitude you have and it will truly reward you in the end. Each step we take is toward being cancer free and we deal with each stone as it comes to us.
Your attitude sounds so much like ours ~ and our journey has been everything positive in our pre- and post- surgery.
Our thoughts and prayers will stay close to you!
In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… 53 on surgery day
RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate
June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable