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Prostate Cancer By The Numbers

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Posted 6/17/2007 11:35 PM (GMT -8)
Prostate cancer survival statistics and nomograms are interesting....and that is all they are. They fail to account for the human spirit
Men with prostate cancer, and the women who love us, defy the odds every day. I refuse to be defined by a median number. Median, literally means "in the middle."
The people on this site have a can do,
defy the odds, positive attitude that is more than sufficient to beat this disease called prostate cancer on a daily basis.
This does not mean that we are blind to our individual situations.
We just stare down this disease with wise treatment choices, and a well informed, well-researched knowledge of our individual stages.
My prognosis is what I choose to make of it on a daily basis. I am not a number that fits neatly into a bell curve or pie chart.

Thank you,

Vet

Diagnosis: T3b seminal vesicle involvement. Gleason 9 both lobes.
May, 29th PSA----.01
Posted 6/18/2007 4:55 AM (GMT -8)
Dear Veteran1,   Our heartfelt thanks   for putting into words ~ what Buddy & I have felt in many ways throughout  “Our Journey” in dealing with our prostate cancer for the past 16 months, from diagnosis through continuing recovery.   All of us within the Prostate Forum Family have traveled similar yet different paths in dealing with and defeating this dreaded disease.   Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers as we all continue to move forward… In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 6/18/2007 10:17 AM (GMT -8)
Prostate Cancer By the Numbers

I wanted to add one very important thought to the above thread.
I believe that prognostic stats are very important in making many choices including treatment decisions.
I know my 3yr, 5yr, 7yr, 10 and 15yr stats because I want to have numbers to beat. You may have other reasons for wanting or not wanting your prognosis.
Comments welcome.

Vet
Posted 6/18/2007 2:43 PM (GMT -8)

Vet,

You made great points in your post - thanks for bringing this up.

This is how my husband deals:

The "numbers" are imperative to the decision making process as long as they're kept in their place.

To him, their place is somewhere in the back of his mind most of the time. 

Numbers are not going to determine how Don feels emotionally every day. Numbers are not going to control how he lives his life.  He cannot give over his power to that.

While it appears to others (those without pc) that he has no control over his life outwardly...he does...in some ways more than ever before. And that is where his possession of who and what he is lies...in himself.  He's an amazing person.

I don't mean this is a pollyannish way, I really don't, but I believe this with all my heart...Love is how you stay alive. 

Respectfully,

Susan

Don's Diagnosis: Systemic Prostate Cancer

Posted 6/18/2007 7:26 PM (GMT -8)
Susan and Don
Thank you for reminding me that the "numbers are important,"but they can't control" how how you live your lives.
You are an amazing, loving couple.

All Best Wishes,

Vet (Patrick)
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