56 year old Dad, Diagnosed 3 years ago

July 5, 2006

My father was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer April of 2003. I remember most

everything about it because it was totally unexpected. His PSA was elevated for

atleast a year maybe two before that. His doctor said it was okay. Well when

it went up to 7 something I belive he finally sent him to a urologist. They did

a biopsy and it was positive. Okay...we both cried and then moved on. I was

the strong one for the family. (He raised me as a single dad) Then they did an

MRI and his lyph node looked questionable then they biopsied that. It was

positive. His bone scan was perfect so that helped.

He started Hormone/Chemo injections soon after. Besides the major side effects

of it he was okay on it. But now. It isn't working. The lady at the cancer

center (where he had to start getting the shots because the urologist had to

stop doing them) didn't understand why I was trying not to cry when his PSA went

from 0.8 to 1.8 then to 3.8 in around 6-8 months. It doubled the last time in

three months. He went to his urologist who NOW said there's nothing more he can

do even though he had told him in the begining that there were so much to do if

the shot stops working. Last Wednesday he went to another urologist for a

second opinion who said the same thing.

Tomorrow he goes for a earlier apt with his oncologist. He is scared. I have

my own problems and they were bad this weekend so we were at each other's

throat. He thinks he's holding be back because he has cancer. I live in Texas

and had decided to go to Michigan to start over. I got a job here and thought

I'd give it a try. But when he was diagnosed leaving wasn't an option. I

CHOOSE to be close to him. I'm his only child and he doesn't have a wife. I

want to be there for him.

I'm scared as he his maybe more because I can't stand the thought of being

without him. I want to help him. That is the reason I joined the list. For

help with him and support for me.

I'm sure that was a lot more than you wanted to hear but that's my short version

of why I am here. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know what you

think.

Love and Prayers.

Fidler

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