Re: now I am scared........

[Guest guest]

> I have been on this board for a few years now, and have really welcomed

> all the help and suggestions..now I am scared of seeing the doc on

> friday.....on a recent psa test it went up from 8.2 to 68...

Over what period of time did this increase occur?

Before beginning a treatment, I most earnestly recommend that cachon

have the PSA test redone. This could be a lab error. They do happen, as

I and others know from personal experience.

But: if the 68 is accurate, I recommend seeing a true cancer specialist,

a medical oncologist; preferably one who is well-educated in treatment

of prostate cancer. I doubt that there is any further use for a

urologist, who is essentially a surgeon.

See, http://prostate-cancer.org/resource/find-a-physician.html

Regards,

Steve J

" Know your enemy. Get educated. But also know that it won't be easy. It

will be confusing, overwhelming and depressing. That is the nature of

cancer and thus the very educational process as you regain control. "

-- Young, PCa Mentor

Phoenix 5

[Guest guest]

" cachon@... " wrote:

> I have been on this board for a few years now, and have really

> welcomed all the help and suggestions..now I am scared of

> seeing the doc on friday.....on a recent psa test it went up

> from 8.2 to 68...along with all the pains and weird feelings I

> am having, I went to the internet to research.....what I found

> is that these may be symptoms of final stage pc with bone

> mets...I don't like that at all..not ready to go yet...not sure

> if anyone has gone this far in this disease and is still on

> here but it would be nice to hear from someone like

> that...again thanks tons

,

I'm sorry to hear of your condition.

I assume you're seeing a competent medical oncologist. If not

then, as Steve J., recommended, you need to find one.

I also assume you are on hormone therapy and that it has stopped

working, if not you need to get on hormone therapy immediately.

There are a number of treatments that can potentially help you.

Some of them _may_ extend your life for a while. Some of them

will palliate symptoms - suppressing pain and improving mobility.

Some treatments to discuss with your med onc include " second

line " hormone therapy such as estrogen patches and ketoconazole.

Some other treatments I know about that people have sometimes

benefitted from include Revlimid, Leukine, and docetaxol (a

chemotherapy). As far as I know, there is no current way to tell

if the treatments will help, or whether the side effects will be

acceptable, except by trying them.

Also ask your med onc about clinical trials. There are unlikely

to be any magic cures, but you may get some benefit and you may

give some benefit to those who come after you.

Palliative treatments are also important. If you have bone pain,

there are both drugs and different kinds of radiation treatments

that can make a big difference. Cancer pain is different for

different people. What hurts varies from person to person

because different people get metastases in different places. A

good pain specialist can help a lot more than a doctor who just

give the same pain killer to everyone.

I understand your fear. The amount of time you have left is

dwindling and, although all of us know we're going to die some

day, we like to go along without thinking about it too much.

When you have metastatic cancer however you can't not think about

it.

I'm not sure what advice to give you about that. The best I can

do is to say what advice I would try to give myself. If it's

helpful for you, then I'm glad.

I think what I would try to do is the following:

1. Take charge of my condition.

Get the doctors to try all of the possible treatments, not

just give up. For me, I would be pleased to get a few extra

months if I could.

I'd also want to line up both a pain specialist and a hospice

to take care of the final health problems.

2. Take charge of my financial affairs.

If I didn't have a will, or hadn't reviewed it recently, I'd

take care of that. If I had financial assets that were at

risk of going some place (e.g. the IRS or the probate court)

other than where I wanted them, I'd try to take care of that.

If there were property in my name that should be transferred

before my death I'd take care of that.

3. Prepare a personal legacy.

For myself, I'd like to get my old family photos and diaries

in order and show them to my children so that they'd know

where they were and what was in them. I'd maybe write

some things down about my parents and the people I knew whom

the rest of my family may know little about. Maybe I'd make

a little video for my little grand daughter who is too young

to remember me, or even for my children.

4. Keep on living until I die.

I don't want to die in fear and panic. I want to watch my

favorite movies. I want to listen to my favorite music. I

want to see and talk with and enjoy my friends and family and

enjoy some great dinners with them. I might want to take

some vacations to places I'd like to see. I want to go on

living right up to the end.

In a sense this is the hardest thing to do. Overcoming our

fear and living our lives fully is our greatest final

challenge. But it's something that all of us have a chance

to do if our resolution is strong. I think that, maybe, if

we succeed, we will go out feeling good about ourselves and

our response to adversity.

I once met an old lady on a cruise ship going to Alaska. She

had cancer. She was in a wheel chair. She knew she would

die soon.

She was an uneducated woman who had lived on a farm all her

life and had never really travelled outside of her native

Oklahoma, but she had always wanted to see Alaska. Her

husband would wheel her off the ship at each port and she

would look up at the snow capped mountains, the rivers, the

glaciers, and the fjords. She smiled a lot and was very

pleasant and friendly to all of us.

That lady taught me some things about being a human being

that I will not forget.

Best of luck to you . Keep up the good fight.

Alan

[Guest guest]

In addition to Steve's recommendation, I'd like to add to your comment " I don't like that at all..not ready to go yet...not sure if anyone has gone this far in this disease and is still on here but it would be nice to hear from someone like that... " I was 271 with bone and lymph node involvement, that was 49 months ago - I'm still here! 

> I have been on this board for a few years now, and have really welcomed

> all the help and suggestions..now I am scared of seeing the doc on

> friday.....on a recent psa test it went up from 8.2 to 68...

Over what period of time did this increase occur?

Before beginning a treatment, I most earnestly recommend that cachon

have the PSA test redone. This could be a lab error. They do happen, as

I and others know from personal experience.

But: if the 68 is accurate, I recommend seeing a true cancer specialist,

a medical oncologist; preferably one who is well-educated in treatment

of prostate cancer. I doubt that there is any further use for a

urologist, who is essentially a surgeon.

See, http://prostate-cancer.org/resource/find-a-physician.html

Regards,

Steve J

" Know your enemy. Get educated. But also know that it won't be easy. It

will be confusing, overwhelming and depressing. That is the nature of

cancer and thus the very educational process as you regain control. "

-- Young, PCa Mentor

Phoenix 5

-- Emersonwww.flhw.org

[Guest guest]

Dear .....

 

That seems like an incredible jump all at once. I agree with another member who

suggested you have another PSA--could be a lab error.

If that happened to my hubby I would be very scared--but I'd insist on another

PSA.

Wishing you all the best. Take deep breaths on Friday; and let us know what

happens.

 

hugs

 

Debbie

Subject: now I am scared........

To: ProstateCancerSupport

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 5:23 PM

I have been on this board for a few years now, and have really welcomed all the

help and suggestions. .now I am scared of seeing the doc on friday......on a

recent psa test it went up from 8.2 to 68...along with all the pains and weird

feelings I am having, I went to the internet to research.... .what I found is

that these may be symptoms of final stage pc with bone mets...I don't like that

at all..not ready to go yet...not sure if anyone has gone this far in this

disease and is still on here but it would be nice to hear from someone like

that...again thanks tons

 

 

A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!

[Guest guest]

Emerson wrote:

> I was 271 with bone and lymph node involvement, that was 49

> months ago - I'm still here!

,

Four years after being diagnosed with a PSA = 271 is great.

Are you on hormone therapy? Is it still working, i.e., still

holding your PSA at a reasonably steady low value? If not, when

did it quit and what subsequent treatments have you had?

I had assumed from 's posting that he had already become

hormone refractory. If not, then he could still have years of

life. But if he is already hormone refractory the remaining

options are generally less effective.

Alan

[Guest guest]

Emerson wrote:

> I was 271 with bone and lymph node involvement, that was 49

> months ago - I'm still here!

,

Four years after being diagnosed with a PSA = 271 is great.

Are you on hormone therapy? Is it still working, i.e., still

holding your PSA at a reasonably steady low value? If not, when

did it quit and what subsequent treatments have you had?

I had assumed from 's posting that he had already become

hormone refractory. If not, then he could still have years of

life. But if he is already hormone refractory the remaining

options are generally less effective.

Alan

[Guest guest]

,

I'm not the original poster, but I'd like to know what your treatment choices have been.

Thanks,

Re: now I am scared........

In addition to Steve's recommendation, I'd like to add to your comment"I don't like that at all..not ready to go yet...not sure if anyone has gone this far in this disease and is still on here but it would be nice to hear from someone like that..."I was 271 with bone and lymph node involvement, that was 49 months ago - I'm still here!

On Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 1:21 PM, Steve Jordan <mycroftscj1> wrote:

> I have been on this board for a few years now, and have really welcomed > all the help and suggestions..now I am scared of seeing the doc on > friday.....on a recent psa test it went up from 8.2 to 68...Over what period of time did this increase occur?Before beginning a treatment, I most earnestly recommend that cachon have the PSA test redone. This could be a lab error. They do happen, as I and others know from personal experience.But: if the 68 is accurate, I recommend seeing a true cancer specialist, a medical oncologist; preferably one who is well-educated in treatment of prostate cancer. I doubt that there is any further use for a urologist, who is essentially a surgeon.See, http://prostate-cancer.org/resource/find-a-physician.htmlRegards,Steve J"Know your enemy. Get educated. But also know that it won't be easy. It will be confusing, overwhelming and depressing. That is the nature of cancer and thus the very educational process as you regain control."-- Young, PCa MentorPhoenix 5

-- Emersonwww.flhw.org

[Guest guest]

Alan, I like your list and I think my father would too. You'll remember that

I joined this list nearly a year ago when he had been diagnosed with hormone

refactory pc, widespread bony metastases and his psa was over 200. At that

time the urologist said average life expectancy was 6-12 months for someone

in his situation.

> 1. Take charge of my condition.

With my help, and it helps that I'm a nurse, we did that. We have kept our

own records and my father is very clear with the oncologist. We tried

various things first then last October after a month in hospital with non pc

related illness psa had risen to 840. The chief oncologist thought it 'utter

madness' to try docetaxel but we persuaded him to let us at least see the

local oncologist and we all discussed it and agreed to give it a go and see

how we went.

5 cycles later psa was 496, but more importantly my father felt well, was in

much less pain, if any, and pretty much insisted that he wanted to continue

docetaxel. He's had 7 cycles now, tho' psa has risen again to 634 this time

> 2. Take charge of my financial affairs.

His 'hobby'! He is like 'the king is in his counting house, counting out his

money'. No change there, we visit the bank every week!

> 3. Prepare a personal legacy.

My sister and I each visit and stay over once a week. And we talk and talk

and talk. I have learnt so much. I know him so much better, I understand my

history. I am so thankful to have this time.

> 4. Keep on living until I die.

Oh yes! He is doing exactly what he wants to do. Home situation is set up as

he wants it. On discharge last year he was pretty frail and needed a lot of

help. Gradually he has recovered and regained independance. He believes it

is incredibly important to remain optimistic. He entertains the McMillan

Unit every time he has chemo, with his stories, his plans and his

philosophy.

> I once met an old lady on a cruise ship going to Alaska.

We are planning a cruise! My father is well travelled, speaks 6 languages

and wants to see the fjords of Norway one more time. Crossing the Arctic

circle appeals...

We are having difficulty getting travel insurance but we're working on it.

Chemo will have to fit around the cruise.

Who knows what will happen next? We're planning on continuing like this

until we can't. And we'll know when we get there I guess.

Sue

[Guest guest]

Alan, I like your list and I think my father would too. You'll remember that

I joined this list nearly a year ago when he had been diagnosed with hormone

refactory pc, widespread bony metastases and his psa was over 200. At that

time the urologist said average life expectancy was 6-12 months for someone

in his situation.

> 1. Take charge of my condition.

With my help, and it helps that I'm a nurse, we did that. We have kept our

own records and my father is very clear with the oncologist. We tried

various things first then last October after a month in hospital with non pc

related illness psa had risen to 840. The chief oncologist thought it 'utter

madness' to try docetaxel but we persuaded him to let us at least see the

local oncologist and we all discussed it and agreed to give it a go and see

how we went.

5 cycles later psa was 496, but more importantly my father felt well, was in

much less pain, if any, and pretty much insisted that he wanted to continue

docetaxel. He's had 7 cycles now, tho' psa has risen again to 634 this time

> 2. Take charge of my financial affairs.

His 'hobby'! He is like 'the king is in his counting house, counting out his

money'. No change there, we visit the bank every week!

> 3. Prepare a personal legacy.

My sister and I each visit and stay over once a week. And we talk and talk

and talk. I have learnt so much. I know him so much better, I understand my

history. I am so thankful to have this time.

> 4. Keep on living until I die.

Oh yes! He is doing exactly what he wants to do. Home situation is set up as

he wants it. On discharge last year he was pretty frail and needed a lot of

help. Gradually he has recovered and regained independance. He believes it

is incredibly important to remain optimistic. He entertains the McMillan

Unit every time he has chemo, with his stories, his plans and his

philosophy.

> I once met an old lady on a cruise ship going to Alaska.

We are planning a cruise! My father is well travelled, speaks 6 languages

and wants to see the fjords of Norway one more time. Crossing the Arctic

circle appeals...

We are having difficulty getting travel insurance but we're working on it.

Chemo will have to fit around the cruise.

Who knows what will happen next? We're planning on continuing like this

until we can't. And we'll know when we get there I guess.

Sue

[Guest guest]

2 yrs ago I had Brachy.( seed implant) 84 seeds...psa has been slowly but steadily rising since then, am on hormon therapy(3 month shots) was also wondering if there is any relation ship between having the shots and being 3 weeks late for a shot..kind of like a withdrawal?..maybe this is what I am feeling..this is a great place to just vent, and I have in the past.the bad part is that I know I am worrying myself sick over this, and I have way too many things to get done.the pain is worse today..I am probably imagining all this but I feel as though something is growing or moving inside..I have always been in tune with my body and hopefully my mind,but this is rather fast, going from working on the sanctuary a few weeks ago to almost chair bound today?...this seems to be happening way too fast for me.writing things down has always ben a great help for me I am thinking about perhaps starting a journal,maybe online...if the end is what I predict then it may be of some help for someone and basically that is what we are all about anyhow.In my short life(55yrs) I have notice one thing,there isn't one person out there that hasn't at least tried to help another person at some time, some where, if not by direct then indirect actions. I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions( hopefully more to come) thanks

john

Have you already had surgery? We are new to this site. My husband met someone last week whose PSA went from 2 to 200 in one year and two days ago had a perfect surgery, robotic, and is doing great.

Sally

To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:23:26 AMSubject: now I am scared........

I have been on this board for a few years now, and have really welcomed all the help and suggestions. .now I am scared of seeing the doc on friday.....on a recent psa test it went up from 8.2 to 68...along with all the pains and weird feelings I am having, I went to the internet to research.... .what I found is that these may be symptoms of final stage pc with bone mets...I don't like that at all..not ready to go yet...not sure if anyone has gone this far in this disease and is still on here but it would be nice to hear from someone like that...again thanks tons

Great Deals on Dell 15" Laptops - Starting at $479

[Guest guest]

2 yrs ago I had Brachy.( seed implant) 84 seeds...psa has been slowly but steadily rising since then, am on hormon therapy(3 month shots) was also wondering if there is any relation ship between having the shots and being 3 weeks late for a shot..kind of like a withdrawal?..maybe this is what I am feeling..this is a great place to just vent, and I have in the past.the bad part is that I know I am worrying myself sick over this, and I have way too many things to get done.the pain is worse today..I am probably imagining all this but I feel as though something is growing or moving inside..I have always been in tune with my body and hopefully my mind,but this is rather fast, going from working on the sanctuary a few weeks ago to almost chair bound today?...this seems to be happening way too fast for me.writing things down has always ben a great help for me I am thinking about perhaps starting a journal,maybe online...if the end is what I predict then it may be of some help for someone and basically that is what we are all about anyhow.In my short life(55yrs) I have notice one thing,there isn't one person out there that hasn't at least tried to help another person at some time, some where, if not by direct then indirect actions. I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions( hopefully more to come) thanks

john

Have you already had surgery? We are new to this site. My husband met someone last week whose PSA went from 2 to 200 in one year and two days ago had a perfect surgery, robotic, and is doing great.

Sally

To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:23:26 AMSubject: now I am scared........

I have been on this board for a few years now, and have really welcomed all the help and suggestions. .now I am scared of seeing the doc on friday.....on a recent psa test it went up from 8.2 to 68...along with all the pains and weird feelings I am having, I went to the internet to research.... .what I found is that these may be symptoms of final stage pc with bone mets...I don't like that at all..not ready to go yet...not sure if anyone has gone this far in this disease and is still on here but it would be nice to hear from someone like that...again thanks tons

Great Deals on Dell 15" Laptops - Starting at $479

[Guest guest]

Have you already had surgery? We are new to this site. My husband met someone last week whose PSA went from 2 to 200 in one year and two days ago had a perfect surgery, robotic, and is doing great. SallyTo: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:23:26 AMSubject: now I am scared........

I have been on this board for a few years now, and have really welcomed all the help and suggestions. .now I am scared of seeing the doc on friday.....on a recent psa test it went up from 8.2 to 68...along with all the pains and weird feelings I am having, I went to the internet to research.... .what I found is that these may be symptoms of final stage pc with bone mets...I don't like that at all..not ready to go yet...not sure if anyone has gone this far in this disease and is still on here but it would be nice to hear from someone like that...again thanks tons

 

  A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!

[Guest guest]

Have you already had surgery? We are new to this site. My husband met someone last week whose PSA went from 2 to 200 in one year and two days ago had a perfect surgery, robotic, and is doing great. SallyTo: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:23:26 AMSubject: now I am scared........

I have been on this board for a few years now, and have really welcomed all the help and suggestions. .now I am scared of seeing the doc on friday.....on a recent psa test it went up from 8.2 to 68...along with all the pains and weird feelings I am having, I went to the internet to research.... .what I found is that these may be symptoms of final stage pc with bone mets...I don't like that at all..not ready to go yet...not sure if anyone has gone this far in this disease and is still on here but it would be nice to hear from someone like that...again thanks tons

 

  A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!

[Guest guest]

Have you already had surgery? We are new to this site. My husband met someone last week whose PSA went from 2 to 200 in one year and two days ago had a perfect surgery, robotic, and is doing great. SallyTo: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:23:26 AMSubject: now I am scared........

I have been on this board for a few years now, and have really welcomed all the help and suggestions. .now I am scared of seeing the doc on friday.....on a recent psa test it went up from 8.2 to 68...along with all the pains and weird feelings I am having, I went to the internet to research.... .what I found is that these may be symptoms of final stage pc with bone mets...I don't like that at all..not ready to go yet...not sure if anyone has gone this far in this disease and is still on here but it would be nice to hear from someone like that...again thanks tons

 

  A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!

[Guest guest]

Alan,Are you on hormone therapy?- just Luporn right now. I've laready been through Casodex, Keto and NilandronIs it still working, i.e., still holding your PSA at a reasonably steady low value?

- low, no it's in the mid-30's but steady yes...it's been in the mid-30's for the last year.If not, when

did it quit and what subsequent treatments have you had?I was on Keto for 16 months, until Feb 2008. Tried Nilandron for three months, no improvementand then did the Taxotere/Atrasentan trial from June 08 until Jan 09. My PSA got as low as 29

but fell no further.A very prominent PCa doc recommended my next step be a visit with MD .  Right now I am in the process of setting up appointments down there in the next several weeks. With very little to no pain from the three boney tumors and a steady (though high) PSA, it appears the cancer is thriving off the bone or at least the tumors in the bone.

Emerson wrote:

> I was 271 with bone and lymph node involvement, that was 49

> months ago - I'm still here!

,

Four years after being diagnosed with a PSA = 271 is great.

Are you on hormone therapy? Is it still working, i.e., still

holding your PSA at a reasonably steady low value? If not, when

did it quit and what subsequent treatments have you had?

I had assumed from 's posting that he had already become

hormone refractory. If not, then he could still have years of

life. But if he is already hormone refractory the remaining

options are generally less effective.

Alan

-- Emersonwww.flhw.org

[Guest guest]

Alan,Are you on hormone therapy?- just Luporn right now. I've laready been through Casodex, Keto and NilandronIs it still working, i.e., still holding your PSA at a reasonably steady low value?

- low, no it's in the mid-30's but steady yes...it's been in the mid-30's for the last year.If not, when

did it quit and what subsequent treatments have you had?I was on Keto for 16 months, until Feb 2008. Tried Nilandron for three months, no improvementand then did the Taxotere/Atrasentan trial from June 08 until Jan 09. My PSA got as low as 29

but fell no further.A very prominent PCa doc recommended my next step be a visit with MD .  Right now I am in the process of setting up appointments down there in the next several weeks. With very little to no pain from the three boney tumors and a steady (though high) PSA, it appears the cancer is thriving off the bone or at least the tumors in the bone.

Emerson wrote:

> I was 271 with bone and lymph node involvement, that was 49

> months ago - I'm still here!

,

Four years after being diagnosed with a PSA = 271 is great.

Are you on hormone therapy? Is it still working, i.e., still

holding your PSA at a reasonably steady low value? If not, when

did it quit and what subsequent treatments have you had?

I had assumed from 's posting that he had already become

hormone refractory. If not, then he could still have years of

life. But if he is already hormone refractory the remaining

options are generally less effective.

Alan

-- Emersonwww.flhw.org

[Guest guest]

Emerson wrote:

> ...

> A very prominent PCa doc recommended my next step be a visit

> with MD . Right now I am in the process of setting up

> appointments down there in the next several weeks. With very

> little to no pain from the three boney tumors and a steady

> (though high) PSA, it appears the cancer is thriving off the

> bone or at least the tumors in the bone.

,

It sounds like you've been through a lot but are fighting hard.

MD is one of the premier cancer centers in the world.

I'm hoping that if anyone can help you, they can.

I have read a number of accounts from men who have had radiation

of their bony metastases with great success in relieving pain

(not your problem at this time - which is good), and even some

success in life extension. There is a new technique in clinical

trials in which a radioactive isotope is bound to a bone tumor

specific antibody and radioactivity is thus concentrated on the

metastases from the inside of the body. The developers claim

both pain relief and life extension.

The MD folks will know much more about this than I do.

Best of luck to you.

Alan

[Guest guest]

Emerson wrote:

> ...

> A very prominent PCa doc recommended my next step be a visit

> with MD . Right now I am in the process of setting up

> appointments down there in the next several weeks. With very

> little to no pain from the three boney tumors and a steady

> (though high) PSA, it appears the cancer is thriving off the

> bone or at least the tumors in the bone.

,

It sounds like you've been through a lot but are fighting hard.

MD is one of the premier cancer centers in the world.

I'm hoping that if anyone can help you, they can.

I have read a number of accounts from men who have had radiation

of their bony metastases with great success in relieving pain

(not your problem at this time - which is good), and even some

success in life extension. There is a new technique in clinical

trials in which a radioactive isotope is bound to a bone tumor

specific antibody and radioactivity is thus concentrated on the

metastases from the inside of the body. The developers claim

both pain relief and life extension.

The MD folks will know much more about this than I do.

Best of luck to you.

Alan

[Guest guest]

Emerson wrote:

> ...

> A very prominent PCa doc recommended my next step be a visit

> with MD . Right now I am in the process of setting up

> appointments down there in the next several weeks. With very

> little to no pain from the three boney tumors and a steady

> (though high) PSA, it appears the cancer is thriving off the

> bone or at least the tumors in the bone.

,

It sounds like you've been through a lot but are fighting hard.

MD is one of the premier cancer centers in the world.

I'm hoping that if anyone can help you, they can.

I have read a number of accounts from men who have had radiation

of their bony metastases with great success in relieving pain

(not your problem at this time - which is good), and even some

success in life extension. There is a new technique in clinical

trials in which a radioactive isotope is bound to a bone tumor

specific antibody and radioactivity is thus concentrated on the

metastases from the inside of the body. The developers claim

both pain relief and life extension.

The MD folks will know much more about this than I do.

Best of luck to you.

Alan

[Guest guest]

Sue,

Thank you very much for your comments on my reply to .

I often write stuff like this and never know whether

anyone read it or found it useful, or even whether I

have offended someone.

I appreciate your feedback.

Regards,

Alan

--

Alan Meyer

ameyer2@...

Re: now I am scared........

>

> Alan, I like your list and I think my father would too. You'll remember that

> I joined this list nearly a year ago when he had been diagnosed with hormone

> refactory pc, widespread bony metastases and his psa was over 200. At that

> time the urologist said average life expectancy was 6-12 months for someone

> in his situation.

>

> > 1. Take charge of my condition.

>

> With my help, and it helps that I'm a nurse, we did that. We have kept our

> own records and my father is very clear with the oncologist. We tried

> various things first then last October after a month in hospital with non pc

> related illness psa had risen to 840. The chief oncologist thought it 'utter

> madness' to try docetaxel but we persuaded him to let us at least see the

> local oncologist and we all discussed it and agreed to give it a go and see

> how we went.

>

> 5 cycles later psa was 496, but more importantly my father felt well, was in

> much less pain, if any, and pretty much insisted that he wanted to continue

> docetaxel. He's had 7 cycles now, tho' psa has risen again to 634 this time

>

> > 2. Take charge of my financial affairs.

>

> His 'hobby'! He is like 'the king is in his counting house, counting out his

> money'. No change there, we visit the bank every week!

>

> > 3. Prepare a personal legacy.

>

> My sister and I each visit and stay over once a week. And we talk and talk

> and talk. I have learnt so much. I know him so much better, I understand my

> history. I am so thankful to have this time.

>

> > 4. Keep on living until I die.

>

> Oh yes! He is doing exactly what he wants to do. Home situation is set up as

> he wants it. On discharge last year he was pretty frail and needed a lot of

> help. Gradually he has recovered and regained independance. He believes it

> is incredibly important to remain optimistic. He entertains the McMillan

> Unit every time he has chemo, with his stories, his plans and his

> philosophy.

>

> > I once met an old lady on a cruise ship going to Alaska.

>

> We are planning a cruise! My father is well travelled, speaks 6 languages

> and wants to see the fjords of Norway one more time. Crossing the Arctic

> circle appeals...

>

> We are having difficulty getting travel insurance but we're working on it.

> Chemo will have to fit around the cruise.

>

> Who knows what will happen next? We're planning on continuing like this

> until we can't. And we'll know when we get there I guess.

> Sue

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> There are just two rules for this group

> 1 No Spam

> 2 Be kind to others

>

> Please recognise that Prostate Cancerhas different guises and needs different

> levels of treatment and in some cases no treatment at all. Some men even with

> all options offered chose radical options that you would not choose. We only

ask

> that people be informed before choice is made, we cannot and should not tell

> other members what to do, other than look at other options.

>

> Try to delete old material that is no longer applying when clicking reply

> Try to change the title if the content requires it

[Guest guest]

Sue,

Thank you very much for your comments on my reply to .

I often write stuff like this and never know whether

anyone read it or found it useful, or even whether I

have offended someone.

I appreciate your feedback.

Regards,

Alan

--

Alan Meyer

ameyer2@...

Re: now I am scared........

>

> Alan, I like your list and I think my father would too. You'll remember that

> I joined this list nearly a year ago when he had been diagnosed with hormone

> refactory pc, widespread bony metastases and his psa was over 200. At that

> time the urologist said average life expectancy was 6-12 months for someone

> in his situation.

>

> > 1. Take charge of my condition.

>

> With my help, and it helps that I'm a nurse, we did that. We have kept our

> own records and my father is very clear with the oncologist. We tried

> various things first then last October after a month in hospital with non pc

> related illness psa had risen to 840. The chief oncologist thought it 'utter

> madness' to try docetaxel but we persuaded him to let us at least see the

> local oncologist and we all discussed it and agreed to give it a go and see

> how we went.

>

> 5 cycles later psa was 496, but more importantly my father felt well, was in

> much less pain, if any, and pretty much insisted that he wanted to continue

> docetaxel. He's had 7 cycles now, tho' psa has risen again to 634 this time

>

> > 2. Take charge of my financial affairs.

>

> His 'hobby'! He is like 'the king is in his counting house, counting out his

> money'. No change there, we visit the bank every week!

>

> > 3. Prepare a personal legacy.

>

> My sister and I each visit and stay over once a week. And we talk and talk

> and talk. I have learnt so much. I know him so much better, I understand my

> history. I am so thankful to have this time.

>

> > 4. Keep on living until I die.

>

> Oh yes! He is doing exactly what he wants to do. Home situation is set up as

> he wants it. On discharge last year he was pretty frail and needed a lot of

> help. Gradually he has recovered and regained independance. He believes it

> is incredibly important to remain optimistic. He entertains the McMillan

> Unit every time he has chemo, with his stories, his plans and his

> philosophy.

>

> > I once met an old lady on a cruise ship going to Alaska.

>

> We are planning a cruise! My father is well travelled, speaks 6 languages

> and wants to see the fjords of Norway one more time. Crossing the Arctic

> circle appeals...

>

> We are having difficulty getting travel insurance but we're working on it.

> Chemo will have to fit around the cruise.

>

> Who knows what will happen next? We're planning on continuing like this

> until we can't. And we'll know when we get there I guess.

> Sue

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> There are just two rules for this group

> 1 No Spam

> 2 Be kind to others

>

> Please recognise that Prostate Cancerhas different guises and needs different

> levels of treatment and in some cases no treatment at all. Some men even with

> all options offered chose radical options that you would not choose. We only

ask

> that people be informed before choice is made, we cannot and should not tell

> other members what to do, other than look at other options.

>

> Try to delete old material that is no longer applying when clicking reply

> Try to change the title if the content requires it

[Guest guest]

Sue,

Thank you very much for your comments on my reply to .

I often write stuff like this and never know whether

anyone read it or found it useful, or even whether I

have offended someone.

I appreciate your feedback.

Regards,

Alan

--

Alan Meyer

ameyer2@...

Re: now I am scared........

>

> Alan, I like your list and I think my father would too. You'll remember that

> I joined this list nearly a year ago when he had been diagnosed with hormone

> refactory pc, widespread bony metastases and his psa was over 200. At that

> time the urologist said average life expectancy was 6-12 months for someone

> in his situation.

>

> > 1. Take charge of my condition.

>

> With my help, and it helps that I'm a nurse, we did that. We have kept our

> own records and my father is very clear with the oncologist. We tried

> various things first then last October after a month in hospital with non pc

> related illness psa had risen to 840. The chief oncologist thought it 'utter

> madness' to try docetaxel but we persuaded him to let us at least see the

> local oncologist and we all discussed it and agreed to give it a go and see

> how we went.

>

> 5 cycles later psa was 496, but more importantly my father felt well, was in

> much less pain, if any, and pretty much insisted that he wanted to continue

> docetaxel. He's had 7 cycles now, tho' psa has risen again to 634 this time

>

> > 2. Take charge of my financial affairs.

>

> His 'hobby'! He is like 'the king is in his counting house, counting out his

> money'. No change there, we visit the bank every week!

>

> > 3. Prepare a personal legacy.

>

> My sister and I each visit and stay over once a week. And we talk and talk

> and talk. I have learnt so much. I know him so much better, I understand my

> history. I am so thankful to have this time.

>

> > 4. Keep on living until I die.

>

> Oh yes! He is doing exactly what he wants to do. Home situation is set up as

> he wants it. On discharge last year he was pretty frail and needed a lot of

> help. Gradually he has recovered and regained independance. He believes it

> is incredibly important to remain optimistic. He entertains the McMillan

> Unit every time he has chemo, with his stories, his plans and his

> philosophy.

>

> > I once met an old lady on a cruise ship going to Alaska.

>

> We are planning a cruise! My father is well travelled, speaks 6 languages

> and wants to see the fjords of Norway one more time. Crossing the Arctic

> circle appeals...

>

> We are having difficulty getting travel insurance but we're working on it.

> Chemo will have to fit around the cruise.

>

> Who knows what will happen next? We're planning on continuing like this

> until we can't. And we'll know when we get there I guess.

> Sue

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> There are just two rules for this group

> 1 No Spam

> 2 Be kind to others

>

> Please recognise that Prostate Cancerhas different guises and needs different

> levels of treatment and in some cases no treatment at all. Some men even with

> all options offered chose radical options that you would not choose. We only

ask

> that people be informed before choice is made, we cannot and should not tell

> other members what to do, other than look at other options.

>

> Try to delete old material that is no longer applying when clicking reply

> Try to change the title if the content requires it

[Guest guest]

> I appreciate your feedback.

And now I'd appreciate yours (and the groups)...

Try as I might I cannot find an insurer prepared to insure my father for a 7

day trip next month. We would fly from UK to Oslo, one night in a hotel, 5

nights on a boat travelling down the coast, another night in a hotel and fly

home. My husband and I plan to travel with him.

My father now wants to travel without any insurance.

Are we mad to consider it?

What do you think?

Sue

[Guest guest]

> I appreciate your feedback.

And now I'd appreciate yours (and the groups)...

Try as I might I cannot find an insurer prepared to insure my father for a 7

day trip next month. We would fly from UK to Oslo, one night in a hotel, 5

nights on a boat travelling down the coast, another night in a hotel and fly

home. My husband and I plan to travel with him.

My father now wants to travel without any insurance.

Are we mad to consider it?

What do you think?

Sue

[Guest guest]

> Try as I might I cannot find an insurer prepared to insure my father for

> a 7

> day trip next month. We would fly from UK to Oslo, one night in a hotel, 5

> nights on a boat travelling down the coast, another night in a hotel and

> fly

> home. My husband and I plan to travel with him.

>

> My father now wants to travel without any insurance.

>

> Are we mad to consider it?

No.

It seems to me that an underwriter should be able to craft an

endorsement that would exclude whatever risk (s)he does not care to cover.

But I see that they are no more intelligent nor imaginative than they

were when I was active in the field many years ago....

Regards,

Steve J

" Rascality has limits; stupidity has not. "

-- Napoleon Bonaparte