I got some bad news...

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:15 am

My parents called me last night.

Dad has cancer. Prostate cancer. He's only 64.

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:19 am

I'm so sorry to hear your bad news luv,

is it treatable? will you be going over to see him?

My thoughts are with you. X

pina · Post by **pina** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:20 am

So sorry to hear that Raven....:yh_sad 64 is very young......My dad had prostrate problems also, but luckily it wasn't cancer.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:23 am

Fingers crossed that it's treatable, prostate cancer has one of the highest success rates with treatment doesn't it?

Meanwhile :yh_pray for you all. xxx

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:27 am

Ah geez, I sure hope so! This what they told him, the cyst they biopsied had 10% cancerous cells on it. They said it was at midpoint, which a nurse buddy informed today was a 2-3 in developement. 4 being nothing more they can do. My parents go back to the doctor thursday to discuss options of treatment. I'm just sick at heart with this.

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:31 am

Raven wrote: My parents called me last night.

Dad has cancer. Prostate cancer. He's only 64.
Don't despair. I had it 11 years ago at age 60 and am fully cured. If they catch it early and get the proper treatment he'll be OK.

Prostate Cancer can affect men as young as 35.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:33 am

Raven wrote: My parents called me last night.

Dad has cancer. Prostate cancer. He's only 64.

Hi Kiddo...My brother had the same...he was treated and is totally OK now. He was in his early 60s at the time...he is now 68 (tomorrow) and is as fit as a fiddle...I'm sure he'll be fine..my siser in the US has had breast cancer ....she is 66 and fit as a fiddle now. Treatment of cancer nowadays has a BIG success rate...be strong..will be thinking of you all.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:35 am

I'm so glad to hear that Lon! How far was yours along? They said dad's was midpoint.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:37 am

Bez wrote: Hi Kiddo...My brother had the same...he was treated and is totally OK now. He was in his early 60s at the time...he is now 68 (tomorrow) and is as fit as a fiddle...I'm sure he'll be fine..my siser in the US has had breast cancer ....she is 66 and fit as a fiddle now. Treatment of cancer nowadays has a BIG success rate...be strong..will be thinking of you all.
I'm a nurse with the NHS.....in my ward I see so many who die of it! It just breaks my heart!:-1

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:44 am

You know.....thats what they said too! But........it's soooooo hard!

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:02 am

Thats what I thought too.......I'll know more thursday. Thats when they go to the doctor and discuss a plan of treatment for his particulars.

minks · Post by **minks** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:06 am

Raven wrote: Thats what I thought too.......I'll know more thursday. Thats when they go to the doctor and discuss a plan of treatment for his particulars.

Awww Hun hang in there and keep us informed. WE are all pulling for your dad.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:12 am

I'm just sooooo damn superstitious! My mother had a devastating, aggresive form of breast cancer that only left her with a 20% chance of surviving it, and that was 8 years ago! I still have my mom. And she is just peachy!

Now my dad gets a cancer that is supposed to be so easy peasy to treat! Are you getting my stupid train of thought on this one?

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:40 am

I so appreciate the support! And yes, I'll be sharing the good, the bad and the ugly simply because I need all the reassurances and comfort you all provide. I need to know I'm not alone. Thank you all so much.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:16 am

Thanks susie. That really does mean the world. And your prayers are so welcome!

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 12:38 pm

Raven, working so closely to it is bound to give you a less than optimistic outlook, it's natural. Thankfully, this is highly treatable, as you know, and look at Lon!! Have you ever seen pictures of the man? 71, looks younger than 60 and has such a great life!

We're all praying for your family, and how can you lose with all that positive energy?? You can't! Hugs to you and your family. :yh_hugs

mominiowa · Post by **mominiowa** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 1:53 pm

Oh big hugs to you.....:-4 They have made a lot of progress with all cancers...and hopefully he will find the one he is most comfortable with.. There are 3 options they do here...they insert seeds which goes very well- a little tiredness and thats about it...(I am not saying the procedure isn't uncomfortable though..

) they can do a scrapping type procedure and then there is the wait and see thing that bothers me.. they wait till it is large enough to have radiated..which I believe is ANAL...but thats my opinion... The word Cancer is just scary anyway - so never feel that people are down playing your emotions or how you should feel...because it is OK really ~really ~really OK to be scared - mad...super -duper pissed off, or uncertain of the future...If you need anything there are a lot of people here that have been through similar feelings... Just go ahead and VENT! :-4

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 2:04 pm

Prayers and BIG hugs Raven, to you and your family. Several of our friends have went through the same thing and have been cancer free for years now. Think positive thoughts! We'll all be praying with you!

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 2:15 pm

We will pray for your father, everyone will. It is becoming more and more treatable, I know someone who beat it and is in great health today!

nvalleyvee · Post by **nvalleyvee** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 2:34 pm

My Dad had that too. They were able to treat it with radioactive pellets implanted in his prostate rather than surgery and chemo. If they caught it in the early stages maybe he can have that treatment. Hopefully they caught it early because there is a great survival %. Please keep us informed. If you need to talk PM me. :-4

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 2:43 pm

Raven wrote: I'm so glad to hear that Lon! How far was yours along? They said dad's was midpoint.
My Cancer was contained within the Prostate Gland and the biopsy of the Prostate initailly rated the cancer as a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 and very agressive, however at surgery it was revealed to be an 8. I, llike every guy that's been diagnosed with PC had the choice to make between Watchful Waiting (not practical in my case due to the agressive dx at biopsy), Surgery (removal of the Prostate and all cancerous tissue), Radiation (either Seed Implantation or External), CryoSurgery (freezing), Chemo Therapy. Removal of the Prostate by surgery is considered the Gold Standard by most medical people. The two fears of most men is incontinence and impotency during and after treatment. I cannot stress the importance of getting the most competent doctor to do whichever procedure you father will have. Good or bad results, of the surgery in particular, is so dependent on the surgeon. If you're dad has a choice, find a doc that does many, many procedures and ask what his results have been.

I opted for the surgery after doing considerabe research and I am happy to say that I was 100% continent 1 week after surgery and sexually active 10 weeks after surgery. It sounds like your dad is in the very early stages of his PC and it should be readily treatable. I wish him well and hope my post sets your mind somewhat at ease. My daughter about freaked out when I first told her, so I do understand.

goldengirl402000 · Post by **goldengirl402000** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 2:49 pm

Hi raven no how you are feeling ,my dad died 1 year ago they didnt find his until it was to late he had had a stroke and where more or less treating him for that my prayers are with you and your family.keep your chin up.

orangesox1 · Post by **orangesox1** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 3:50 pm

So sorry to hear about your Dad, there is a huge success rate among cancer patients today. I am worried about my sister who's has spread to her lymph nodes, however the Dr said it is still quite cureable.

my father also had cancer two years ago, he's 100% ok now.

Your in our thoughts, I pray that he'll be fine.

Clint · Post by **Clint** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 4:33 pm

I don't know how I missed this until now. You know all things are possible. You've seen people die but you've also seen a lot of them cured and living well. You and your father have my prayers. I believe the doctors will be skilled beyond their own ability as they do their part in his healing. :-6

Bridget · Post by **Bridget** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 5:33 pm

Raven don't take this the wrong way as I say it with a loving heart. If a man has to have the big C prostate is the easiest, most curable. My husband had it in 1997, my mother-in-law had four surgeries for colon cancer when she was in her early sixties and died this May at the age of 94 and not from cancer. Our son had cancer when he was 15 and it was very aggressive. The same cancer Armstrong the biker had. Dennis just celebrated his 44th birthday Wed. of this week. You know we only remember the ones who have passed from cancer not the ones who are cured. I realize he is your Dad and no amount of talk will ease your fright, but you be strong for him and your Mother as they are just as scared as you are and need you there for them. A great big HUG from Bridget

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 5:39 pm

Cancer's one hell of an enemy to have, but certainly not indominable. Your Dad has the strenth of a hundred prayers behind him. If he's watchful and careful, he can stop this dead in its tracks. Just make sure he uses every weapon the doc gives him.

PurpleChicken · Post by **PurpleChicken** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 6:51 am

To echo everyone's comments, cancer is very treatable these days. With any luck they've caught it early enough and he will recover.

Be strong - our thoughts are with you...

actionfigurestepho · Post by **actionfigurestepho** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:49 pm

I'm so sorry this happened to your family!

I will pray that he has a speedy recovery and as comfortable a stay as possible.

The Boyfriend's grandma had it and she was lucky enough to not need chemo...with any luck your dad will be on his feet again in two weeks, cancer free. Your family is in my prayers.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 4:32 am

Lon wrote: My Cancer was contained within the Prostate Gland and the biopsy of the Prostate initailly rated the cancer as a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 and very agressive, however at surgery it was revealed to be an 8. I, llike every guy that's been diagnosed with PC had the choice to make between Watchful Waiting (not practical in my case due to the agressive dx at biopsy), Surgery (removal of the Prostate and all cancerous tissue), Radiation (either Seed Implantation or External), CryoSurgery (freezing), Chemo Therapy. Removal of the Prostate by surgery is considered the Gold Standard by most medical people. The two fears of most men is incontinence and impotency during and after treatment. I cannot stress the importance of getting the most competent doctor to do whichever procedure you father will have. Good or bad results, of the surgery in particular, is so dependent on the surgeon. If you're dad has a choice, find a doc that does many, many procedures and ask what his results have been.

I opted for the surgery after doing considerabe research and I am happy to say that I was 100% continent 1 week after surgery and sexually active 10 weeks after surgery. It sounds like your dad is in the very early stages of his PC and it should be readily treatable. I wish him well and hope my post sets your mind somewhat at ease. My daughter about freaked out when I first told her, so I do understand.

Thank you Lon. It DOES reassure me very much. Especially after what the folks said last night! They had been to the doctor, and dads is a T3C. On the G-scale it's a 3. (had no idea what that meant.) Dads doctor suggested just about everything that was listed here, but he said he felt dad would do really well with either the radio or the surgery. Dad is leaning towards the surgery because it's a micro thing they do with a robot now. It appears to be contained, early and very treatable. I cant tell how relieved I am at hearing this! I thank you all so much for all the encouragement. I will keep you posted! It's frustrating being so far away! But you cant forsee everything when big decisions are made.

greydeadhead · Post by **greydeadhead** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 4:38 am

Raven..

my thoughts are with you and your family.. will send all the positive vibes you need...take care, keep us posted and be well...

actionfigurestepho · Post by **actionfigurestepho** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:45 am

Raven wrote: Dads doctor suggested just about everything that was listed here, but he said he felt dad would do really well with either the radio or the surgery. Dad is leaning towards the surgery because it's a micro thing they do with a robot now.

That's excellent news! I hope he'll be able to walk out of the hospital feeling better soon.

Clint · Post by **Clint** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:48 am

Raven wrote: Thank you Lon. It DOES reassure me very much. Especially after what the folks said last night! They had been to the doctor, and dads is a T3C. On the G-scale it's a 3. (had no idea what that meant.) Dads doctor suggested just about everything that was listed here, but he said he felt dad would do really well with either the radio or the surgery. Dad is leaning towards the surgery because it's a micro thing they do with a robot now. It appears to be contained, early and very treatable. I cant tell how relieved I am at hearing this! I thank you all so much for all the encouragement. I will keep you posted! It's frustrating being so far away! But you cant forsee everything when big decisions are made.
YESSSSSSSSS!!!

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 8:00 am

You guys are great.......you really are. I thank you so much for your support and encouragement.

minks · Post by **minks** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 11:07 am

Raven wrote: You guys are great.......you really are. I thank you so much for your support and encouragement.

Awww hunny we are always here for you.

Kathy · Post by **Kathy** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 11:34 am

Add my prayers to those already being said!