Two Front Battle

[BobT1939]

Five years ago I underwent a prostatectomy after a prostate biopsy came back with a 9 Gleason score, where 10 is indicative of the most aggressive presence of cancer. Subsequently it became obvious that the cancer was not entirely removed by the procedure as my PSA began to rise post-operatively. Most recently my PSA reached 674.

Due to all of the chemotherapy I received thirty years ago for a previous cancer, chemotherapy which led to the demise of my kidney function and led to my going on hemodialysis last year, I was advised that there would be no chemotherapy available to me when the prostate cancer became symptomatic.

Last Wednesday I went to Duke University Medical Center for a bone scan and an MRI. The MRI showed metastasis to lymph glands in the retroperineal area. The bone scan showed metastasis to the lumbar and thoracic spine, and to the ischial area of the pelvic cradle, adjacent to the sacrum. There are also a couple of spots on my skull. I am experiencing some pain in the involved areas associated with the spine, but at this time it is light to moderate. I have an appointment with a Radiation Oncologist next Tuesday when I will find out how he wants to proceed.

The most important thing right now, however, is who wins the Duke/University of North Carolina basketball game tonight at 9:00 PM Eastern time? Pulling for Duke all the way./bobt

[willieandwinnie]

I'm so sorry BobT. It's awful enough to be dealing with ESRD. I'll keep you in my prayers. I'll even root for Duke and I'm not a basketball fan. Take care.

[rose1999]

Hi Bob, I am so sorry to hear your story, I lost my husband to PC in 2004 when he was 52 so I know where you're coming from. His PSA was over 1500.  Radiotherapy was a big help and removed some of the bone mets and helped the pain, he also found that a TENS machine helped with the pain. I hope they can do something for you.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and I'll even cross them for Duke although I don't know anything about basketball as here in the UK I'm a football fan - just watched lowly old Barnsley beat high flying Chelsea   

But take care of yourself and let us know how you get on, I really do wish you all the best 

[paris]

Bob, I am so sorry.  Remember that I am not really far away and if I can help, I will.  I will keep praying that the radiation oncologist comes up with a plan.  I wish I had great words to help right now.   My daughter works in Durham, so if you are at Duke and you need something, she would be riight there.  My ex son in law is a Durham cop, with the gang unit, so if you need someone arrested, we'll call him!!    I'll cheer for Duke tonight.  I love Coach K--he's a great guy.  Do I have to paint my face blue and white?    Sending good wishes

[BobT1939]

Only if it's the right shade of blue, royal blue not Carolina blue./bobt

[MyssAnne]

Welcome, Bob!

You have your hands full, trying to cope with a lot!!  That's tiring in itself!

As far as Duke goes, well, sure. I don't really care, from here in Indiana!

I'll be MORE than happy to root for them!!!!
 

[okarol]

Hey Bob, I am happy to hear that you're able to keep things in perspective. 

I am sorry about the cancer issues, it most be frightening. But I will indeed cheer on Duke tonight - it's on TV on ESPN at 6PM my time. 

Hoping for the best - in all things! 

[lola]

 

[Ohio Buckeye]

Gosh, BobT, you have a lot on your plate right now.
Hope the radiation oncologist comes up with a good plan.
Wishing you the very best.
In your picture have you quit wearing the Michigan shirt or is it just not showing now?
Just wondered.

[BobT1939]

After your guys beat my guys I went to the silhouette./bobt

[petey]

BobT, my heart dropped when I read your post.  Folks like you (and my Marvin and everybody else on dialysis) have so much to deal with anyway, and you certainly don't need more on your plate.  But -- and you know this first-hand, too -- Duke is the BEST place to be!  That hospital has saved Marvin's life more than one time.  Marvin and I are closer to you when you're home  -- if you need something on this end, you let me know.  I don't know right now how I'd find you, but if you say you need me or Marvin to do anything for you -- we will make a way.  In the meantime, I will pray hard for you!  Let us know what you find out on Tuesday.  Do you know now if you'll have to stay at Duke?

Marvin said to tell you, "Go, DUKE !!"  Marvin's hoping Hasbrough and Lawson both get a bad case of the runs right before the game and can't play tonight for Carolina.

[Wattle]

 

[kidney4traci]

Bob, I am sorry to hear what the doctors said.  I hope you are able to stay out of pain as much as possible, that is the toughest part.  Wish there was more to do, but we are here for you if you need to vent.  About that or about Duke losing last night.  Either one.

[2_DallasCowboys]

Bob,
So so sorry to read of your troubles.
Will be saying prayers for you here in
NJ

Anne

[paris]

Sorry about the game last night.  It was a good game, just not what you wanted!  UNC has had a rough week, so maybe this was good for them to have something postive happen and give them something else to focus on.      We need to focus on you now. Please keep us posted.  We will keep surrounding you with positive thoughts and lots of cyper hugs  

[petey]

                                            

I'm thinking about you, BobT!

[Sluff]

Bob hang in there buddy. If you need anything send me a PM.

[Mimi]

Bob one true thing is that life is uncertain,and some things we will never understand.  I can feel for you
because my daughter had breast cancer 2 years ago and another scare last year.  But Praise the Lord it all
turned out OK.  I hope the radiation will take care of  these places.  You are in my heart and prayers.
Sorry I don't know anything about basketball.

Love, Mimi

[oleboy]

  Like I said before when it rains it pours.





EDITED: Fixed grouphug icon error-Sluff/Admin

[paddbear0000]

I'm so sorry Bob. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

P.S. Unfortunately, I could not cheer for Duke. I graduated from the University of Maryland and as you probably know, they are HUGE rivals! Sorry!