Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L
CAS TOPICS => The Longbranch => Topic started by: PJ Hardtack on June 24, 2020, 10:56:20 AM
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Hey Pards
After ten years in remission, the "Big C" has paid me a return visit. The good news is that it has not metastasized beyond my prostate where it was first located. A PET scan verified that.
Normally I would not be eligible for brachy therapy as I had previous LDR (low dose radiation) over two months, 37 shots of it.
I am part of a clinical trial using cutting edge technology where they insert metal tubes (like hollow needles) into the target area followed by a radio isotope of HDR (high does radiation) then withdraw.
I've had phase 1 of this process already and phase 2 is coming next week. It leaves me ill with the effects of the radiation for the following week (fatigue, headaches, nausea) and I'm very careful how I sit down!
The world at large is a hurting place right now, but I sincerely and humbly ask for a word on my behalf and that of my wife who has been a rock for me through all of this.
From the onset I had to choose between faith or fear. I chose faith. My solace scriptures are the Psalms, notably the 23rd, 91st and 121st.
This is a fight I can win, but not without help and prayer.
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You have mine ....
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You have mine as well. Hang in there!
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You have mine.
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I will pass on a support prayer to the Deity.
RCJ
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God bless and keep you and your family. You will be in my prayers.
Dave
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My Dear PJ
I am "sending a voice" on your behalf -
FYI Mrs Marvel relates that the therapy you described is very effective!
Aho Mitakuye Oyasin
prof marvel
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you have mine
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Mine are also on the way up. Good luck, PJ
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Thank you, one and all!
Once again I find myself confident in the Lord. You never receive a miracle until you really need one!
Yes, I was told that this new procedure was was effective. I am patient #7 at this particular clinic and there is only one other using it, that one in the province of Ontario where it has been employed 20 times.
The success of this clinical trial will determine whether or not it becomes a mainstream treatment. That means I'm a bit of a lab rat, but considering the alternative ...... ;D
Every time I fill out the medical history questionnaire there is a long list of "No"s about diseases, conditions, etc. Makes me wonder why I'm even there! One tech suggested that I was likely the healthiest, fittest person in the room.
I am still doing a daily fitness routine that would hospitalize most people I know of any age - sit ups, push ups, hand stand push ups, reverse push ups, chin ups, pumping iron, etc. If I don't do them, I feel like I'm falling apart. Part of my DNA.
When I explained my routine to one tech, he said - "Whatever it is you're doing, keep it up!". I have every intention of doing so. Too much to live for.
My Dear PJ
I am "sending a voice" on your behalf -
FYI Mrs Marvel relates that the therapy you described is very effective!
Aho Mitakuye Oyasin
prof marvel
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My Friend PJ, my prayers are yours." We don't get to old to run,, we get old when we quit running " ( love this quote ).
keep'n the coffee ready Hootmix.
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Prayers up PJ. !
Mike
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Yes, I like that!
I became a marathoner when I was 45 and did 8 full marathons over the next three years (and innumerable 10 km runs, biking, etc.) until I realized that I had given up compulsive, addictive drinking for compulsive addictive running. In other words, it had taken over my life. When I wasn't training, I was working/eating/sleeping.
All those miles on blacktop took a toll and all the MRIs and scans I've had show that my hips are shot. But, that can be dealt with AFTER the 'Big C' is eradicated from my body. If it isn't, the rest doesn't matter.
One day - one step at a time ..... ;)
My Friend PJ, my prayers are yours." We don't get too old to run,, we get old when we quit running " ( love this quote ).
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Prayers to you
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Prayers to you.
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Met a friend in town today .... he is currently undergoing a series of low radiation therapy for prostate cancer, this after undergoing surgical removal of his prostate!
Obviously his metastasized and is spreading, causing his PSA to rise. He looked exhausted and expressed concern for his optical shop employees who might be impacted if he has to sell the business.
Next friend I meet tells me his wife is dying of cancer after a lengthy, losing battle. He too looked exhausted.
Caused me to get my head out of my you-know-where and be thankful that I am getting the benefit of cutting edge technology with a very good track record of success, my biggest complaint being the 8 hour one way drive to my treatment and the subsequent effects of the radiation for about 10 days.
This is the first day that I've not felt fatigued at the end of the day, the effects of my HDR having worn off and my general health not impaired. We're leaving Sunday for my 2nd treatment phase which will be the last. After that it will be a matter of monitoring my PSA level.
"I touched the hem of His robe and was healed according to my faith." These are the words that came to me in 2010 when I was first diagnosed.
I am now praying for the people I know who are suffering and don't share my faith. I know that I couldn't do it on my own.
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Prayers are on the way PJ, hang in there. God Bless.
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We prayed for PJ.
We did not give a LIKE because I never learned how that works.
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Prayers up! 8)
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Just got back from the 2nd and last phase of my treatment regimen of high dose radiation therapy. Feel better than I did after the 1st procedure. No headache and no sore throat from the trach tube. Just a lingering fatigue and shortness of energy which I expect will last for 10-12 days as before.
In order to get home (8 hour+ drive) without having to stop at every outhouse and bent telephone pole for a pee, I was wearing a 14mm catheter and urine bag. The normal size is 12mm. It was a little uncomfortable sitting in the truck (6 speed manual, adeptly handled by my wife) driving home in a non-stop rain. The relief in removing it was indescribable!
I wore that for two days and nights and it enabled me to have the best night's rest I've had for years! All of this is probably more information than some would appreciate, but when it comes to matters of life and death, conventional norms do not apply.
I am confident that I have beaten the 'Big C' once again due to timely medical intervention and the prayers of many. How anyone could face such a trial without having a spiritual well to dip in I cannot imagine.
I'd like to pass on the story after my 1st treatment session ....
I was still dopey and when I asked a volunteer to call my wife to pick me up, she directed me to a public access phone! In the time of Covid 19! In disgust, I walked out of the hospital intending to walk back to the motel, a distance of 2 kms. It was a cloudy day and without the sun to guide me, I walked in the wrong direction.
When I realized that I was lost, I asked God to direct me to the person who could help. A young woman was walking her dog across the intersection and I asked her if she could make a call for me on her cell phone. She agreed and I explained the circumstances.
She noticed my hospital bracelet and the words "Cancer Clinic" and said - "Me too." Then I noticed her wig. We had a really good conversation while waiting for my wife and she thanked me for giving her support (!!!) and expressing my faith. But it got even better .....
During the conversation, another young woman approached us asking if we had any spare change. She looked terrible, likely a meth addict. I said - "Of course, sweetheart!" as I handed her some money. As I did so, I said - "Anyone here besides me got a problem with drugs or alcohol?" as I do every time, looking her right in the eyes.
It always has the same effect as I admit to being a sober alcoholic, 33 years clean & sober, but still an alcoholic. I tell them that I made it out of hell and when they are ready, so can they. That's it. No preaching.
I told her I would pray for her and she left knowing that someone saw her as a suffering human being and didn't blow her off like she was so much trash on the city streets.
The other cancer patient said - "Do you always do that?" I told her yes and she expressed her appreciation for my humanity in dealing kindly with the addict. We both had tears in our eyes.
I regret that I did not even ask the names of the two women, but God knows who they are when I pray for them.
Tell me that my unintended 'walk-about' was not guided by the hand of God ..... ;)
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...The other cancer patient said - "Do you always do that?" I told her yes and she expressed her appreciation for my humanity in dealing kindly with the addict. We both had tears in our eyes...
As do I. :)
Thanks for the great update!
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During the conversation, another young woman approached us asking if we had any spare change. She looked terrible, likely a meth addict. I said - "Of course, sweetheart!" as I handed her some money. As I did so, I said - "Anyone here besides me got a problem with drugs or alcohol?" as I do every time, looking her right in the eyes.
It always has the same effect as I admit to being a sober alcoholic, 33 years clean & sober, but still an alcoholic. I tell them that I made it out of hell and when they are ready, so can they. That's it. No preaching.
I told her I would pray for her and she left knowing that someone saw her as a suffering human being and didn't blow her off like she was so much trash on the city streets.
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My Dear PJ
you are a much better man human than I.
thank you.
you have just shown another way for me to improve.
I have been taught that there are no coincidences.
Our Creator causes paths to cross for a reason.
any time one can ease another's suffering is a golden day.
your more humble servant
prof marvel
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+1 to what the Professor said. I will keep you in my prayers.
T-Joe
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If I fail to recognize a fellow sufferer, I make the world a little darker, colder place for that person. Literally, "There but for the grace of God go I ...".
I've been where that addict was, the only differences being the drug of choice, the fact that I didn't lose my job or my health and when I reached out, the help was there.
Some day, someone will tell me a story about the day a stranger planted a seed that took root. I look forward to that day.
At 12 Step meetings, I've heard people talk about how rough it is to get clean & sober. I listen attentively and then share my own story, including my bouts with the "Big C".
I tell them that given a choice of which to deal with, I'd take addiction any day of the week. It changes attitudes on the spot.
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Praying for you here!
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Thanks one and all! Daily improvements and returning strength and energy.
Good Drs are great, but we all know who is the REAL healer!
I daily pray for all those suffering from disease and ask for healing of our brokeness in general - our broken hearts, families, friendships, and our bodies.
The Bible tells of Christ healing three lepers, but only one came back to thank Him.
That one is me.
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PJ,
after reading through this thread I think you're gonna make it pard.
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Thanks Pete! Very encouraging to hear.
I have a great faith that I will once again be in remission, this time for good. Ten years ago, when I was at the Clinic, I met several patients who gave me the impression they had no spiritual well to dip into. They had the pall of death around them.
I had the opposite attitude. My room mate there eventually passed away and following his death, I heard from his sister who found my email address on his computer. She told me that he got great inspiration from me and wished he had met me earlier before it was too late for him.
He would marvel at my exercise routine and my daily long walks as my radiation took only minutes per day. Week ends I was hiking on the north shore mountains of Vancouver. I actually delayed my recovery by pushing too hard (as I tend to do now) but I cannot curl up in a fetal ball on the sofa when I have a life to live on a beautiful lakefront property, a loving wife and two dogs that enjoy their lives one day at a time: "Lord, may I someday become half the man my dogs think I am."
This coming week end is our 20th annual CAS event and we are incorporating Covid 19 awareness by limiting it to a manageable number and requiring masks or bandanas to be worn when in close proximity to others. We're calling it the "Apocalypse Shoot", the Covid 19 theme expressed here: "Collection Of Very Insensitive Desperadoes"; and there's 19 of them dang varmints invading our territory.
It will be an energy drain for me and I'll have to use a catheter several times throughout the event, but 10 years ago, I missed our 10th as I was undergoing radiation at the time. I will not miss this one .....
One for you Pete ....
"You must prime the pump, you must have faith and believe;
You must give of yourself before you receive.
Drink all the water you can hold,
Wash your face, cool your feet.
Leave the bottle full for others.
Thank ya kindly. Desert Pete"
New Christy Minstrels
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PJ, how you doin' Pard?
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Thanks for asking! :)
Much improved, but I can expect the effects of the internal high dose radiation (brachy) to linger for a while, perhaps 3-6 months. Ten years ago, that was how long the recovery took from 37 shots of low dose external beam radiation. This treatment was much more focused, having less impact on my abdomen, so the side effects are greatly lessened.
At our much Covid 19 reduced annual CAS event last week end, I had to ask or help getting the gun cart down a rough trail for a couple of stages. Shot tolerably well and placed 6th, my wife placing one higher. However, I did manage to take the 15 yd Hickock card shoot with 4/5 hits with one of my 44-40 Piettas.
I'm fighting the fatigue and yesterday we took the dogs for a long walk on a logging road. By pushing it, I hope to increase my endurance. When we got home, I showered and had a pre-supper nap.
This may not be in accordance with recommended medical practice, but I can't let summer go by and curl up in a fetal ball on the sofa. Life is for living.
The "Spirit of the Game" award went to a real Cowboy/rancher who recently lost a couple of fingers from his left hand while working on a rock picker. He used to shoot 'Gunfighter' really well. He shot the match 'Duellist' and his shotgun from the hip.
That was inspiring to all, especially me. ;D