Hey Gary...

What's the latest? Been thinking bout ya, and saying my prayers. Let us all know how it's going.
Eric

 

Still getting the run around and not much concrete.

CT Scan results showed the lump I felt was a fairly large cyst on the right kidney, about 9.5 centimeters, but those are generally benign, and not an instant panic. Not much else showed up on the scan, escept for enlarged prostate, which they'd already found manually.

Bloodwork came back MOSTLY negative, except for somewhat high cholestrol, treatable by low-fat diet alone. And the PSA test, which tests for prostate cancer. Normal healthy range for that is 0-4. 10 is considered high, 20 is considered "very high". Mine came back 1315. That was crazy enough that I had 'em draw more blood and re-test. Just got the second result less than an hour ago. Second test was over 1900. I told the gal I should already be dead.

I'm seeing a urologist in the morning for more poking/prodding, and hopefully some more concrete details of what those results mean, and they're already talking about doing a biopsy.

The good news is, I may not need to bother worrying about cholestrol and low-fat diets.

Still developing.

 

That PSA test is screwy. Someone there is adding too many numbers, or mulitiplying instead of adding.

Anyway, does this mean you're gonna quit smoking?

It's good to know that lump is in your kidney. Not that that's GOOD, but I was sure it was a lump in your lungs, and man, was I bummed.

How are ya feeling? Run down, I'm sure.

Okay, have fun with those sadistic tests they do. We'll continue to pray for you, bro. Take care,

Eric

 

Run down, run over, run out, you name it.

Hehe. Will try to enjoy the sadism.

Appreciate the prayers.

 

Ahem!

 

Nag, nag, nag....



More than likely. That's been one of the "must do" items for quite a while.

 

BTW, been missing you around here for a LONG time. How are you doing?

 

I'm doing okay, all things considered. I've been trying to poke my head in here more often, I miss everybody.

We're about to renovate our room. Cindy and the kids flew to Philly today for a wedding, they'll be gone a week, and I'm going to trim out the new window, build a window seat, put in a built in entertainment center, put wainscotting up in our loft, remove the built in huge shelf, remove the baseboard and carpet tack from the closet, tile the bathroom floor and shower, and patch and paint the entire room. I of course won't get all this done in a week, but I hope to get a good bit done so Cindy can jump in and help do the painting. We hope to get it all done in a month....Here's hoping!

Cindy is working 2 days a week now, which has been really good for her. I'm glad she can finally get a couple days out, it helps one's mind a lot. Kolya is in Kindergarten, and loving it. Drexel goes to pre-school for a couple hours each day, and he enjoys it too.

Kolya and I went to Bushnell for the weekend last weekend, and really had a good time. She caught a small bass all by herself, complete with the thing jumping out of the water and everything. Kolya was loving every second of it. We also went for a walk and looked and birds, and flowers, and looked for caterpillars, but didn't find any. We also built a birdhouse of of a kit we got at the Dollar store, and Kolya painted it. it was a fun weekend.

So, yeah, life is going along, and we're doing good.

 

Glad to hear things are going well. You've had a few potholes in the road this year yourselves. The renovation sounds good, but sounds like a lot of work. Good luck getting a good bit of it done while the others are away.

 

Gary, been away for several days due to an ungodly work schedule; what's the latest?

 

I was going to wait until next week's test results were in before posting, since testing and getting more data has been like Chinese water torture, one drop at a time, but since you ask...

The urologist was more informative than the internist, and I'll be seeing a lot more of the urologist in the future. The PSA test results were valid. The reason for the two wildly different results so close together is that the PSA test is designed as an early warning test, and is very sensitive at low levels. It's not accurate for numbers that high, but numbers that high are beyond the point where fiddly accuracy means anything anyway, other than OH CRAP!.

I definitely have advanced prostate cancer, with cancer growth outside the prostate itself. The only question now is how much and how far is outside the prostate. I'm getting a bone scan Monday to see if it's in the bones. Probably is, considering all the joint pain I've had the last few months. Possibly (probably?) more tests to follow. Testing and planning all seems to be one step at a time (drip.... drip....drip....)

Long-term prognosis for advanced prostate cancer isn't very good, but we're still learning just how deep in the well I am, so at this point I don't have any real answers as to how long I may have, and I haven't pinned him down yet on exactly what to expect. Bone scan Monday, next visit with the urologist is Thursday. Hopefully I'll be able to get more concrete information from him then.

Primary treatment for "advanced" is hormone deprivation therapy, and he's already started me on that orally, with a heavy duty shot due next Thursday.

Still developing, darn it. Would be easier having everything laid out clearly.

On the brighter side, I'm not nearly as concerned as I used to be about the weak state of my retirement fund.

 

Dang.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/star17abby/cry.gif

Gary...Chris and I are absolutely devastated....Heartbroken...We are both at a loss for words. Will respond later after we get our emotions in check. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Love & Hugs,
Teresa & Chris

 

Gary,

um, ah ... loss for words.

Best wishes, you'll be in my prayers.


Kevin

 

Hey GT i am so sorry to hear the news, my best wishes and my families best wishes are with you..Take care Gary..

 

That's what I said.

 

my thoughts and prayers are with you always Gary.

i am at a loss of words for this only thing that comes to mind is Oh F%^&.

Best wishes.
Kristopher

 

Things like this just shouldn't happen to good people like you; I just don't know what else to say. I'm not very good with medicines and doctors and things like that, I just hope something can be done.

We know you are basically alone up there, and Teresa is willing to come up and help if needed. Just let us know what we can do.

 

GT,

I don't know what to say either.
I'm just so very, very sorry to hear about your news.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Maggie

 

That's the plan. Hormone deprivation therapy is good at shrinking the cancer and holding it down, but it's not a cure, only a treatment. And eventually becomes ineffective, but may help for as much as a few years. Mileage may vary, by quite a bit, and of course depends some on how advanced you are when they start it. They're still figuring out how far advanced I am. (shrug)

 

I am sorry to hear the news, Gary.

I don't know what to say...

 

I dont know what to say since I realy dont know you like other people since I am relitvely new here. Sorry to hear the bad news and good luck.

 

I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers guys. And don't start planning the Irish wake just yet.

 

Gary,
I'm so very sorry to hear this news. My family and I can only wish you the best.

 

GT,

No Irish wake being planned!

We want you around here for a long, long time!


Maggie

 

No, but a lively party with music and laughter always seemed a better way to memorialize the departed than standing around feeling miserable.

 

Sorry to hear this Gary. Not alot to say that hasn't already been said.

Hey, I know what will make it better. BEER It is saturday after all

 

Just came in from mowing lawn and read the forums.
I am so sorry to hear this GT. Please know my prayers and lots of others are going out to you.
Take care.
Gal

 

Gary,

Sorry to hear the news. My prayers are with you.

Ken

 

Gary,
I was sorry to hear the news, but I'm not planning an Irish Wake! Hopefully, you will be like the Energizer Bunny! Why don't we wait for New Orleans to dry out and attend a Madi Grai and tour Bourbon Street!

Best Wishes
Billy

 

Sending love and prayers your way, Gary. But you know that.

 

Man I'm sorry to hear this, not good at all.
Best wishes that you start feeling better soon

 

Just happened on the news today - and I am so sorry to hear you are ill.
The good news is that there is much that can be done to treat your condition, much more than even 5 yeas ago.

Regardless of my medical background, I still believe in the power of a good attitude and prayer, and have seen it result in true miracles. You will have many prayers and good wishes with you at this time.

Prayers and peace. WW

 

My God G.T...........................................I have no choice but to put my faith in modern medicine. That's all any of us can do, aside from praying for Gary. Let's not lose hope. My Mom's neighbor had advanced Prostate Cancer. To the point of aching legs for over 7 months, and it wasn't until he couldn't urinate, that he finally went to see a doctor. Thirteen months later.....the hospital gave him a certificate thingie, certifying he was cancer free. Yeah, he had to undergo some surgery, and grueling treatments for months, but they WERE able to rid him of the cancer. I will be praying that G.T's body can be ridded of this as well. I never even met Gary, and i'm crying typing this.
I hope he can feel me praying for him.

 

Oh dear, not what I wanted to hear at all! I've been away in Malaysia on business for most of the past week, so I only got to hear of this today. (Tnxs Abby.)

I am totally shocked and saddened by this bad news Gary.

Just don’t let the shock and negativity get the better of you. I know you’re a man of high integrity, and will do whatever it takes to lick the problem – and it can be licked, regardless of how spread it may, or may not be. A lot of the battle is in the mind as well as the body.

Those that have known me for a while, including your good self know that I am no stranger to cancer and chemo-treatments. All I can tell you, is always remain motivated, and never, ever give up. I’m living proof that you can beat the odds, eve though the path is not an easy one.

Gary, we’ve known each other for some years now, and you know you’ll always have my friendship and support.

I’ll be in touch with ya real soon. Take good care of yourself, my old friend.

 

-I just thought I'd add my best wishes to all the others.
-fiver22.

 

Oh no ....

Cancer has been affecting me quite a lot recently. One of the guys I went on holiday with died last weekend from lung and liver cancer. It's pretty shocking. You're a strong guy Gary, and I really hope you can pull through.

You're getting positive thinking from me

 

Gary our prayers are with you always. You are one of the stronger members here, God willing you will beat this thing.

May I take this time to beg the men of this board to please not wait to have that checked. Like someone said there are almost no symtoms to tell you when to go get it looked at.

 

Well... Hey there Gary!

It’s Gina, remember me?? I’ve been up to my eyeballs in insanity lately with my mother’s stroke, the death of a grandmother and my brother, who’s about to die of stupidity (debatable, because I may kill him first. *winks* ) My mother is better now and would probably be MUCH better if my brother would get clean and sober, but it ain’t happenin.’

On the bright side, remember my aunt who was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (the deadliest form of brain cancer?) Well, she’s getting better! I mean, she can’t do Chinese Algebra or anything but by God, I think she’s going to beat this…
And they gave her less than a year to live… Gary, she had a death sentence from the Mayo Clinic and the top Neurologists in this country, but she’s beating it! She is fighting and winning every day, and you can do the same. I agree with Phantom that you can lick this and that a lot of the battle is in the mind as well as the body.

Anyway Dear, I wanted to drop in and echo the sentiments of the other geeks and to tell you that I will be praying for you too. You will have us all there with you in spirit tomorrow. (Tell them to put out extra chairs. *winks*) Regardless of what you are told, keep that positive attitude because that is what will keep you with us.

So much has happened in my life in the last two years (and it would take a whole day just to fill you in) but I’ve seen death, and I’ve seen people survive against all odds. I know this is the scariest thing that can ever happen to a person, but I also know in my heart of hearts that it can be beaten and WILL be beaten by you!

I hope the cartoon (below) doesn't offend you, but I've seen for myself that humor is the best medicine. I just want to make you laugh.

May God continue to bless you with strength, courage and determination.

Love and Hugs,
Gina

PS: Thanks for the heads up, Abby Sue.

 

WORD

By the time any symptoms show up, it's way too late.

 

@ Ginanatl - LOL. My urologist has smaller hands, thank you.

Sorry to hear about all the trials in YOUR life recently, although it sounds like you're coping well, and good to see you back around.

Like you, I've helped bury loved ones, and I've seen things nothing short of miracles in my own circle. I'm not naive enough to think I'll live forever, but am definitely open to any help, medical or from a higher source.

Synchronicity.... just after posting yesterday's long post, I pulled up MusicMatch Jukebox & dialed in some quiet music as background while working on bills & checkbook, and the first song up was "Live Like You Were Dying", by Tim McGraw, which I'd never heard before. I don't know what that country song was doing on a "Soft Pop" station, but it was just perfect.

 

Haha, GT said "word".



GT, nothing I say can really express the feeling I had when I read that you had cancer. It made me think of the things I had been worrying about. lol, they were important to me earlier, but not so much now. Sometimes you just realize the bigger picture, yaknow.

My economics teacher had testicular cancer, and he missed a few days at the beginning of school because of the surgery. He's doing very well, excited to teach us and learn from us every day.

They'll get this GT. Today must have been very difficult. But you have your family's love, and our love. You'll be ok.

*hugs*

Maria

 

Hey Gary.... GT
Best Wishes!

Hang in there buddy, Everyones thinking about ya, Chin's Up!









Sometime's Life gives ya an ugly Duck, we can only hope it shit's golden eggs

 

Hugs =( xxx

 

Thinking of you Gary and just praying and sending hugs and love your way