I caught the cancer

[WBT 20884]

What type of melanoma?  I just had a lentigo maligna, which is the least dicey kind, removed from my right cheek two weeks ago at MD Anderson.  They got it all in the first try and left me with a cool zigzag scar from my cheek to over below my ear.  Best of luck to y'all.

[Shoxthemonkey 1992]

I just got a call that one of my longtime golf buddies is coming home from the hospital to enter Hospice care. He's been fighting esophageal cancer for several years and went to the hospital yesterday with pneumonia. One of the nicest, smartest guys I know. Cancer gives no fucks. He will be the first of our group to go and this will leave a huge hole. I'm trying to get a little work done before the holiday but I might as well go home. Fuck Cancer

[RDCanecutter 26853]

Latest scan shows no changes, knock on forehead.

Only thing I did different was not be as slack as I was with taking the Inlyta. Before, I'd skipped it whenever it gave me the shits, which it will that's a whole new level from a Mexican vacation. But this time I tightened up and popped those cancer-killin pills, and lived life knowing where the bathroom was at all times. Still managed not to make it onto the shart thread again.

Went by and gave the infusion nurses a hug, it's been almost half a year now since I last got juiced up.

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

An update for myself:

My midway scan showed Deauville 2, which is considered complete response, with resolution of my tumors (mediastinal mass still has some scar tissue but no abnormal metabolic activity).

Just gotta hope nothing new pops up.

Have 4 treatments left. It’s hard to walk and use my hands, but I’m making it a day at a time. LFG.

[Sbbruin 22082]

Good news, AC.  One day at a time is the only way to go.

Personally I've had some setbacks that have me just dragging ass so completely that I struggle to get through the days.  Work has been cool about it, but not sure for how long.  The one thing I'm really struggling with now is weight loss.  I had plenty of room to spare so it wasn't much of a problem for a long while.  And I flattened at about 165-167, which was fine.  But constant nausea and just a complete lack of appetite has me down to almost 155, which I haven't been since, shit, HS at least.  About 50 lbs total loss.  Problem is I won't be able to put on any significant weight really ever again, so for the near term I have to try to force calories into me.  I know that's a "oh poor guy" concern, but it is really troubling.  I could easily get by on less than 1000 cals a day, but I'll keep dropping and that ain't good.  It's a total reversal of what I've been trying to do for most of my adult life, which is limit calories when I can.  But it's just not as easy as "just eat more".  I can't.  Capacity and a total lack of desire to eat is fighting me.  Oh, and I've had diarrhea for about a month, so that's nice.  I shit my pants at work on Wednesday and had to leave.  Guess I should update that entry in the shart thread.  Oh, and I had a stroke.  No symptoms, but MRI revealed it.  My 20 year term life insurance policy is up in about a year and any agent will just laugh at me trying to get a new policy.  Onward and upward anyway.

[Not that Bob 743]

Can you eat ice cream. Seems like some dense calories. 

[RDCanecutter 26853]

1 hour ago, Not that Bob said:

Can you eat ice cream. Seems like some dense calories. 

Ice cream n whizgy.

[Stringer 1487]

I was told to add weight before my transplant and have been doing a lot of full fat yogurt (with powder protein, granola and berries) and protein smoothies (whole milk, peanut butter, powder protein, frozen fruit). I’ve gained about 10 pounds doing that, among other things. Those are the two that are probably least filling and easiest on the stomach, with still providing calories.

I’m sure you’ve had a million suggestions, so just throw these on the pile if not needed. Just wanted to pass along.

[Sbbruin 22082]

14 minutes ago, Stringer said:

I was told to add weight before my transplant and have been doing a lot of full fat yogurt (with powder protein, granola and berries) and protein smoothies (whole milk, peanut butter, powder protein, frozen fruit). I’ve gained about 10 pounds doing that, among other things. Those are the two that are probably least filling and easiest on the stomach, with still providing calories.

I’m sure you’ve had a million suggestions, so just throw these on the pile if not needed. Just wanted to pass along.

Good suggestions.  Trying ice cream, but it’s caused me to puke the last few times I’ve eaten it.  I feel like when I try something specific I burn out on it fast and it makes me nauseous.  Ensures are about a 50/50 proposition on booting.

[Not that Bob 743]

A Makers float is tempting. 

[Agent 13 318]

7 hours ago, Sbbruin said:

Good news, AC.  One day at a time is the only way to go.

Personally I've had some setbacks that have me just dragging ass so completely that I struggle to get through the days.  Work has been cool about it, but not sure for how long.  The one thing I'm really struggling with now is weight loss.  I had plenty of room to spare so it wasn't much of a problem for a long while.  And I flattened at about 165-167, which was fine.  But constant nausea and just a complete lack of appetite has me down to almost 155, which I haven't been since, shit, HS at least.  About 50 lbs total loss.  Problem is I won't be able to put on any significant weight really ever again, so for the near term I have to try to force calories into me.  I know that's a "oh poor guy" concern, but it is really troubling.  I could easily get by on less than 1000 cals a day, but I'll keep dropping and that ain't good.  It's a total reversal of what I've been trying to do for most of my adult life, which is limit calories when I can.  But it's just not as easy as "just eat more".  I can't.  Capacity and a total lack of desire to eat is fighting me.  Oh, and I've had diarrhea for about a month, so that's nice.  I shit my pants at work on Wednesday and had to leave.  Guess I should update that entry in the shart thread.  Oh, and I had a stroke.  No symptoms, but MRI revealed it.  My 20 year term life insurance policy is up in about a year and any agent will just laugh at me trying to get a new policy.  Onward and upward anyway.

A lot of term policies have guaranteed convertibility. Might want to check on that. Not cheap, though.

[RDCanecutter 26853]

18 hours ago, Sbbruin said:

Good suggestions.  Trying ice cream, but it’s caused me to puke the last few times I’ve eaten it.  I feel like when I try something specific I burn out on it fast and it makes me nauseous.  Ensures are about a 50/50 proposition on booting.

I have found that my taste buds will change from time to time, one week I'm eating like a guy who was born in Oaxaca, the next I'm like a 5-year-old from Minnesota who thinks catchup is too spicy. A glass of the same type of wine will taste like vinegar one month, OK the next, then like sickeningly-sweet syrup later on. Drugs, maaaaan.

[seven 1368]

Progress scan last week. All tumors are stable but my cea has been steadily rising the last 3 months after being demolished by the oxaliplatin. My spleen has kept growing and is now 2 in over normal in both directions and gobbling up my platelets, so I'm going to see an infectious disease doctor tomorrow and scheduled a pet scan next week. The fistula between my bladder and colon has settled down and I don't feel like killing myself when I have to piss, but I also now piss out "sediment" or "debris" as the doctors have called it. Urologist says there's basically nothing he can do except surgery and that would require going off treatment for a while which of course my oncologist is not a fan of. Seeing how it plays out for now. 

[seven 1368]

Well shit... Bunch of test results back and the doc wants to change my treatment plan due to the fistula. Stopping the xeloda pills and doing the 5fu infusions now. Stopping the Avastin so that hopefully the fistula will heal on its own. Adding Irinotecan and Vectibix. Might have to get a piss bag to go with my poop bag. This shit sucks. 

[Brisketexan 106618]

3 minutes ago, seven said:

Well shit... Bunch of test results back and the doc wants to change my treatment plan due to the fistula. Stopping the xeloda pills and doing the 5fu infusions now. Stopping the Avastin so that hopefully the fistula will heal on its own. Adding Irinotecan and Vectibix. Might have to get a piss bag to go with my poop bag. This shit sucks. 

But, I mean....on the bright spot, when you tell people you have a "fistula," that sounds kinda cool.  Or kinky.  Which is also cool.  So, you know...capitalize on it and stuff.  Impress chicks.

Because you gotta make up for the big reveal of a poop bag AND piss bag when it comes time to get busy.

We're here to help you plan and strategize.  No need to thank us, it's the least we can do for one of our own fighting cancer.

[Shoxthemonkey 1992]

On 6/30/2023 at 10:44 AM, Shoxthemonkey said:

I just got a call that one of my longtime golf buddies is coming home from the hospital to enter Hospice care. He's been fighting esophageal cancer for several years and went to the hospital yesterday with pneumonia. One of the nicest, smartest guys I know. Cancer gives no fucks. He will be the first of our group to go and this will leave a huge hole. I'm trying to get a little work done before the holiday but I might as well go home. Fuck Cancer

I'm headed out to the CC for his Celebration of Life.

Fuck Cancer

[Sal 1101]

On 5/15/2023 at 5:26 PM, Murfdogg21 said:

If he had a sense of humor, he’d have sent you two balls. Hope the third round was the charm!

The third round was the charm! I’m cancer free and in remission! No surgery either because my lymph nodes shrank back to normal and showed no signs of residual damage, not even evidence of necrotic tissue. I’m going to Hawaii, the Alabama game, and SE Asia by the end of this year. I know this is Surly, but my cynicism is gone haha. God is good! Time to party!   

[Wally Fairway 5664]

I finally have the update on Mrs. Fairway - 2nd biopsy results last week; clear margins. She is now on a dermatologist check every 3 months for the next 3 years, then maybe every 6 months. She is thrilled with the results; I wanted her to see an oncologist; but after I called the best one around here (UM Medicine Skin Cancer/Dermatoligy) they confirmed that with those results that she would see the dermatologist there and until there was a 2nd positive test they don't get a full oncology review or start a body scan to see if has progressed to other places (lymph nodes are most likely - so says Dr. Google) 

[Post Oak 20551]

9 minutes ago, Wally Fairway said:

I finally have the update on Mrs. Fairway - 2nd biopsy results last week; clear margins. She is now on a dermatologist check every 3 months for the next 3 years, then maybe every 6 months. She is thrilled with the results; I wanted her to see an oncologist; but after I called the best one around here (UM Medicine Skin Cancer/Dermatoligy) they confirmed that with those results that she would see the dermatologist there and until there was a 2nd positive test they don't get a full oncology review or start a body scan to see if has progressed to other places (lymph nodes are most likely - so says Dr. Google) 

 

[Hate 20232]

I go for an MRI tomorrow morning so I will finally have a path forward on my treatment. It’s been surreal because I found out I have cancer on May 1 and nothing has happened since. My life hasn’t changed at all, but after tomorrow shit is going to get real very quickly.

[Hate 20232]

I figured I may as well be hung over for my MRI tomorrow. Maybe I can fall asleep during it and wake up when it’s finished? That’s my game plan for tomorrow anyway.

[Damor 1245]

@Hate  If they're using the endorectal coil I'd recommend you show up still drinking in the waiting room.

[Hate 20232]

Well, I’m going to insure my BAC is elevated!

Edit: and I’ve got my favorite Grateful Dead shows downloaded and ready to go!

[Hate 20232]

Well, that sucked. And now I wait. 

[RDCanecutter 26853]

8 hours ago, Hate said:

Well, that sucked. And now I wait. 

Sooner or later all these scans have to give us super powers.

[Laxtonto 13013]

6 hours ago, RDCanecutter said:

Sooner or later all these scans have to give us super powers.

[Sbbruin 22082]

23 hours ago, Hate said:

Well, that sucked. And now I wait. 

Think positive thoughts.  I have my fist post operative scans next Thursday to see what cancer may be left, if any.  Hopefully none.  Wait and see.

[Braff Zacklin 13675]

2 minutes ago, Sbbruin said:

I have my fist post operative scans next Thursday to see what cancer may be left, if any.  Hopefully none.  Wait and see.

Fist? Sounds like you've consulted @futureman's proctologist.

[hookemATL 12228]

Fuck Cancer right in it's ass.  @Sbbruin & @Hate I will rub my magic crystals to send good juju for your results.

 

[woohorn 1131]

Haven't caught up on the whole thread, but I will to see who the prostate cancer crew are.

I got a stage 1 prostate cancer diagnosis earlier this summer. Highest of the Gleason scores was 7.

In my 50s and no symptoms other than elevated PSA, so it seems like they caught it early and it is immensely treatable right now. Scheduled surgery at UTSW for AFTER TX/ou, but recuperating during the holidays this Fall is going to suck.

[futureman 22664]

50 minutes ago, Braff Zacklin said:

Fist? Sounds like you've consulted @futureman's proctologist.

oh she isn’t a doctor 

but she is a professional 

[Hate 20232]

Haven't caught up on the whole thread, but I will to see who the prostate cancer crew are.

I got a stage 1 prostate cancer diagnosis earlier this summer. Highest of the Gleason scores was 7.

In my 50s and no symptoms other than elevated PSA, so it seems like they caught it early and it is immensely treatable right now. Scheduled surgery at UTSW for AFTER TX/ou, but recuperating during the holidays this Fall is going to suck.

So why did you choose surgery over radiation? Where are you having the procedure done? Do the use robotics?

[woohorn 1131]

So why did you choose surgery over radiation? Where are you having the procedure done? Do the use robotics?

Consulted with radiologist but radiation sounds brutal. Huge risk it frys your rectum so they have to insert a protective gel/spacer into your taint that stays there for the months you are having radiation 5 days a week. Also can radiate after surgery when it (inevitably) recurs, but can't get prostatectomy after radiation as I understand it.

Surgery scheduled at UT Southwestern in Dallas. I believe all prostatectomies are robotic now, but I expect a teaching hospital to have the latest and greatest gear.

[Gatorubet 30631]

13 minutes ago, woohorn said:

Consulted with radiologist but radiation sounds brutal. Huge risk it frys your rectum so they have to insert a protective gel/spacer into your taint that stays there for the months you are having radiation 5 days a week. Also can radiate after surgery when it (inevitably) recurs, but can't get prostatectomy after radiation as I understand it.

Surgery scheduled at UT Southwestern in Dallas. I believe all prostatectomies are robotic now, but I expect a teaching hospital to have the latest and greatest gear.

One of my best buddies did this. It was a trade off as he wound up not being able to get an erection unless he has some kind of shot, but he doesn’t have cancer anymore.  Acceptable trade off, and not always what happens.  Nerve nicked. 

he also says the shot lasts for two hours, so there’s that

[woohorn 1131]

Yeah. I think I heard 25% chance of needing pills and 25% chance of needing pumps or whatever-even in a case of early detection where there aren't external tumors/swelling. So 50% chance of natural boners. Still better than cancer, but that is why I ditched private practice urologist in favor of a SOTA teaching hospital.

[Hate 20232]

I got some good news, I think. The MRI did not show any signs that it has spread. I’ll likely decide my path forward at the beginning of next week. It will be nice to finally have some clarity.

[Hate 20232]

On 7/26/2023 at 4:09 PM, Gatorubet said:

One of my best buddies did this. It was a trade off as he wound up not being able to get an erection unless he has some kind of shot, but he doesn’t have cancer anymore.  Acceptable trade off, and not always what happens.  Nerve nicked. 

he also says the shot lasts for two hours, so there’s that

Did your friend have a surgeon using robotics? 
 

I spoke to my care manager today to talk about next steps. The 20x radiation option doesn’t sound too bad as long as the cancer does not come back in the prostate. 
 

the surgery option just seems like it really really sucks.  After the catheter, it’s likely 4 to 6 weeks of wearing depends. I’m 50 fucking 4. I shouldn’t be wearing diapers for another 20 goddamn years. Think I’ll make my decision tonight after drinking way too much bourbon.

[Gatorubet 30631]

10 minutes ago, Hate said:

Did your friend have a surgeon using robotics? 
 

I spoke to my care manager today to talk about next steps. The 20x radiation option doesn’t sound too bad as long as the cancer does not come back in the prostate. 
 

the surgery option just seems like it really really sucks.  After the catheter, it’s likely 4 to 6 weeks of wearing depends. I’m 50 fucking 4. I shouldn’t be wearing diapers for another 20 goddamn years. Think I’ll make my decision tonight after drinking way too much bourbon.

hate, listen to a doc you trust instead of some mook like me giving you hearsay stories.    I do know that my friend had it done at MD Anderson and that his surgical oncologist was top-flight.  But the thing is, there is always an element of risk in any surgery, and even the best surgeon has to contend with the fact that all of us are wired and plumbed differently.

Very happy to hear your news that it had not spread.

[Hate 20232]

Well, I think I’ve decided on surgery. The radiation option was sounding good until they mentioned the complications of it came back. If it comes back after surgery, all treatment options would be on the table. That would not be the case after radiation. The good thing is that my doc won’t be available until after Texas/OU weekend, so my annual trip to Port A is still on. That will be my last big blowout before shit gets real.

[woohorn 1131]

If it comes back after surgery, all treatment options would be on the table. That would not be the case after radiation.

You made the correct choice in your 50s. Radiologist told me retreatment option after radiation was basically chemical castration.

Think I remember hearing a 10-20% chance of being completely cured after surgery with Gleason 7, but otherwise it will come back if you live long enough.

[Hate 20232]

Yeah, that is my Gleason score (3+4). There is no sign of spread and the tumor seems to be in the middle, so I’m hoping for a better chance of them not getting into the nerves.

[RDCanecutter 26853]

3 hours ago, Hate said:

Well, I think I’ve decided on surgery. The radiation option was sounding good until they mentioned the complications of it came back. If it comes back after surgery, all treatment options would be on the table. That would not be the case after radiation. The good thing is that my doc won’t be available until after Texas/OU weekend, so my annual trip to Port A is still on. That will be my last big blowout before shit gets real.

Chicks dig scars.

 

[seven 1368]

vectibix is fucking me right now. It's caused a bad acne type rash on my face. At least 100 pimples on my face with another 50ish up in the scalp right now. Easily the worst side effect so far. 

[seven 1368]

My appearance is on the bottom of what I care about relative to this stuff but it's definitely giving me a 7 day meth bender vibe 

[RDCanecutter 26853]

Blast your favorite music from when you were 14, and pop those pimples onto the bathroom mirror.

[Gatorubet 30631]

37 minutes ago, RDCanecutter said:

Blast your favorite music from when you were 14, and pop those pimples onto the bathroom mirror.

You can make light of this, but his chances of getting a date to Sadie Hawkins are getting dimmer. 

[Gatorubet 30631]

On 7/31/2023 at 11:36 AM, RDCanecutter said:

Chicks dig scars.

 

If they are looking at his prostate surgery scars, he’s already in a pretty good place. 

[Basil 767]

On 6/29/2023 at 1:27 PM, Sbbruin said:

Careful what you read on the internet.  I googled my way around and it led me to some real dark places.  Whatever medical center you go with, listen to your doctors.  City of Hope has been remarkable, but there are high quality hospitals all over.  Are you in Texas?  If so, Anderson's reputation is top flight.  Just don't panic.  Do the work you're told to do.  Show up where they tell you.  And soon enough, god willing, it'll be behind you.  Peace to you and your wife.  You got this.

I hate new entries on this thread.  Fuck you cancer, you cunt.  

When I got diagnosed, I immediately googled everything and found out I was a coin flip to live or die.  When I got to MDAnderson, my docs said to knock that shit off because those stats are way outdated and I didn't know what to really read or how to understand it in any case.  Turns out they were more knowledgeable than me.  Don't google; ask doctors.

[Dennis Taylor 19284]

On 7/31/2023 at 11:19 AM, woohorn said:

You made the correct choice in your 50s. Radiologist told me retreatment option after radiation was basically chemical castration

 

Also, a terrible band name

Edited August 7, 2023 by Dennis Taylor

[Bevo 13825]

2 hours ago, Basil said:

When I got diagnosed, I immediately googled everything and found out I was a coin flip to live or die.  When I got to MDAnderson, my docs said to knock that shit off because those stats are way outdated and I didn't know what to really read or how to understand it in any case.  Turns out they were more knowledgeable than me.  Don't google; ask doctors.

One of the other things that skews 5 yr. survival rate is the quality of care. In general, MD Anderson is gong to have much more success in treating a cancer than some random doc in Sinton.