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This disease follows me, and I am a women!

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Posted 1/22/2008 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi to all.  Missed you all!  I have been on and read updates at times, just haven't found the time, or yet, made the time to post.  Kurt is doing great.  Still ALL ZERO'S!!!!!!  Yeah!!!!!!  But once again, for the third time in my life, this disease is affecting our lives.  His dad was diagnosised today.  Gleason 7, on 1 side.  PSA went from 1 something to 4.5 in this past year. He is 73.  What my question is is what is the difference between 4 + 3 and 3 + 4.  I didn't pay much attention to that with Kurt, being that he was a 6, and I didn't know this site when my dad was dx'd 15 years ago.  Kurt didn't ask his dad which he was, but I remember talk of differences.  Right now, his dad is talking about seeds, but still early.  Love to all!!!!!   Courtney
Posted 1/22/2008 1:23 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Courtney,

Glad to see you back here.  Sorry about Kurt's dad - he's my age.  I went from 3+3 to 3+4 post-op but don't know the answer to your question.  Hope someone here can answer you.

Please stay with us.  We missed you...

Jim

Posted 1/22/2008 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
Go to: http://www.phoenix5.org/grading.html for an explanation. Sorry, you'll have to copy and paste.

-Les
Posted 1/22/2008 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Courtney,
God Bless you! How are you doing. Great to read Kurts numbers, but not so good on his dad. Sorry to hear this. But it does stand to reason that this disease can be hereditary.

On the 3+4 or 4+3 thing. I was 3+4 when I was diagnosed and it was changed to 4+3 after surgery. This significance is such that the disease is more aggressive as 4+3. in literature the 3+4 will tend to behave more like a Gleason 6. A 4+3 will tend to behave more like a Gleason 8. But that stated, It's in a grey area. 6 and below are very curable when caught early. 8 and above are high risk and are treated usually with hormone therapy. But 7 is stupid. No easy choices for me but the positive margins made the decisions easier. At 73 Kurts dad will have some good choices though. You've been through that part and you and Kurt will be a great resource for dad.

Sorry for the reason you have come back, but you sure are very welcome here. Long story for me but I am OK and just keep on keeping on.

Tony
Posted 1/22/2008 2:29 AM (GMT 0)

Kziz:

From what I understand the first number of a Gleason represents the largest area of abnormal cells and the second number the next largest - therefore, a 4 + 3 would be higher than a 3 + 4.  Best wishes to your Dad.

Dutch

Posted 1/22/2008 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
If I remember right the first number represents the largest number of that level of aggression and the second number represents the second highest percentage.
Posted 1/22/2008 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all. Tony, glad to hear you are doing good. Like I said, I have on occasion, checked on you all, just haven't posted. Seems like much more homework for 5th graders these days, not to mention 15 year old issues. Jim, I liked the trimax post. Kurt and I both learned alot. I think of all of you everyday. Just trying to get life back to normal here, but here we go again. We prayed for a better year this year, as I am sure we all do, but something about Jan. that doesnt sit well with us. My dad lost his battle on Jan. 29th, 1997. Kurt dx'd Jan. 29th 2007, and now his dad, Jan. 21st, 2008. What are the odds? We will SURVIVE!!!!!!! Love you all!!! Courtney
Posted 1/22/2008 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Kziz - fantastic to hear you two are getting the ZEROs. Like the others say, Kurt's dad is in an age/range and stage that offer many options. I know it brings back all the emotions of your own ordeal. Please hang in there and let us know how things are progressing.
Posted 1/22/2008 1:37 PM (GMT 0)

kziz,

Good to see your husband is doing so well - may he continue!

On your father in law's side - I'm sure he's extremely thankful he has you both to talk to - someone who's already been through this.

Another reminder that this disease runs in families. Da*n it.

I'm hoping for the best for you all,

Susan

Posted 1/24/2008 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all, thanks for the congrats on Kurt. He will continue to do well. We have decided to skip Jan. next year though! Haha. Kurt's dad is a 4 + 3 with 25% of 3 cores out of the apex. Any info would be great. And yes, I feel like a lot of research has been done because of Kurt's PCa, so we are 1 step ahead. Thank you for this web site and to all the blessed members who stay more active than myself. I truly do not know where I would be without you all. Courtney
Posted 1/27/2008 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
  Yea !! Kurt & Courtney,       PSA’s   !!! ~~~ >>>   Woo ~ Hoo <<< ~~~ !!! undetectable   Cause for celebration!!!!!   Definitely!!! What a wonderful day it is ~ each and every-day ….     Enjoy it to the fullest.     In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   *      *      *      *      *      * The ultimate “goal”… we all strive for… Thank you for sharing! It is very important to “all ”of us!   This is a way of positive feedback… A way of showing others Hope… and a way of Sharing.   J   Caring is Sharing ~   Thank You for Sharing   J   Hey ~ Courtney & Kurt, Great news on the PSA’s…  Sad to hear about the new diagnosis in your family!   Well ~ your right about one thing!!!   You know where to come.   No matter how much time passes…. There will be helping hands reaching back… Please know we care about you and yours… as you travel another path with more Knowledge.  Our thoughts and prayers remain with you ~ always.  Hugs from Lee & Buddy
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