getting away helps.

I have had a similar experience. I gained a lot of knowledge here relating to my surgery, catheters, pads, ED drugs, etc. Thank you all for that.

When I finished with the pads and got my first 0 (hopefully many more to come), I continued to look at this site more than once a day. I get off on all sorts of side issues that don't even apply to my situation such as brachytherapy which doesn't apply since I no longer have a prostate to embed the seeds in. All this data are very interesting and helpful to many but since I find myself looking at it almost all the time, it is time for me to resolve to stay away for a while.


John

Dale
I have to agree. The balance I try to strike on a place like this is that you do not let yourself get overwhelmed or too involved in issues that can arise. Also, make sure we are not taking care of others at the expense of ourselves.

I try to find guys on here with whom I can relate, or have a special bond. Call them up. Talk on the phone. If I am close, we go out for lunch. Keep it a support system - for both good times and bad. But if the site triggers fear, anxiety, or any negative feelings at all, it's time to take a break. I can't save the world and I don't have all the answers. All I can do is help a friend by listening and understanding the fear.

To that end - I have met a good friend in my PCa support group who told me that the average man in America has one best friend. it is his college roommate and he lives 1000 miles away. We have often talked about how grateful we are that we were able to make a new friend with such a deep bond which has allowed us to discuss the most private aspects of our lives - and discover that all that embarrassment was for nothing.

Use this place to not only find PCa answers, but use to it find a friend and confidant as well. Even if it's just on the phone, you will discover it is worth the risk.
Paul

Ditto, Rob
about 10 months ago I ran into a friend here in town and asked, "Howya doing?" His reply, "I,ve got prostate cancer." I said I was sorry and that was about it until 2 months later I was diagnosed. He was the first person I called. He went through the many radiation treatments and I thought that was the way I"d go until I came to this site and, with this feedback, the Doc's input, family suggestions and my own research, opted for surgery. I've spoken with my friend a few times but he doesn't want to talk about the cancer. I've suggested this site to him...perhaps he's visited. I don't know. This place can either be a heartbreaker or a complete joy. I've read some terrible stories here, but have found a lot of great information. I think I'll stay for awhile.

Bob

I agree this is a good thread. I also agree that at times one needs to take a break from PCa. I too  have found this site to be extremely helpful and find myself drawn to the stories of the members. I do not  post all that frequently as my primary treatment modality is radiation and ADT so I have little advice to give those who chose surgery. But occasionally there is someone to whom I can contribute. At least that is my hope.

Thanks to all.

Don

I've accepted the fact that PCa is a part of my life. It doesn't matter if my PSA continues to be undetectable or not. The chance that it will rise in the future always hangs over my head, but I am OK with that.

Spending time on this site has become part of my life as well. I feel the triumph and joy when I read a post where a member describes a triumph, and I feel the pain when a member is down for some reason.

Right now I feel pretty good even though I still have incontinence problems and an erection is a distant memory. I get a lot of good information from this site and try to contribute when it feels appropriate.

As long as PCa is a part of my life, so are my visits to this site.

Bob

Actually this is a fantastic thread...I know lots of folks that come here for awhile and then disappear. It often made me wonder why and it now seems pretty clear that some folks get burnt out and need a break. So hopefully sometime down the road they will be back. This site I visit nearly daily and often, although I don't post as much as my answers seem pretty much redundant to what others have already said.

But for me personally, this is a place to listen to people, relate to them in some way, and offer any support if I can. I remember quite too well the anxiety I went through in the beginning and even though I am only out from surgery less than a year, I am able to remain calm, enlightened and confident that this phase of my life is past me. It's also a great feeling to know that if by chance I need followup treatment, there are folks here that have been down that path before me and will be more than willing to jump in and help or offer advise whenever it is needed.

For those that took a break, I fully understand, but please come back sometime if nothing more than to update your signature and just to say hello and let everyone know all is well with you.