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Metastatic Prostate Cancer - milestones to live by

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Posted 6/3/2017 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Its Nov 2013, I get diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. Look online and it tells me I have a 50/50 chance to live five years. (Dec 2018 Zygita and I will still be friends)

So I set my life goals by life events.

Oldest daughter (Kate) HS graduation. Check
See oldest daughter go to college. Check
See oldest daughter on college soccer field. she played and I missed. Has transferred, maybe Fall 2017.
Youngest daughter (Liv) HS graduation. June 2018 prognosis looks good.
Kate graduate from college as a nurse - Dec 2020 - Good chance.
Live graduate from college. 2022 - Optimistic.
Weddings, grand kids all on the list.

Then what happens is life goes on and you reach milestones you did not plan on.
My dad's birthdays. He is well into his 80s. (and a survivor) Every July he gets a year older, and we eat more seafood.
Metastatic - 4/2017
godson/nephews wedding - this Labor Day. And I am the JP. Pretty nice unexpected milestone.
They keep adding up and I keep living.

I guess what I am trying to say is that we live the life we have, we can not plan when we go and how long we stay,. However we live it to the fullest, keep our loved ones fooled that we are not worried about mortality, an await the reaper. I for one, will go down fighting to the last. all I ask that each one of you keep your head high, keep up the fight, and live your life. The rest of us our your sons, your brothers, your friends, we are there for you and you are there for us. And never forget those who live with the uncertainties, I have a wife and kids, siblings and a parent. Not easy for them, but it is not their life.

I love my life and I would not change it for the world ! Be brave, be strong and keep fighting.
Posted 6/3/2017 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
It was about 18 months ago that I was told I had Stage four cancer. Turns out that about 30% of it (as of 14 months ago) does not produce PSA. What makes it better is that it is more aggressive. Insurance companies say that does not matter, just follow PSA. Fighting both the medical and insurance companies since then. I hope that they never need a favor from me. Still here, still fighting, still living life.

We most all fight for ourselves. At the same time, we must cherish those around us.
Posted 6/3/2017 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Keep on keepin' on, kmclark1.

No one has an expiration date stamped on them. It sounds like you're doing great, and have a very healthy attitude. That's inspiring!
Posted 6/3/2017 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Kmclarck, very nice post, thank you
Posted 6/3/2017 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, a good post. Those milestones keep me going, even during dark moments.
Michael
Posted 6/3/2017 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
As Sonny says......every day is a gift. It is up to each of us to make each day count.

Great posts and best wishes to all for many more special days.
Posted 6/3/2017 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Great post. I need to read something like this.



Thanks.
Posted 6/3/2017 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
kmclark1,
Yep your right on with the short term goals I love them. As Murphy said to Marcus in the movie "Lone Survivor" Marcus Never out of the fight!!" And as Jimmy Valvano famous North Carolina State University basketball coach said at the ESPY's several years ago and just before he died of cancer, "Never give up, dont ever give up!!!" I believe we all have to live each day to its fullest, even if that day is like mine was today having breakfast, spraying some weeds having soup of lunch being exhausted and take a nap/rest most of the afternoon. Then making my wife and I dinner with chicken on the outside grill.
I was diagnosed 10/2013 with stage four also and given less than a year with all the mets and gleason 8 and pain up the wazoo. But I have seen both grandchildren born grandson will be 4 end of July and granddaughter will be 2 end of June. We have train tickets to DC since I can not take a 6-7 hour car ride to celebrate their birthdays.
Guys keep making those goals and pass those milestones every darn day.
Carpe Diem in Latin seize the day!
Thank you kmclark1 we need a bunch more positive like this and encouragement to each other.
Posted 6/3/2017 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
Right with you kmclark1.

I was diagnosed in July 2013 and was shown a nomogram that suggested good chance for 8 years.

Here I am 4 years later feeling great. Passed many milestones and today off to my grandsons 18th birthday party.

Would be nice to think one day I could be a great grandad! Actually I think I am a great grandad, maybe I mean a great-grandad!

For me, passing milestones are more important than ticking off bucket list items. Come to think of it I don't really have a bucket list, but plenty of milestones left to pass.

Good thread.

Chas
Posted 6/3/2017 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
Keep on planning and celebrating those milestones, as constraints may allow. They are Wonderful and Priceless. Also remember, "“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
Posted 6/3/2017 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
kmclark -

Nice post - Keep up the fight!

Bobby Mac
Posted 6/3/2017 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hey kmclark1

Keep setting those milestones and the posts coming our way as a newly diagnosed stage 4 guy these posts are enlightening. I am a very positive and upbeat guy but it is always nice to read these.

Have a beautiful weekend!
Posted 6/3/2017 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
Real great post, kmclark1-

it is hard, daily, to suppress worry- but setting those milestones, aiming towards the better moments in the near future, keeps me half sane at least-
thanks for the post
rf
Posted 6/3/2017 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
kmclark1
Yes, this was,one great post, even greater when you post your signature update, PSA down to 1.04 last month ,and I claim for you ahead of time, down to undetectable next month!. Zytiga is a powerful drug, and will hopefully be your friend, and long lasting.

We faced that same harsh "maybe 50% chance after 4 to 5 years" after being Dx. (I already broke thru that glass ceiling, as I am determined not to be a statistic!)We both have similar DX facts, Stage IV with high PSA upon Dx ,and with some bone mets. you are 59,yrs old, I am 61, your Gl was 8 ,mine was 7. Your "downturn and ride" on Lupron has been better than mine was, which should mean you'll do well on ZYTIGA.

As far as milestones, I think your post was right on, and a great reminder to us all, as others have stated. Cherish everyday, every moment, see the beauty of the simplest things like sunrise, sunsets, and the natural world around us. Most especially cherish all those close to us, and enjoy every moment we can with them, because it's now that their memories of us will be everlasting.
Keep the Faith,
Wings aka Dan in hot So Cal
Posted 6/4/2017 1:35 AM (GMT 0)

Hello KMCLARK1,

Those are some meaningful milestones ...

Perhaps we are ALL more mindful now of the "big things and the little things" along the pathway of life ...

Some time ago, I realized I had seen over one thousand sunrises and one thousand sunsets since I was diagnosed ...

It made me more mindful and more thankful ...

Here's to more milestones, KMCLARK1 ... AND more sunrises and sunsets !

"Cyclone" ~ Iowa State University
Posted 8/23/2017 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Just on update on milestones. Some pretty good things have happened are will happen shortly.

My oldest daughter has transferred to UMass Boston and has made the women's soccer team. Another chance to see her play for the first time. Pretty excited by it as I have coached or watched her play since 2001.

Labor day weekend I will performing my nephew and god son's wedding ceremony. It is an honor and a privilege.

Amazing ride since I last posted.

I tell you, I hate this Lupron/Zytiga SE's started getting teary eyed writing this thing. I think the Zytiga is making it worse.

Anyways, enjoy the rest of the summer.

Mike
Posted 8/23/2017 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
two base hits on both your posts kmclark. The high risk guys continue to be the inspiration for the rest of us.

Thanks a lot man. Keep it up....


smile
Posted 8/23/2017 9:51 PM (GMT 0)
This is pretty amazing, Mike! Love your attitude!
Posted 8/24/2017 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
So encouraging and uplifting to read. Great reminder. Thank you!
Chris
Posted 8/24/2017 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
I missed this thread as I do so many lately. You share much wisdom in your words. Keep going.
Posted 8/9/2019 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
So a couple new milestones.

Started the ProStar Trial. (see my other post)
Was recruited at the age of 60 to a new professional position which I started this week.!
Will be officiating my 2nd wedding for a couple who are dear friends this weekend.

Live your life, dont let PCA take that away from you.
Posted 8/9/2019 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the update!! 👍👍

Larry
Posted 8/9/2019 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Great stuff, KMC!
Posted 8/10/2019 10:59 AM (GMT 0)
Fantastic update! Some really wonderful milestones there, and an amazing attitude. Great stuff!
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