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Seven Years. Gunner34 is still kick’n, followups, and new scan activity

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Posted 2/19/2020 12:21 PM (GMT 0)
Gunner,
Wow Yours is a very inspirational story to me as well. We were diagnosed nearly the same time 7 years ago, but you have had quite the journey in that time, lots more treatment than I have, and it looks like you are 12 years younger than I am also. If we knew back then what we know now....So your story is trully remarkable.Thanks for all the details above, and as always keep us posted, borrowing your tag line, keep the faith.
Wings
Posted 2/19/2020 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Gunner: Thank u for taking the time to post such a encouraging and thoughtful post. I really enjoyed ready your story, very inspirational. Best of luck, MM
Posted 2/21/2020 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
Wings of Eagles

Use that tag line as much as you want! It’s not mine, I borrowed it from my correspondence with Vince Flynn, a well known fiction writer (Mitch Rapp series) that I had some correspondence with right after I was diagnosed. Vince signed off every one of our phone calls and each email with “Keep the faith!”. Vince also had advanced prostate cancer.

I learned a lot about coping from Vince in a short amount of time. I was diagnosed in January of 2013 and he was instrumental in getting me to Mayo and my doctors there. We had a lot to talk about because we were very close in age, our initial diagnosis and scans were very similar in terms of metastasis, and turns out we knew a lot of the same people.

Unfortunately, Vince passed away just 5 months after we were introduced. That was a sharp reminder for me that this journey wasn’t going to be easy and that it can be cut short all too easily.

Cyclone and the rest of you guys -appreciate your comments.

KEEP THE FAITH!!

Gunner
Posted 2/27/2020 8:55 AM (GMT 0)
Reviewed my latest MRI and C-11 Choline Pet Scan with my doctor. Dealing with Avascular Necrosis in both hip joints. Tissues are tearing away from the bone. This is most certainly a cause of some of my pain. As for the cause? I don’t think about that too much but I’m sure the volume of initial Mets in my pubic bone on both sides followed by 7 years of Lupron, Chemo, radiation, proton ,beam, Xtandi, Zytiga, Erleada and other treatments were all contributors.

Worst thing about my appointment is that we’re not concerned right now about the avascular necrosis. There are some hot spots On the scans that need some attention. I have 2 biopsies scheduled. The first is to look at and biopsy lymph nodes in my windpipe/lungs. Then I’m having a bone biopsy of my sternum and possibly clavicle. So I suspect some changes are to come. Continuing on Lupron and Erleada for now.

I’ve mentioned that battling fatigue and pain is a daily and sometimes hourly challenge. Sheer will sometimes loses the day. That’s ok. I battle to be where I need to be and take my refuge in the meantime.

I wanted to keep this thread going instead of starting a new one. Depending on the results of my biopsies there may be a new topic for me to discuss. Until then, Keep the faith!

Gunner
Posted 2/27/2020 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
Gunner, i think it was Gilda Radner who said "its always something". (Probably a lot of others said it too).
You've been a fighter and obviously have a great attitude, You know how to handle this stuff, mentally, as well as anyone here. Keep on keepin on.
Posted 2/27/2020 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Gunner,
Your PSA is still down. You're a good navigator. Good luck and please continue to keep us informed.
Posted 2/28/2020 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
Gunner - My sons and father went to STMA where Vince Flynn was a famous alumni. He was the first person I thought of after I got my diagnosis (my Dad was actually first). Small world.
Posted 2/28/2020 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
All right Gunner! Good news on the 7 years and the PSAs not increasing! God bless!
Posted 3/1/2020 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
thanks, Gunner. you were SO young at dx. And now SO much an inspiration to us all. Prayers for your continued success.
Posted 3/1/2020 10:52 AM (GMT 0)
Gunner, I was just reading an article from the newspaper last week about the hard life the miners endured here in Northern MN and how tough the guys were. Then I read stories like yours and I know who the really tough guys are here in MN!! I want to thank you for your encouraging words it's guys like you and Todd, Cyclone, Purgatory and many others that keep me humble when I want to complain about some of my SE's!! Hoping 2020 is a good year for you and hope that you can find some relief from the pain! Larry


P.S. oooooops I know there are lots of other tough guys from other states too! 😊😊😊
Posted 3/14/2020 2:03 PM (GMT 0)

Hello, Gunner34,

I have been thinking of you.

You mentioned a recent choline PET scan, and I just had my latest one at Mayo Clinic for Dr. Kwon. Thankfully, as we both know, the choline scan goes relatively quickly, compared to other scans.

You mentioned an upcoming lung biopsy in your latest post. I had one of those when I was first diagnosed. I'm thinking about you.

I wanted to let you know that I am mindful of you, as you pursue additional diagnostic tests.

We are ALL here for you.

Each day, I am sending you 100% of my encouragement and support, and I am thankful for the encouragement you have shared with me over time.

I just wanted to let you know you have been remembered in my prayers and thoughts.

Let us know how you are faring, Gunner34. You've got a band of brothers and sisters here ----- comrades, one and all.

May your courage be undaunted,
Cyclone --- Iowa State University
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