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What this forum has meant to me

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Posted 5/2/2007 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
I’ve been following this forum since late last year. In a large part it has been as a reader, as I had very little to offer in the way of experience, advice, etc. Now that my surgery is over, and my recovery is well underway, I hope to be of more help, as I offer my two cents worth to the discussions.
But, I wanted some of you regulars to this forum (Bluebird, swimmom, biker90, jetguy, Green Acres, Tamu, pcdave, and so many more) to know than even though I’ve never met any of you, just what all of you and this web site have meant to me.

You were in this with me - when I thought I was the only one.
You were reassuring - when I was ready to panic.
You were answers - when all I had were questions.
You were strength - when I felt I had none left.
You were advice - when I wasn’t sure what to do.
And most importantly
You were a friend - when I felt so alone.

To the newbies to this forum:
If you are looking for support, you have put yourselves in good hands.

To all the veterans:
Thanks.

Mike
Posted 5/2/2007 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Mike - how good to hear from you. Wish you'd been visible to us whilst you were going through your journey. So glad though that we were all here with our experiences to help you.

It always amazes me to realize that each and every thing we say just may impact someone without us even knowing it.

We found this forum about 3 weeks post surgery and how we wish we had found it 6 months earlier when we too had our decision to make. We did have the "advantage" (?) that Bob's older brother had been through the very same thing 18 months prior to us so we didn't have as much of the trauma as someone totally not expecting cancer.

Keep us posted; help those newbies and hi again.

;o) Linda & Bob

PS - Mike we notice from another post of yours that you were also only spared one nerve (as was Bob). We have recently opted for injections of Trimix for intercourse and the results are very favorable once the "trauma" of sticking oneself has been dealt with. Read our postings on "injection therapy" along with Tamu; Raheeb; EB and others.
Posted 5/2/2007 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mike and welcome to the best place for support, info and hope.

Like Linda said, you never know how or who your experiences might benefit so keep posting. We have so many different situations represented here with so many different diagnoses and treatments that every who contributes is going to help someone. Sharing our emotions as we make the journey is also valuable to us and to those that follow. I was told early on to "let it fly" because this forum is not required reading for anyone and someone's bell might ring by reading my experience.

Keep up the good work and best of luck...

Jim
Posted 5/2/2007 9:45 PM (GMT 0)

Mike,

When I look at the hits that are made to threads on this forum it just amazes me.  We know that there are a lot of lurkers and that is okay.  If someone achieves knowledge through our interchanges then that is all the thanks that we need.  PC is not just dealing with the medical treatment.  It is so much more.  It impacts your life as you know it and changes it.  I reflect upon my journey and see that although I despise having had PC I do believe that I am a better person as a result.  The other thing about this forum is that it just swells you with emotions from all of the commitment and help that people providing.  It gives you a boost about the goodness in human nature.  Love thy neighbor is no doubt the theme of this forum for that is what many are doing everyday. 

Take care my friend and recover well. 

Tamu

Posted 5/3/2007 12:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Mike. Sounds like you're doing great - and all will be well in the future. I, too, lurked for about a month, scarfing up information before jumping in. In fact, it is here that we first learned about the da Vinci robot! Then, it was off to the races - getting more info and finding a doctor with "more than a few" surgeries under the belt.

There are strengths to be gained and given here and it's a "pleasure" to see you coming into this amazing circle of folks - vets and noobs alike.
Posted 5/4/2007 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know how I would have handled everything without all the support and advise on here.
Glad to bo on here with all of you.

See ya
Posted 5/5/2007 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Mike A,
Hello, I am Kitt and I am glad you have found what you needed from this forum. It is wonderful the way the members know their options and understand their medical problems.
Someone always has an answer or knows where to find it.
Please feel free to post and let us get to know you. Either way you are a valued member.
Posted 5/16/2007 7:09 PM (GMT 0)
Having been gone for 11 days and to come home to a message like this….   W.O.W ……    This is Powerful...               Mike ~ This “HUG” is for “You” !!!!!   J   You have truly touched the soul/spirit of so many here on this forum The greatest gift we can give someone is a HUG…. It is a gift we truly don’t mind returning…     Thank you for the powerful message that has come through loud and clear!!!   We accept it with open arms… Knowing that we do make a difference is food for the soul.     Happy tears ~ bring a warm heart….      This message is truly Heartfelt ……   from Lee & Buddy
Posted 5/18/2007 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Mike, I, too, was able to find answers here without having to "sign in" . It helped both of us so much. Thank you for putting your history with your signature. BTW, B is doing fantastic (his word), back at the gym without self-consciousness and feeling great. Becky
Posted 5/19/2007 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mike

Thanks for the beautiful sentiments that you have expressed here.  I can see that it comes from your heart.  We are all here to help each other and when we hear that our efforts are appreciated it means a lot to us.  I am so happy to hear that you are doing well.  I hope that all of your future PSA tests will be happy ones.  God Bless!

Dave

Posted 5/19/2007 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Mike, Your comments are great and just what I would expect to see in this forum.  If you haven't read it (and I haven't gone back to see if any of the postings were yours) take a look at the "laugh" thread.  I hope that you get a smile from the old St. Elsewhere gag. Doesn't anyone else remember that show?
Posted 7/28/2007 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
    Yea !   ~     Mike,   2nd      PSA…    !!! ~~~ >>>   Woo ~ Hoo   <<< ~~~ !!! Undetectable   Cause   for    celebration!!!!!   Definitely!!!       What a wonderful day it is ~ each and every-day ….     Enjoy it to the fullest.   Yippeeeee!!!!!! From   Lee & Buddy *      *      *      *      *      * The ultimate “goal”… we all strive for… Thank you for sharing ~ that your goal has been met…. 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         Threads started by Mike A (direct links ~ just click on the title!   Reminder to click on the REFRESH  icon once there)   05-02-2007      What this forum has meant to me   (currently on this thread!!)    
Posted 7/28/2007 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Partial Quote from Mike… I hope to be of more help, as I offer my two cents worth to the discussions.      Hi ~ Mike,   You have far surpassed 2 ¢   worth ….. with 63 Reply postings to others lending encouragement and positive vibes… Thank you for staying close and it’s really good to see your PSA results.   Signatures are sooooooo important!!!!!!  So we know where our friends are on their journeys...   We continue to keep you close in thoughts and prayers. In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 7/28/2007 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
What a nice thing to say Mike -- and so well expressed. I also wish I had found this forum before my surgery, but I'm glad I found it when I did, which was about three weeks out.

I don't remember how I found my way here but I remember it was on Superbowl Sunday, 2007.

Just before the game, I signed on with the handle, "PianoMan," because I'm an amateur piano player.  I'd never used that name on the net before. Then, within about two minutes I hear Billy Joel singing the national anthem at the game! "Must be kismet," I thought.

And I was right.  For me, this forum has been a source of strength, comfort -- even a good laugh once in a while.  Ya can't ask for more than that.

Posted 10/1/2007 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
  Hi ~ Mike,   Thinking of you and wanted to let you know!   You have contributed so much to this forum and I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you! Hope things are going well for you and yours… as we continue to move forward. Keeping you close ~ In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 10/1/2007 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
Mike, Well said. You probably speak for all of us who have been here more than once. . .Walt
Posted 10/2/2007 1:59 AM (GMT 0)

Mike,

Amen brother. These special people came to my aid last week, just as they have for so many others.

God has sent His special angles into our lives. Your words are so true about what these people, including yourself, can do to help put ours lives in order. Cheers to Mama Bluebird and her band of brothers and sisters.

I love you all......................and WAR EAGLE.

Walt

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