HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Far worse than cancer

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/11/2007 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
My silence on the board since my bad pathology report has been due to a family tragedy. Our son took his own life just before we returned from my out of town surgery. Therefore, instead of concentrating on my recovery we were instead making all the necessary phone calls and arrangements. We are devasted emotionally and physically drained. There are no words to express our sadness. I completely repressed my illness through this horrible period. We are only now beginning to return to the matter of my prostate cancer. We appreciate your prayers and thoughts.

My recovery from the da vinci surgery has seemed to progress okay. I start work tomorrow. Still going through some pads but gaining some control. Erectile function seems to be okay. It is very depressing to me to now begin the search for radiologist oncologist and GU oncologist. My first PSA test will be in about 6 weeks. It has been recommended to proceed with discussing/locating resources in case the PSA results are not good. I noticed several guys going through the same stage that I am at with trying to decide if and when radiation is appropriate. Obviously I would not be as concerned if not for the positive margin, T3 tumor and the extraprostatic extension.

Any recommendation for experienced oncologists in the Dallas- Fort Worth area would be appreciated.

I will once again lean heavily upon my friends from this forum.

Thanks so much.
Laswell

Age 55
PSA 3.9
Gleason 3+3=6
T2
Biopsy 7/16/2007
3 of 12 (2@<1.0mm / [email protected]
Da Vinci 10/17/07
1.5 hr.by Fagin
Saved both nerve bundles
New Gleason grade 3+4=7
Positive pathology - margin - focally involved left anteropical
Extraprostatic extension - focally identified
Paths stage pT3a, NX, MX

PSA in 6 weeks
Posted 11/11/2007 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Dear ~ Laswell, family, & friends…        Somethings…                 There are no words for   ~                                                         Only shoulders to lean on…     And “hugs” to comfort you as best they can…   Holding You Close in Thoughts and Prayers                                   Sending extra “hugs” at this time.    May the memories held deep within your heart ~ Help to soothe your spirit at this time.   We are so thankful to know ~ you are reaching out.. As a team ~ we can help you move forward.   And as friends ~ we feel your pain.   There are many shoulders here ~ so lean on all of us. Our thoughts and prayers surround you and your family.   No matter where we are in life…. things happen that are out of our control.   Take control of your pc and                       know there is strength in *numbers (*friends at HealingWell)!!! In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 11/11/2007 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, Laswell!! As Bulebird said, mere words cannot express our sadness at your news. Know that we will remember you, your family and your son in our prayers. I know you will find the strength to press on with your own treatment and recovery. God bless.
Posted 11/11/2007 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Laswell -- our thoughts and prayers are certainly going out to you. How rough a time for you! Can't even begin to imagine. Here's hoping your first PSA is a good number.
Hugs to you and your family.
;o) Linda & Bob
Posted 11/11/2007 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, My,
No words here either. Only condolences. Laswell, your loss is of the lowest of low points. I pray for you, your family, your hearts and your healing. Both from the surgery and the loss. God Bless you Laswell.

Tony
Posted 11/11/2007 8:15 PM (GMT 0)

So, so sorry for your loss. Will be thinking and praying for you and your family through this difficult time.

Sorry not to be able to help with the radiologist

Take care

Julia

Posted 11/12/2007 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
You have my deepest sympathy.

Are you close enough to Houston and M.D. Anderson for it to be feasible? M.D. Anderson is the absolute best.

-Les
Posted 11/12/2007 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Laswell,

Losing a child for any reason is probably the worst disaster a family can endure. MaryLu and I reach out to you and share your grief. While nothing can change the past, be assured that we are hoping and praying for a better future for you and yours.

Please stay with us...

Jim
Posted 11/12/2007 1:23 AM (GMT 0)

Dear Laswell,

I haven't the words to express my sorrow at your situation.  I can imagine nothing worse than the death of a child.  I offer my deepest sympathy.  I wish I could do, or say more.  My best to you.

I did radiation in Dallas at a clinic near Presby Dallas on 75 just north of the hospital.  They have a new radiation oncologist whom I don't know.  The phone number is 214-691-9377.  My situation was different than yours, but I was happy with my treatment and results.

I hope that you are able to find some peace in your life.

Regards,

Bill

Posted 11/12/2007 1:25 AM (GMT 0)

I am so sorry to hear about the tragic death of your son.  May you find comfort during this difficult time for you.

And I hope that you have a good outcome with your ongoing prostate cancer treatment.

Take care and hang in there!

Tim

Posted 11/12/2007 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Laswell,

My sincere condolences at your loss. My hope is that you have people there near you who can provide support and love through this mourning time.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Sue Bee
Posted 11/12/2007 4:07 AM (GMT 0)

Oh Laswell, I'm so sorry for your immeasurable loss. Losing a child is beyond any pain we're prepared to deal with.  You & your family are in my thoughts.

It's good to see you're looking forward and dealing with your continued care.  It is important you take the steps to learn all you can before a decision has to be made. 

It sounds small right now but please know that we're here for you.

Susan

Posted 11/12/2007 4:10 AM (GMT 0)
So sorry to hear your sad news. We will be here for you in any way we can.

KW
Posted 11/12/2007 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Laswell-

My heart breaks for you and your family.  I am so sorry for your loss.  It's any parents greatest nightmare.  You will be in our thoughts and prayers.  Please remember your friends here that will be thinking of you and hoping each day that passes gets easier. 

In peace,

doting

Posted 11/12/2007 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
Laswell,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time and forward.

God Bless, Vickie and Paul
Posted 11/12/2007 4:44 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Laswell,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I know suicide is one of the most difficult deaths to deal with, My 1st husband committed suicide and the only thought that helped me thru it was knowing that the pain he was feeling at the time he decided to take his life was finally over for him. I hope and pray that you and the rest of your family can get thru this tragic event. You are in our prayers. I am glad to see your are back to working on your cancer and I hope you will post often. Rick is a T3a patient and watching others post is very helpful.

God Bless you

Diana

Posted 11/12/2007 5:42 AM (GMT 0)

Dear Laswell

As the others mentioned, I'm sorry for your loss.  There's no way I can understand or feel what your going through.

As far as PC, you can see by my signature line that I'm very similar to you, even age wise.  Even though my first post surgical PSA was .01, because of my positive margins, my doctors were talking about adjuvant RT right away.  Recently revealed studies have shown that adjuvant RT within the first year for positive margin patients, will decrease the probability of reoccurance.  I wasn't excited about hormones, which my docs perscribed two months prior to radiation and want to continue for a total of two years.  I had virtually no side effects with the 32 radiation sessions, and so far, just a few with the hormones.  However, my surgeon mentioned that the RT has probably wiped out the nerves he spared.  Looking at both sides, I would vote for an increased probability of longer life than the nerves he spared.

Hang in there...you have lots of friends here, and a strong support group at home.

Posted 11/12/2007 9:07 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Laswell,

Our thoughts are with you at this very, very sad time. Lana & CJ

Posted 11/12/2007 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
Laswell,

No one really knows how to act with such a loss.

We, your saddened friends here, offer love and support - more than can ever be expressed on a computer screen.

As this and most any comfort offered by anyone likely rings hollow for you right now,
   - be assured that we hold on to hope for you and your family.

"The Light shines in the darkness and yet the darkness does not overcome it."

Your Friend,

CCedar
ICTHUS

Posted 11/12/2007 12:08 PM (GMT 0)

Laswell,

So very sorry about the loss of your son.  Our familly also is a survivor of suicide.  My 24 year old brother completed a suicide almost 20 years ago and it was devistating for everybody.  My mother has, since then, been very active in a group called SOS "Survivors of Suicide".   That group has been a lifeline for her.  I know she would be willing to talk to you or your wife.  Until suicide personally hits you or your family you have no idea how prevalant it really is.

As hard as it is...take care of yourself, physically and emotionally.

Julie

Posted 11/12/2007 1:40 PM (GMT 0)

Laswell - your loss is felt like a wave through this forum. There are no words to add, just our sincerest condolences.

We, too, think M.D. Anderson is a truly great facility, but sometimes it's best to be closer to home when dealing with some treatments. You're so fortunate to be in the DFW area as you'll certainly find some fine resources there.

Posted 11/12/2007 4:19 PM (GMT 0)

Laswell:

I can only echo all of the above and truly hope that this forum will be a comfort to you and your family who will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Dutch

Posted 11/12/2007 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
Laswell After reading your post I feel I no longer have any problems
Posted 11/12/2007 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
The words that come to mind are insufficient...May He hold your son on one hand and the rest of your family in the other.
Posted 11/13/2007 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Laswell - my heart is breaking for you, your family and your son. There are many excellent treatments out there and the survival rates are excellent. God bless all of you....kat
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12