Got some new referrals that I needed

My urologist/surgeon approved two new referrals for me today, as I continue this bizzare PC journey.

I am being sent to the Gibbs Cancer Center in Spartanburg, SC, to get set up with a new medical oncologist, now that my SRT has failed.  Don't have a particular doctor picked at this point.  This center is affiliated with MD Anderson.  I do need to find someone to go over my entire case, and give me a fresh look at my situation.

Secondly, I have dropped out of the re-hab program at my local hospital.  After spending 5 1/2 months there, 2 times a week, I am in no better condition than when I started.  They would probably be ok for normal physical rehab, i.e. broken bones, back problems, etc, but they are utterly clueless in dealing with a cancer patient with the complications of a fresh stoma and the side effect issues I have from all my ill-fated treatments.

I will be going to the Oncology Rehab Center at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville.  This is the same place that I did it 11 years ago.  They have a new center now.  I will, among other things. have access to hydro therapy, a oncology dietician, and all the other icing.  It was a good experience for me before, hoping they can help me get some stamina back after fighting so much pain and fatigue.  Plus I need to be in better shame for whatever lies ahead for me.

Probably be another 2 weeks before either of these take place, but at least it was step in the right direction, I think.

Not giving up by any means, re-grouping, and re-thinking my current status.

I fully expect my PSA at the end of May to take another huge leap upward, but hoping I am wrong of course.

David in SC

that's my plan, james, just trying to make it literally one day at a time

David,
I know that you have given your situation a lot of thought and now you are moving on to the next step in your journey. I'm sure you will have a lot of questions and hopefully they will all be answered so you can take the next step, I wish you the best.

David, seems like you have focused on your next steps which is good. Are you familiar with a Dr. Neal Shore of the Carolina Urologic Research center in Myrtle Beach.  He has written an article with Dr. David Crawford,  in Reviews in Urology, Vol 12, no1, 2010 titled "Intermittent Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Redefining the Standard of Care?" It is the most informative and best info I have read in addition to Sturm and Myers. It is a very honest and positive article and I would recommend to anyone who might have HT in their future.

I'm keeping you in my prayers and ask PP that you be at peace and free from worry. Some how I feel you are going to be OK no matter what decisions you make.

The Old Sailor

Good Luck !!!! I check in regularly to see how things have been going for you......................You have a lot of people rooting for you........Cooper

David, glad to hear that you've taken this important step (hooking up with a medical oncologist). Also glad to hear about your plans to change your physical therapy, and hope that you have success with this new outfit.

As to your PSA in late May - it'll be what it'll be and sadly there isn't a darn thing you (or any of us) can do to change it except hope for a pleasant surprise. John just had his annual physical with his regular MD who always sneaks in a PSA test (even though the urologist did one in March). Anyway, we got a print-out of all of John's blood test results and to my surprise, at the bottom of the list, was the result of a two-decimal place PSA test (the urologist only reports through the standard assay). I am very pleased to announce that John's "official" PSA is shown as 0.02!! Oh no, does this mean another wave of PSA anxiety every April when he has his annual physical?

Back to you, David...you just take care of yourself and remember: one step at a time. You're doing what you need to do and what makes sense for you.

Sephie, that is wonderful news on John's PSA, hugs to both of you, but not to the Yankees, lol

Thanks, Sailor, I will try to find it

David:

Regroup, Recharge and Refresh.  Good luck with this next venture my friend.

Jack

Post Edited (Skate) : 4/21/2011 3:42:04 PM (GMT-6)

There's nothing quite like having a plan of action David ------- it gives you a feeling of control and that is always good for your emotional well-being. Good luck with the referrals and new docs.
Bill

David,

Congratulations. I am glad to see that you will soon be under the care on oncologist. I hope you get a good one!!

Let' hope with this progress things will start looking up for you.

Sancarlos

David, I see from this thread that you've got the possibility of HT in your future, and a quick look back shows me that you've had some not so good PSA news while I was off helping Tiger with his putting.

I'm astounded that the radiation hasn't worked, but I know you'll wrestle this to the ground as you have all your other challenges.

However, I also know that the process is painful, disheartening, and can mess with your head space.

As we slide into the Easter Season I'll be putting your name on the church's prayer list and throwing in a few well chosen words of my own. I can't tell you that either the church's prayer list, or my own well chosen words, have a solid track record of success --- or, indeed, anything better than statistical averages --- but I figure, like chicken soup, they can't hurt.

You know from my previous posts that my dad had an orcheictomy ( "I don't know why at my age I should much care," he said, "but it does give you pause when I think about it!) and HT and had an excellent result, and minimal side effects.

You remain, as always, a huge inspiration to me --- not because you're superhuman, but rather because you're not. You hurt, suffer, worry, freak out, just as I do and still you reach down deep, and soldier on. While I don't (yet?) have the PCa issues you've had, I have had some challenges in recent years of a different sort and your example has given me courage, stamina and determination. Thank you.

Sheldon AKA Sleepless

David.
I hope the new place and new people will result in a great leap forward for you.
Alf

PS In the mean time enjoy some Easter chocolate on Sunday.