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Survivor? Cure?

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Posted 8/27/2012 9:11 PM (GMT 0)

With September, PCa Awareness Month, coming along I've been looking around to see what pins, etc., to sport. Of course the one I want to wear is "Prostate Cancer Survivor." ... but that just got me thinking. What does it mean to be a "Survivor"?

Am I a survivor because I'm in the zero club, at least for the time being?

Am I a survivor because I haven't succumbed to this dreaded disease?

Something in between?

The other phrase I'd like to see defined is the "Cure" for PCa. What does that really mean? Does that mean you never got it? (Like small-pox) Or, that you had it, but don't anymore? (How can you be sure? ...) Either would be great!

But then again, you would never get PCa if they routinely took the little bugger out when you're a tike, like your tonsils. I don't think anyone would advocate for that!

I think the definition for "Cure" has to include the understanding of the mechanism of the disease and a way for subverting that mechanism.

Thoughts? 

Posted 8/27/2012 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
You are a survivor because you have been diagnosed from cancer.  You are a survivor from the time of diagnosis through the rest of your life.  This term is defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)...although I suppose anyone is free to make up any alternative definition that they choose to if they want to rationalize differently.

Regarding your question on "cure," do keep in mind that prostate cancer is a natural phenomon of aging; although lifestyle choices alters one's probability and risk.  PC is really two, or perhaps three, different diseases.  Much of what is "diagnosed" today is sometimes called "pseudo-disease;" it is diagnosed, but won't hurt the patient.  For the advanced cases, it is more practical to think in terms of better tools to "fight" PC rather than "cure."  We are in what has been called the "golden age for prostate cancer drug discovery" which has effectively improved longevity and mortality for men "fighting" with advanced PC.

 

Post Edited (Casey59) : 8/28/2012 8:33:28 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/27/2012 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
Think we went through the full spectrum of the question, "Cure", just a few months ago here. Can't remember the original thread in particular. It definitely means something different to each person for sure.

david
Posted 8/27/2012 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Knowing that there is metastasis in my case, the idea that we could track down and kill every last cell is almost verging on the absurd. Therefore I'll not claim "cured" even if it appears so in some future situation.

I'll be happy with "survivor".

Posted 8/27/2012 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
as far as my own situation, since i am beyond any curative hope, i consider my self as "surviving" PC at the moment.

david
Posted 8/28/2012 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
I'm a survivor. It almost killed me last year and I'm still alive.
Posted 8/29/2012 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
John- you are amongest 'warriors' of PCa.....it is an all out battle and assault.....others started using this term before me and I like it and hope you might!

Those looking cured are not just survivors but 'thrivors', might be a good terminology.

Posted 8/29/2012 10:44 AM (GMT 0)
I consider myself a Prostate Cancer Warrior.

A survivor yes - though that term gives the feeling the battle is in the past

Bud

We will beat this crap.
Posted 8/29/2012 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Bud, you are an indefatigable warrior. Glad you're on our side.

Jim
Posted 8/29/2012 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
My thoughts,
SURVIVOR.... It always seemed like an odd term to use. To me a survivor is one who has gone through an ordeal that might have killed him but did not die. I survived a suicide attempt 7 years ago. I survived a horrific car wreck. I survived a psychotic ex-wife. I survived raising three teenagers. The fourth is still questionable. They survived as well. The fourth is still questionable lol. The point being is that if I were in the army say during the thick of a war and survived to see peace, then I would consider myself a survivor. Until the war is over I am either a battling or a casualty.

PCa. WARRIOR....Feirce in a battle that is ongoing through a lifetime. Educated, armed and dangerous. Self advocating and in control. As a boy scout always prepaired for the next challenge. We wear the body armor of faith, hope, and grace. Our weapons are a love of life, prayer for those who believe, healthy life style choices, and a refusal to admit defeat. We standbt with an army of brothers and sisters who like many other warriors will never leave a fallen soldier behind. We use every weapon in an arsonal that is rapidly becoming formidable and when we exaust our ammunition we pull our blade and stand against our enemy in hand to hand combat. Yes P.C. Warrior is identity, Zero is our motto and Cure is our hope for an end to this war. TODD

Post Edited (living1963) : 8/29/2012 9:36:56 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/29/2012 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
"Surviving Warrior"??

To me, the term "survivor" implies the peril is over. For us with pc, that is really NOT relevant. For those with metastasized pc, it is ALMOST laughable (how come no one is laughing?).

Kinda like the island-hopping campaign in the Pacific in WW II, the battle against pc is like "one darned island after another". But once one island is "conquered" we have "survived" temporarily. But the war just moves on to the next "island". Maybe a lot of "empty ocean" in between, but the next "island" is invariably over the horizon.

But the "surviving warrior" has his battle scars to attest to his toughness under fire, has some harrowing tales to tell, and is not daunted by the challenges he knows lie ahead.

"Cured" reminds me of bacon. The pork can't be "cured" unless the pig is dead. I am resigned to knowing I will never be "cured" until....

Posted 8/29/2012 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
I agree "Survivor" is not a very accurate word although it has its nobility and heroic quality.

Back in the 1980s, I was once on the street in New York when the Gay Pride Parade passed by, and I remember being deeply moved by the marching contingent of people who had given homes to the pets of people who had died of AIDs.

I think what I felt at that moment I've only just begun to understand this past year. We are all in this together.
Posted 8/29/2012 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Todd!

Wow this is GREAT!!!

PCa. WARRIOR....Feirce in a battle that is ongoing through a lifetime. Educated, armed and dangerous. Self advocating and in control. As a boy scout always prepaired for the next challenge. We wear the body armor of faith, hope, and grace. Our weapons are a love of life, prayer for those who believe, healthy life style choices, and a refusal to admit defeat. We standby with an army of brothers and sisters who like many other warriors will never leave a fallen soldier behind. We use every weapon in an arsonal that is rapidly becoming formidable and when we exaust our ammunition we pull our blade and stand against our enemy in hand to hand combat. Yes P.C. Warrior is identity, Zero is our motto and Cure is our hope for an end to this war.

THANK You!

This one is going to be printed out and put on my wall!

HUGS!!

See you very soon! And I WILL hug you my brother!
Bud

We will beat this crap
Posted 8/29/2012 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Oncas - Jim

I'm glad you are with us in this battle my brother.

Have you given any thought to attending GFMPH? I would be honored to meet you

HUGS!

Bud

We will beat this crap
Posted 8/29/2012 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
Bud.... that is a hug I am looking forward to. See you in a dozen days or so
Posted 8/30/2012 10:24 AM (GMT 0)
Can someone shoot me the thread that contains the dates and location for GFMPH?

Jim
Posted 8/30/2012 10:42 AM (GMT 0)
Jim

I'm sure someone will send you the info


Oh! I just did! Check your email:)!

Hugs!

Bud

We will beat this crap
Posted 8/30/2012 12:19 PM (GMT 0)
The last time this question came up, I remember saying that I consider myself a "survivor" of prostate cancer surgery. 

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer a little over two years ago, Gleason 7, and the fact is that even if I had done nothing, I would almost certainly still be alive today (though probably in worse shape in terms of the cancer).  So, I have a difficult time thinking of myself as a prostate cancer "survivor," since it wouldn't have taken my life....yet.  If I live on for a good number of years, maybe I'll feel like a survivor.

"Survivor" does have a noble sound to it, and I realize it's a widely used term, but I find it most appropriate to those who have been treated for a truly lethal cancer (and, yes, that could be an aggressive form of prostate cancer) and who are still living after the point where their cancer would surely have otherwise taken their life had they not been treated.

I just consider myself to be someone who is "dealing with prostate cancer" and who has been treated for it.  I did use the term "cancer warrior" in the months after my surgery, but don't feel much like a warrior these days.  JUst a tired, old veteran.

Posted 8/30/2012 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Like many of you, I don't feel like a survivor, but more like someone dealing with PCa. And, a survivor of the surgery.

To me it feels like you are a survivor of something when you can look in the rearview mirror and see it in the past. I don't expect to feel that way until I'm a member of the zero club for 5 years. And even then, who knows if I'll feel that way.
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