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Proton Radiation Therapy -- My Journey With Prostate Cancer -- Treatment Period 2/22/07-4/18/07

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Posted 3/2/2007 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ~ Dave,   I’m heading to the top of your thread to read the updates…   Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you…      Your sharing of your own journey and helping others are truly a “precious gift”… Thank You…. for “YOU”.   And thank you for all the wonderful postings to members.   They are heartfelt.   Keeping you extra close…. In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 3/4/2007 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dave - Good to "see" you! It's good to know things are going well for you. Sounds like side effects are minimal, just be sure to get your rest. I just got a new computer (courtesy of Don!) and am learning my way around. I was in PA for a week on a project assignment but am settling back in at home. Don had his bloodwork 2/28 and we will be going for his PSA results and next shot on 3/07...we have our list of questions...once again the time draws near and well, it's emotionally difficult. Not horrible but emotional...you know, words said that otherwise might not be. Good words, full of love. Like Don said to me today...we're in this together. 41 years April 30 and life is good!
Wow! I guess I went on a bit, didn't I?
Your on our minds and hearts.

All the best Dave,
Susan
Posted 3/4/2007 12:48 AM (GMT 0)

Pcdave:

You mentioned the frequent urination and slower stream and I do remember taking Flomax.  Also had Pyridium Plus prescribed which I think was for a slight burning feeling and possibly the frequent feeling of urgency (not sure).  I do remeber it turned the urine a bright orange and stained just about everything it came in contact with, but did seem to do the trick.

Continue doing well.

Dutch

Posted 3/4/2007 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Dutch

Thanks for your advice which I always appreciate! I do feel an unusual sensation in my pubic area and a very slight burning sensation in my penis, especially when urinating. I didn't expect any side effects this soon, but they are tolerable. I will discuss possible medications with my doctor next week. It's nice to have someone here who had proton treatments many years ago like you, and know that you are doing fine with a low PSA. All the best.

Dave
Posted 3/6/2007 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
Dave - I thought you'd like to know I'm in touch with Loma Linda regarding proton treatment - if it's an option for Don - they have all of his stats and I expect to hear something back soon. We'll be at Moffitt on Wed. to find out the latest PSA results and to get his 3rd Lupron shot.

Now for YOU - be sure to eat well, do some form of exercise and get enough rest. Be good to yourself.

All the best Dave,
Susan
Posted 3/8/2007 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Dave,

The only reason why my thread is long is that I need lots of help! And here on HW I get it...

Jim
Posted 3/10/2007 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
  Hi ~ Dave,   Thinking of you as you finished up your 2 nd week of treatment.   You are a true “Gentle~man”.   Your kindness and support to all of us… is truly a warm addition!!     A “Special” Rainbow & Sunshine Just for You!!! * * T his is your very own R ainbow and it’s sprinkled with S unshine * * ////////////////////// //////////////////////////// /////////////// /////////////////////////// * ////////// /////////////////////////// ///// //////////////////////// ///////////////////// ///////////// ///////// ///////////////////// ///////////// ////////// * ////////// *   It is filled with warm hugs.   Thank you ~ for you! In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 3/10/2007 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
This is a special note of thanks to those who have been thinking of me and posting kind and encouraging words to me recently, as I undertake my proton treatment.

Jim (Biker 90) who is there for everyone with the most encouraging words, even when he is down and out

Bill (Jetguy) who is a radiation buddy always so helpful to me and others on this website

My dear Susan (My Man) who always seems to put others before herself despite the tough times her beloved man is going through--her postings to others are so heartfelt

Dutch who finished his proton radiation treatment about 5 years ago and is doing fine which is music to our ears. this newcomer spurs us on too!

Kat is a charmer who is always there when someone needs her with just the right words

Lee (Bluebird) who always chirps away some of the most beautiful words in the world in the most special way--all bursting forth in technicolor! Please be aware that her postings are so original and unique, that they are all copyright protected forever!
Posted 3/10/2007 5:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Dave,

Just read your 3/7 update. You are a brave man my friend - no doubt. Your detailed account of your experiences will bring hope as well as good information to the new guys and gals. Your research on the part of others shows a warm and caring heart. Qualities to be admired and qualities that are rare these days.

I am sure that you have discovered the joy of giving that we find in our journey. It helps us as much as those to which it is directed. The old saying is true that we get to keep only that which we pass along...

Keep it coming. I hope and pray for you everyday...

Jim
Posted 3/14/2007 11:13 AM (GMT 0)
Dave, I was wondering if you can continue having any kind of sex throughout this treatment?? kat
Posted 3/14/2007 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kat

in answer to your question below, i am certainly blushing!  the question you should be asking is whether or not i can have sex at my age!  you are such a cutie asking such questions!

having radiation treatment for PC can result in ED down the road, but in many cases it can be overcome with viagra and other similar pills.  radiation will eventually cause the semen to disappear and result in dry orgasms, similar to surgery.  i just finished my 15th treatment out of 40 and i still produce semen and yes i can have sex if i choose to!  I will stop there and let your imigination run wild!

Dave

"Dave, I was wondering if you can continue having any kind of sex throughout this treatment?? kat"

Posted 3/15/2007 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
This is priceless….. should be on PianoMan’s Laugh thread…. What a wonderful forum this is….    Just the right words!!!!   How true….   I think she may have caught pcdave out of the blue with this one!!! (giggle)        Partial Quote from pcdave from a posting above: Kat is a charmer who is always there when someone needs her with just the right words   Partial Quote from Kat from a different   posting above: Dave, I was wondering if you can continue having any kind of sex throughout this treatment?? Kat   Partial Quote from pcdave from posting above: Hi Kat in answer to your question below, i am certainly blushing!  the question you should be asking is whether or not i can have sex at my age!  you are such a cutie asking such questions!   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   Kat, Wittler, Wicket, GreenAcres, Swimom, (ladies I started out with) and so many more have opened so many wonderful doors “postings” with straight talk from the gals…and it made the guys feel extra comfortable with their thoughts, questions, concerns, and others have joined in freely and learned from stepping-stones already traversed.     Thank you!!!     You know who you are!       So true ~ We can ask “anything” and we can share “anything”…   That’s what family is for!!! Caring is Sharing… and we all do it so well!!!   Dave ~ thank you for the heartfelt words you shared above.   Your feelings are felt!! And your kindness is a wonderful gift.    We love you ~ for you!!!   Biker said it beautifully in his response!!!!!                                                  *edit ~ changed wording a little
Posted 3/15/2007 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
hi lee (aka bluebird "chirping away")

your last post was also priceless.  i needed a hearty laugh this morning and your posting sure got me going! 

Dave

Posted 3/15/2007 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Dave, I didn't mean to embarass you but at least we all got a good laugh out of this one. I don't feel bad asking these type of questions because they are medically based and we're all in the same boat.....give or take a few differences. Jeff can't believe that I have discussions with "strangers" (actually you all are my friends) about sex. I've never been one to mince words. :) thanks for replying, kat

p.s. at 68 you are not too old to still "do it"!!
Posted 3/15/2007 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kat

I have a great sense of humor and loved every minute of it! At my age, nothing embarrasses me anymore, especially after getting PC! Laughter is the best medicine in life and I was happy that your post generated some great humor! God Bless!

Dave

P.S. I just wonder what you might say to your husband that might just embarrass him!
Posted 3/23/2007 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Dave,   We are on the count down with you!!!   Hold on to us ~ okay!!!   The weekend is coming up and time spent with your family will help to refocus you.   Give that baby kisses from us!!        The bend in the road is just a little further ahead… so stay true… to the course.   I know you feel our hands wrapped around you!     You are amazing…. Even on a day when you’ve had some difficult situations you’re there for others.   How fortunate we are that you joined us.      I will stress ~ that “you” must take care of you…first!!!!!         I n order to help us   ~   chirp~chirp~chirp… Please do not stretch yourself too thin when it comes to “reserving strength” for yourself.   I have to agree that a positive attitude is so important… and we have to be aware that even with a positive attitude if even the slightest…. bit of depression sets in ~ it could be doubly hard…. Why?   Because ~ having a positive attitude lends to thinking because we are strong that we can’t be brought to our knees…..   We can and it can be a harder hit too… So please…take care to monitor this closely.     Special thoughts and prayers surround you.   In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 3/23/2007 4:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Dave,

Hang in there buddy. You are a very strong person but like Bluebird said, take time for yourself. We have to recharge the spirit once in a while. You spend lots of time studying and thinking about cancer. Please take some time for some "fun stuff" once in a while. Depression can sneak up on you and hit you when you least expect it, especially if you get too tired.

You and I are not as young as we used to be so kick back once in a while...

Jim
Posted 3/23/2007 10:38 AM (GMT 0)
Dave, yes life will be "normal" again. for us it is a little different only because of the ED, the scar and the fact that Jeff had cancer, even though it is gone. I think normal just changes, but that is what life is all about. nothing is for sure...but life goes on. you're doing great! take care.....kat
Posted 3/23/2007 10:52 PM (GMT 0)

Dave:

I know the feeling that time is dragging by, but you're almost there!!!

Sorry to hear about the bowel problem in your 3-21 post. Are alot of the guys having this problem as I never heard much about this at Loma Linda?  Did you say they are not using the balloon at Boston?

Those machines will go down from time to time - not very often.  Do they give double treatments (2 in one day)?  We were able to get a double treatment as long as we could allow 6 hrs in between treatments for the good cells to repair.   Think you were only allowed to do this 2-3 times during the course of your treatment.

I am nearly 6 yr out and things do get back to normal.  Take care.

Dutch

Posted 3/23/2007 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
Dave - I hope your problems with urinary & bowel have subsided, now that can sure take it's toll and wear you out.
Just wanted to let you know we continue to think of you & hope your next weeks go by smoothly. Take care of yourself, Mister!

Always hoping for the best,
Susan
Posted 3/24/2007 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
hi Dave,
I've finished 22 with 20 to go. I think I'm starting to feel the effects of the radiation. I noticed last night when I went to bed that I had a burning sensation in the area of the prostate. It was very uncommfortable. I'm taking Flomax but it did't help this. Just wondered if you are feeling anything like this yet. Today its gone, seems its just at night when I go to bed.
I also asked my doctor if I would have a bone scan. He said the it wasn't necessary; that they would be more concerned about false readings. He said I didn't need one because my biopsy was pretty conclusive that it was confined to the prostate. I hope he's right.. Hope you are doing well! trey
Posted 3/24/2007 9:10 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Dave, Glad things have improved a bit.  I was told to expect fatigue during my sixth week and that's when it appeared.  I was tired all week.  Since then it has been just a couple of days at a time.  Then a quick recovery, but not quite to my normal level.  Yesterday was my 43rd and last treatment and I was exhausted and still tired today.  I have taken three naps this week - probably more than I have in the last 30 years.  Hang in there - it does end.

Regards,

Bill

P.S.  I think you are a week ahead of yourself.  Your latest post is dated the 28th and today is the 24th.

Posted 3/24/2007 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bill (Jetguy)

Thanks for your good wishes above. Please keep us posted as how you feel in the month following the completion of your treatment. No, I am not ahead of myself--I just put in the week ending 3/28 and started to make some comments relating to the beginning of that week! Somehow I am still relatively sane after dealing with my PC for the past half year!
Good luck buddy!

Dave
Posted 4/5/2007 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
Dave:

Two more weeks - there's a light at the end of the tunnel !!!!  Take care of yourself and rest when your body tells you to.

Dutch

Posted 4/9/2007 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
      Dear Dave,   Nice update on your 1 st posting….. Keeping you tucked close to our hearts at this time…… Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we head to the finish line…..   Looking forward to seeing…..   The End In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
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