Putting things in perspective

[shueswim]

So it’s been almost 4 years since I was diagnosed with aggressive G9 PCa. Surgery, adjuvant RT and ADT, then more RT after recurrence in a handful of pelvic LNs. Been on ADT and Zytiga for 11 months to hopefully cleanup anything that may remain. PSA has been undetectable since the treatment for recurrence began last January. All things considered, I feel great and am hopeful that that just maybe we got it this time.

But, occasionally I would slip into the “why me” frame of mind...until 3 weeks ago today. It was then that I received a call in the middle of the night from my 38 year old son who had gone to the emergency room for pain in his calf. They diagnosed a DVT and several blood clots in his lungs - all from leukemia (ALL). Two days later he began the first of 8 rounds of intensive chemo. After round 2 next week he’s off to MD Anderson to discuss a bone marrow transplant.

No more feeling sorry for myself, he’s endured more in 3 weeks than I have in 4 years. I’m hoping my situation remains good, but I’m much more concerned with his prospects than my own.

[Tall_Allen]

I'm so sorry to hear this. It doesn't pre-empt your own tribulations, but only adds to them. To me, the only thing worse than my suffering, is the suffering of someone I love.

[Bebby1 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Just lost a long saga to you Tall-Allen

How annoying

Anyway I’ll cut to the chase

Husband diagnosed approx 18 months ago G10

Extensive bony Mets and lymph involvement

63 years young

Cosudex and zoladex

Docetaxal only managed two of six due to recurrent neutropenia

Commenced Enzalutamide after 8 months due to becoming resistive

for 10 months

Last week sharp PSA RISE

have now met criteria for trial

Have you heard of

TRITON 3

Phase3 Study of Rucaparib versus Physicians choice ????

[Tall_Allen in reply to Bebby1]

If he has BRCA1/2 mutations either in any biopsied tumor or in his healthy tissues, a PARP inhibitor may be an excellent choice:

pcnrv.blogspot.com/2019/10/...

[Bebby1 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you

Always informative

Happy Thanksgiving

[Portugal-2]

So, sorry to hear this news! My prayers go out to your son and the entire family!

Question, are they blood clots or tumors?? Reason I ask is why chemotherapy and bone marrow? I ask because I just attended a lecture with a Dr. Levine from U of P about the breakthrough he made with CAR-T cells in patients that are now cancer free from leukemia cancer. It’s an approved clinical trial. If you need more information let me know!

Hope to hear a positive update from you soon!

[shueswim in reply to Portugal-2]

No, they are, or were, clots. The medications have resolved those, now he “only” has to take care of the cancer in his blood. It’s pretty intimidating to hear it described as billions of liquid tumors. The good news is that ALL can be beaten. This particular kind of leukemia rarely hit people in his age group - mostly children and seniors 65+. The cure rate for kids is 90+%, seniors are more like 20%. He’s young and fit so I’m hoping his chances tilt more to the kids %.

[Portugal-2 in reply to shueswim]

Dr. Bruce Levine and Tom Whitehead, Treating the Untreatable: Cancer and Gene Therapy. Dr. Levine is the Founding Director of the Clinical Cell and Vaccine Production Facility in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and has overseen the production, testing, and release of 3,000 cellular products administered to more than 1,200 patients in clinical trials since 1996. Tom Whitehead is the co-founder of the Emily Whitehead Foundation which raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer immunotherapy research, and is father of Emily, who was the first pediatric patient in to the world to receive CAR-T cell therapy.

Additionally, we are happy to share with you a link to a recent and important New York Times article, " Crispr Takes Its First Steps in Editing Genes to Fight Cancer” nytimes.com/2019/11/06/heal...

Just wanted you to have this information. It’s truly a miracle that this has made many patients cancer free. He even has a 70 yr old patient that was cancer free. Prayers, positive thoughts and wishes for 100% cure for your son. Please take care of yourself as well.

[LearnAll]

Having a child go thru such tragic experience is always a heartbreaking experience for any parents. Wishing him quick recovery and good health...

[Blueslover]

So sorry to hear of your son's medical issues Gene. Will definitely bethinking if him (and you) and will include him in my prayers.

[tallguy2]

Wow, everything may be taken in perspective, true? Blessings at Thanksgiving!

[Bebby1]

prayers for both of you

Xxxx

[elvismlv123]

You will both be ok. You did the right thing and so did your son. Why are we so self involved over a body given to us by a (?) who knows how its supposed to work? I never saw the word Doctor in front of a Saints name or Gods name. Its Gods temple not yours.

We are the recipient of an errant disease but we are intelligent enough to see it and treat it.

We sort it out and with PCa you have the best chance of survival. Many younger persons survive cancer so its possible that an immune system will rally when supported by the right treatment. Once the new marrow kicks in he will be safe and healthy again.

I also had a GS 9. It was false. But no one agreed to it except the creator of the GS Dr Donald Gleason. I am 15 years after DX and I am ok...Thanks To God. I did 3xADT for about 18 months in 2004 to 2005. PSA now of 3.18. On 5 mg of Finasteride daily.

[Mish80]

I hope your son is ok. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.

[Dachshundlove]

Thank you for the perspective check!

I hope your son experiences rapid remission!

[SuppWife]

My very best and most healing thoughts to you and your son. ❤️

[j-o-h-n]

My best wishes for your son and for you. Hopefully your son will beat his cancer early and get on to enjoy his young life... Remember, God is on his and your side....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 11/29.2019 4:47 PM EST

[Bebby1]

The love we have for our children is indescribable

Where’s the fair in all this ?

Prayers for you both

[Mikeski]

Godspeed to you and your son.

[Fitzbruce1]

I have two sons ages 30 and 32. I can’t imagine what you n your family are going through! My sincere best wishes to all of you!!!