A bio, as requested by j-o-h-n

[Cisco99]

Hello j-o-h-n ... I am 69 years old, in St. Paul MN, and was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer 2 1/2 years ago. I have tumors mainly in my spine, and also elsewhere in my bones. My oncologist (breast cancer and prostate cancer) is Stuart Bloom of Minnesota Oncology, who used to be a standup comedian. He had me on a regimen of Lupron and Zometa (bone sealing). I have since added Zytiga, 1 1/2 years ago.

I am doing fairly well, in remission, if that's the right word -- the Zytiga has done wonders for me.

I am in pain, but Ibuprofen and Gabapentin (for my diabetes) help me. I had a very painful emergency in September that turned out to be caused by losing weight -- a diabetic phenomenon.

My PSA was 496 in January 2017. Now it is less than 1. My Gleason was 8.

I'm a writer, but my writing has tailed off in the past year. I don't want to write about my disease. I don't want to be "that guy." Problem is, it's all I think about. The worst thing about disease, besides the pain, is the self-absorption that overtakes one.

I try to walk my dog a mile every day. That is my happiest time. But it's Minnesota and I am freezing.

I have written some cancer "poems" -- weird little tales is a better description. I'll post them, or links to them.

[Danielgreer]

I would like to see your poems if you don’t mind sharing. Please post them or alternatively I can give my email address. Let me know.

[Cisco99 in reply to Danielgreer]

Hi and thanks for being interested. Here is a link to one chapbook ... issuu.com/mike_finley/docs/...

I'll put a more recent one on my page here.

[blkman60 in reply to Cisco99]

You've considered writing a memoir, Cisco? Who's your favorite writer?

[Cisco99 in reply to blkman60]

I'm my favorite author, blkman60! Not especially good, but I've given myself more pleasure than any other. I write little 50 pge memoirs of periods of my life -- my hometown, the 60s, authors I have been close to, becoming an adut (in my 59s), cancer, the joy of writing.

That same link you showed connects to much of my writing. It's all free I think. issuu.com/mike_finley

Hey good luck to you. Memoirs can go one of two ways -- telling the truth, or making people admire you!

issuu.com/mike_finley/docs/...

issuu.com/mike_finley/docs/...

issuu.com/mike_finley/docs/...

issuu.com/mike_finley/docs/...

issuu.com/mike_finley/docs/...

issuu.com/mike_finley/docs/...

There's a million more. None are great but they're all pretty damn good!

That is to say, I love them.

Hi to my guys there -- Danielgreer, j-o-h-n -- all the superstars

[blkman60 in reply to Cisco99]

That is the spirit! Cisco99! I will be checking your writing, please continue to write! If people read and wrote more, our world would be in a much better place brother!

[marnieg46]

It's great that you've had such good results from the hormones Cisco. Sounds like things going very well on that front. Pity about the weather. I believe the sun and warm weather works magic with how we feel. Fortunately, where we are the weather helps in that regard.

If it helps ....you're not alone when you say your disease 'is all you think about'. I think a lot of men would say the same as would their partners/wives. I've thought about it a lot (my husbands advanced prostrate cancer) and we've talked about what a strange condition it is in that for many men it's very slow progressing yet every three months or so they have to go through the angst of having another PSA and waiting for the results and in the meanwhile thinking about what they will be like. Not diminishing the seriousness or inconvenience but it would be good actually if it were like diabetes and you could just prick your finger monthly and have a result.

It's very upsetting too in that it's not possible to plan life ahead. I know lots of people are upbeat and say live one day at a time, enjoy what you have etc and I try but regardless the future and what it might hold is always at the back of my mind.

Like you I think about it a lot and do a lot of research, read the info on this site and other places I've found and so I, too, am very focussed and a bit consumed. What I've found really helps is keeping a daily diary of what happened on the previous day. I've always done this but since late 2015 it's included extensive information of my husbands experiences with prostrate cancer . He's amazed when I read entries to him from previous years as he'd forgotten all he'd been through and it seems to comfort him and reassure him that he's survived so much.

I do hope you continue to improve and I'm sure you'll find great support and comfort from the many people on this forum who couple knowledge with wisdom.

[Cisco99 in reply to marnieg46]

Good post, marnieg46. It is hard ... You sound so devoted to helping your husband. I have someone like that too! A lot of people must deal with this alone.

[Pinks124]

Wish you the best. I am also from Minnesota. Stay warm and keep fighting. I am here for my daddy.

[Kaliber]

Oooh Cisco ...... oooooh Poncho .... let’s went ....

Welcome to the group that no one wants to be a part of.

Peace brother 👍👍 ✌️✌️

[j-o-h-n]

Sorry Cisco... but you'll have to leave us.... we don't allow good looking people on this site.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 12/07/2019 12:40 AM EST - “Day of Infamy”

[Shooter1]

Got completely distracted from my prostate cancer (stage 4). More worried and thinking about 3rd degree burns, skin grafts, phys. ther, these days. Not a recommended way to change topic of your thoughts and conversations. Couple of more years of physical therapy and one more grafting session should do it. Hope to live through it.

[Hidden]

I just noticed this post for the first time today .. peace Cisco 🙏