Tall_Allen -- How? How did you becom... - Advanced Prostate...

Advanced Prostate Cancer

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Tall_Allen -- How? How did you become so knowledgeable about PC?

Skipper238 profile image
73 Replies

Good morning, Tall_Allen,

I am so amazed at the scope of your knowledge. How in the world did you arrive at this point, only 5 years from your PC diagnosis? As the attorneys say, we can stipulate to the fact that you are smart as hell, but other than that, how?! I can't be the only person wondering this. It's quite extraordinary AND quite awesome that you put your knowledge to use, for free, for the benefit of those who need it most.

Thank you and.....how?!

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Skipper238 profile image
Skipper238
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73 Replies
Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen

Thanks. It's 11 years, and it's something I've followed closely for most of that time. I have backgrounds in biochemistry, statistics, and research methods, so I understand the published research pretty easily. I am a writer, and I found I was pretty good at translating Medicalese into Plain English for patients. I have also been privileged to work with many patients in my live support groups and to meet many great doctors with them.

Skipper238 profile image
Skipper238 in reply toTall_Allen

Thanks for the additional background info. , Tall_Allen. Like so many, I appreciate your expertise and your willingness to share it.

London441 profile image
London441 in reply toSkipper238

You see now Skipper, he is not 5 years from diagnosis but 11. So maybe he’s only half as smart as you thought.

On the other hand if he was this smart after following it for 20 years, we would probably be no less spellbound, so there’s that.

GTTown profile image
GTTown in reply toTall_Allen

When Tall_Allen speaks…everyone listens!

Boywonder56 profile image
Boywonder56 in reply toGTTown

Although theres a faction that dissagrees ...at times but thats what makes this place what it is....serious at times...humorous......sad......joyful.....merry christmas/ hanaka / kwanza/ or just peace.....to all who are here....

lincolnj8 profile image
lincolnj8 in reply toTall_Allen

Your shared knowledge is greatly appreciated. Thank you

vforvendetta profile image
vforvendetta in reply toTall_Allen

Thank you, Allen, for being you!

Fortysstyle profile image
Fortysstyle in reply toTall_Allen

I am fairly new (G9 Sept. 20) into this but have wondered the same thing. Thank you for sharing your insights and wisdom, Tall_Allen. I find myself relying on them.

in reply toTall_Allen

Tha k you Tall_Allen for lending us your knowledge, we all appreciate it so much. It’s very helpful. Take care my friend

bellyhappy profile image
bellyhappy in reply toTall_Allen

Thank you for being there for all of us....Your advice and inputs are very valuable. God bless you with many more great years ahead...

Seebs9 profile image
Seebs9 in reply toTall_Allen

Plus he is schmart

DMohr011 profile image
DMohr011 in reply toTall_Allen

I appreciate you TA! You are definitely on the nice list and deserve extra presents from Santa!

Boywonder56 profile image
Boywonder56 in reply toTall_Allen

Hows that hat fittin ta....love ya brother....

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen in reply toBoywonder56

Which hat? You mean the aluminum foil cap I use to block alien transmissions? ;-)

Miket218 profile image
Miket218 in reply toTall_Allen

🤣🤣🤣

monte1111 profile image
monte1111 in reply toTall_Allen

You are The Man. I have an aluminum foil hat to block j-o-h-n's transmissions. Reynolds Wrap. Extra heavy duty.

jbskiatook profile image
jbskiatook in reply toTall_Allen

Thank you from me also.

NWLiving profile image
NWLiving in reply toTall_Allen

to Tall Allen…😘 from all of us…

CAMPSOUPS profile image
CAMPSOUPS in reply toTall_Allen

Now that your name is in lights here I feel excused to take the opportunity to extend a ton of gratitude to you for your presence here and all you do in the background.

Sandiego2 profile image
Sandiego2

Indeed, we are all so very fortunate to have Tall_Allen! I'm amazed how engaged and responsive he is on this message board. I also appreciate that he does not "suffer fools gladly"--he promptly, firmly, yet without malice quickly shuts down those who post nonsensical quackery that is not scientifically sound. This alerts us . . . and saves us from wasting time. I have learned so much from reading Tall_Allen's post. Thank you, good sir!

6357axbz profile image
6357axbz in reply toSandiego2

Good points 👍

j-o-h-n profile image
j-o-h-n in reply toSandiego2

''he promptly, firmly, yet without malice quickly shuts down those who post nonsensical quackery that is not scientifically sound. ''

Me doing my Robert De Niro impression standing in front of a mirror talking to myself: YOU TALKING TO ME?

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 12/12/2021 12:45 AM EST

monte1111 profile image
monte1111 in reply toj-o-h-n

Wearing your Daffy Duck costume again?

j-o-h-n profile image
j-o-h-n in reply tomonte1111

"Youuu're deththpicable!"

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 12/13/2021 7:18 PM EST

Spyder54 profile image
Spyder54

I study 3-4 hours everyday, but have horrible retention, poor organizational skills, and average IQ. I am amazed at TA’s expertise and research to back up the talk. Also, another 10 guys or so that I follow that are key to follow. I say to my wife, when cure comes along, it will probably reveal here first, then several months later at the Annual ASCO with all kinds of caveats, then the media will jump on 12 months after that. Some man, or group of men in a study will have surprising success, and through guys like Tall Allen, we will be at the forefront to learn when that happens. Thank you TA for all you do. Your tombstone should reflect the thousands of families you have guided and informed.

Mike

jimreilly profile image
jimreilly

Some people are blessed not only with intelligence but also with common sense, curiosity and good communication skills. It's great to have one of them, TA, on this forum.

adam1967adam profile image
adam1967adam

And I follow and read his posts regularly. Thank you Tall_Allen and everyone else thank you for sharing your problems and experiences with everyone. Adam

FISHLAND profile image
FISHLAND

Merci beaucoup Tall Allen pour ce partage de vos connaissances. Bonnes fêtes de fin d année

Schwah profile image
Schwah

When someone here asked TA what his hobbies were he said Prostate cancer is his hobby. We are lucky to have him. He’s been an incredible help to me personally.

Schwah

Fight11 profile image
Fight11

He has been my lifesaver!!! Thank you again!!!

captivatw profile image
captivatw

TA-You are a blessing. Thank you for sharing God’s gift to you with so many of us.

PeteLG profile image
PeteLG

Thank you Tall_Allen, I appreciate your facts and what you bring to this association of Brothers-in-Blue and those who love us..PeteLG

Dale150 profile image
Dale150

Thank you Tall Allen for being supportive by sharing your knowledge and advice. Greatly appreciated!

binati profile image
binati

When Tall_Allen speaks we all listen even if some disagree. What else can one say except thank you

Faith1111 profile image
Faith1111

All the above comments reflect my feelings as well. TA has offered his time generously to me. We are all so fortunate to have him here. Thank you TA.

cesces profile image
cesces

Good question. Lol

I speculate a fortuitous combination of:

1. Smarts

2. Preexisting skill sets

3. Focused interest and willingness to invest the necessary time

4. Some natural talent in abundant excess

I just hope he doesn't lose interest.

maley2711 profile image
maley2711

So, to anyone, how does a patient become a member of one of TA's live support groups? Live in the LA area, and ask to be included?

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen in reply tomaley2711

Contact Shannon La Cava at Cancer Support Community to sign up. It is the second Monday of each month from 6-8PM. For now it is ZOOM only.

StayingOptimistic profile image
StayingOptimistic in reply toTall_Allen

THANK YOU TA, will do.

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen in reply toStayingOptimistic

They only allow California residents because of some stupid law. Apparently psychologists (the moderator) are only allowed to practice on in-state clients.

StayingOptimistic profile image
StayingOptimistic in reply toTall_Allen

What a shame.

Newyork6264 profile image
Newyork6264

Thanks TA for all the help.

leo2634 profile image
leo2634

Thank you T_A your knowledge is very appreciated.

NickJoy profile image
NickJoy

I too would like to thank you for your generous support.

Rolphs profile image
Rolphs

I think TA’s most valuable contribution to those of us fighting PCa is his time. I am sure he has answered or addressed the same question many times on this forum. I hope he has life beyond PC and healthunlocked but I really appreciate his devotion to keeping us informed.

Boonster profile image
Boonster

I have been following Tall Allen for years, including his move to Unlocked from Inspire and elsewhere. He has quickly made Unlocked the go-to site for the best posts on ADC. He is the best commentator and analyst we have, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him with us.

Pianodude profile image
Pianodude

Thank you for all that you do for us Tall Allen!

pachydermsun profile image
pachydermsun

Thank you Skipper, for providing this opportunity for those of us who hold dear the service provided by HealthUnlocked to single out Tall_Allen, one of its finest advisors. Tall_Allen, please accept my gratitude for your shared knowledge, and the truth.

HalC profile image
HalC

Thank you, Tall_Allen, for your research and wisdom. Much appreciated.

julyturqsee profile image
julyturqsee

Thank you Tall Allen. Both my partner & I (caregiver) benefit greatly by your detailed, up-to-date, balanced, and easy-to-understand posts. Many many times we've been able to discuss (sometimes confront) the oncologist with medical info she never shared with us or didn't know. Most grateful to you for continuing to care & shed light as we hike uphill, the dark passages of this disease.

cfhny profile image
cfhny

Thank you TA. Every type of information website needs cornerstone people that can be trusted for their inputs. You are, in my view, one of the best cornerstone people HealthUnlocked could ask for. Please keep up the excellent work and never think about ever retiring. We need you here.

peri2014 profile image
peri2014

I appreciate you very much ! Thank-You TA!

garyi profile image
garyi

I've been following TA, with awe and respect, for over five years. As much as all his attributes, already mentioned, I marvel at his judgement and common sense.

Unlike any attorneys I know, his contributions are all pro-bono. God bless you, my friend.

mosskivt profile image
mosskivt

I agree, Tall_Allen, you are a gift to this forum. You offer your opinions/expertise on almost every question put forth, but what I REALLY want to know is how just tall are you????

Skipper238 profile image
Skipper238 in reply tomosskivt

From his picture, my money is on 6’ 5”.

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen in reply toSkipper238

Close. 6'3"

Proflac profile image
Proflac

TA - Super guy and selfless commitment to the site. Always a straight talker but with such compassion too. Thank you so much. I too was thinking about the 'tall'. !

Lasered profile image
Lasered

TA, Thanks for all the info and help you have given us over the years!

caltexman profile image
caltexman

TA's ability to simplify prostate cancer medical jargon into an understandable form has been very helpful for me.

114411 profile image
114411 in reply tocaltexman

I also am thankful for TA's contributions to this forum. Many times I feel bad that I don't understand/contribute more factual analyses for other members but my background is in construction which doesn't transfer well to pca. Thank you Tall Allen

Harrisonhoyle profile image
Harrisonhoyle

Everything you do is appreciated. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

TylexGP profile image
TylexGP

I continue to be amazed by your depth of knowledge and your willingness answer our q questions. Thank you!

j-o-h-n profile image
j-o-h-n

He steals my notes......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 12/12/2021 7:33 PM EST

SPEEDYX profile image
SPEEDYX in reply toj-o-h-n

Funny mine are missing!!!

j-o-h-n profile image
j-o-h-n in reply toSPEEDYX

These jobs are for inspector Clouseau.........or JRB jr.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 12/12/2021 8:29 PM EST

SPEEDYX profile image
SPEEDYX in reply toj-o-h-n

Charlie Chan just pass to Sam Spade

j-o-h-n profile image
j-o-h-n in reply toSPEEDYX

Hand off to The Thin man and Asta.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 12/12/2021 9:00 PM EST

Runner4000 profile image
Runner4000

I agree. What an important contribution Tall Allen continues to make! Thank you, TA! You tell it like you see it, which is (mostly) always appreciated. This is a good time of year for us to share our thanks for the very important contribution TA makes to our lives.

miscdenver profile image
miscdenver

My salute to you as well Allen. Your selflessness and eagerness to help others is absolutely astounding! You must be putting in a huge amount of time and efforts to manage all the tangents that you are attending to, websites and research and putting things together and all.

We are very blessed to have you and your knowledge available here.

God Bless You for who you are and what you do to help others

😀

Ahmed

grahaminator63 profile image
grahaminator63

Thank you Tall_Allen!

monte1111 profile image
monte1111

Thanks for the post Skipper. I hope we are all rescued.

Crummy64 profile image
Crummy64

What I really appreciate in TA’s posts, comments and advice is that everything he says is backed up by clinical trials, reputable research, studies etc - he’s not just giving us the benefit of his opinion. His depth of knowledge on this subject would no doubt put many MO’s to shame! You are such a valuable resource for us all TA, - I’m sure it gets tiring answering many of the same questions but please don’t stop😊

Fitzbruce1 profile image
Fitzbruce1

I am a little late to post on the TA subject but my admiration for him has been steady for the past 3.5 years! Don’t know how someone could be more important since he is literally helping us poor soles who have unknowingly joined the wrong team! Thanks 6’3” Allen!

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