Well as you can tell I am leaving Health Unlocked (MaleCare) since regrettably my red carpet is frayed and threadbare.
It’s ironic I am abandoning the ship just as The Constitution of Medical Knowledge is being implemented in dear old Health Unlocked. This implementation has nothing with me abandoning ship.
I’ll start off by complimenting Daryl and his Managerial staff for a difficult and exemplary job in managing the site. I also want to remind everyone to laugh.
I always thought it would be a great tribute to everyone if one day every member (16,223 members) would just post their location (e.g. city or state). At the same time maybe send a few dollars to MaleCare. We all get the benefit of up-to-date information and support from very bright minds. I would like to mention these “experts” but all of you know who these members are. I wish to thank them since we are fortunate to use their knowledge and expertise in dealing with our health.
I also wish to thank all the members who keep us normal with their humor and lighthearted posts. I will miss you guys the most.
I will not miss the announcements regarding the passings of our dear brothers, may they rest in peace.
I have posted many requests for Newbies to update their bio, yet mine is blank.
Diagnosed Prostate Cancer. – February 2002 MSKcc (PSA spiked from 3.0 to 4.0 in one year).
Open RPD, September 2002 - MSKcc Dr. Eastham}
Open Hernia, Repairs September 2002 – MSKcc Dr. Brady}
Stage pT3a, Gleason 4+4=8/10, PSA 5.1.
Radiation to the pelvis (39 sessions)– Winter/Spring 2005 MSKcc Dr. Zelefsky
Start of ADT Lupron and Casodex – 3/18/2008 -MSKcc Dr. Morris
PSA = ????? as of 03/18/2008
PSA = 0.33% as of 06/17/2008
PSA = 8.33% as of 12/05/2012. (Highest for reference purposes)
PSA= 1.36% as of 07/06/2022 (Total of 32 treatments – and most recent)
Urinary (left) stricture -Weill Cornell Medical Center Dr. Sosa April 2007(now Retired and with the V.A.).
Caused by radiation? 20 (in and out) urinary stents treatments.
Urinary (left) stricture -New York Lenox Hill Hospital Dr. Greene.
2 (in and out) urinary stents treatments. During the second one she inserted the stent too far up and couldn’t retrieve it in the office. So next day I was admitted to Lenox Hill Hospital where she destroyed my urinary sphincter removing the “high” stent and she left me totally incontinent.
Skin/Lung Melanoma (not Pca related) MSKcc Dr. Calahan.
FIRST Number 1 treatment with Keytruda on 02/07/2017.
LAST Number 16 treatment with Keytruda on 01/10/2018.
Typical ADT symptoms and cravings: Weight gain, Big Breasts, Memory loss, Neuropathy, Chocolate chip ice cream (two scoops).
Thank you j-o-h-n for all you contributions to this site as well as the humor. In my opinion humor is an excellent medicine. Thank you, you will be missed.
Oh no! I don’t want you to leave - just started to understand and of course love your humor since a couple of weeks. Best regards and all the very best - where from: normally Vienna/Austria/Europa - currently on a boat in Croatia and having fun.
Mate. Hang in here. Your humour (English spelling lol) is the best medicine we get.
Seriously, I hope you stay for many more years but if your decision is made, I thank you from across the pond in England for all of your posts. Please look after yourself and your family. God bless.
Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) Bruddah for all the years of your hilarious comments. You've been a ray of sunlight on HU and you will be sorely missed :-(Great song! and here is one for you: youtu.be/-KoXt9pZLGM
Your contributions to this site will be missed. You have reminded me to look for humor in all situations. Best wishes for the rest of your journey. God bless.
John in the past 14months you have made me laugh countless times. Always when I needed a little levity. I am also being treated at MSKCC so felt you were an even closer brother in arms. I wish you well in your continued journey! Thank you for the laughs!
Thank you for everything, j-o-h-n, but mostly the laughs! Laughter truly is the best medicine! You are very much appreciated and cared about, I wish you well and send up prayers for your continued journey...😁🕊️🙏❤️🕯️
Thank you, j-o-h-n, for all the cheerleading you did for Mr. Spouse21 and many other men on Health Unlocked. I don't think I was the best at reading your humor at first, and I wondered why you didn't post your own profile. However, your enthusiasm and caring won the day. You've had a long haul--a real roller coaster. I wish you relief from some of your side effects and a decent quality of life going forward.
J-o-h-n buddy, you were my teacher and mentor and just an all around great funny guy. You came to my rescue when people attacked me back when … and enriched my life and this groups with your humor and ( sometimes cleverly disguised, ….. we , I , know about you buddy ) kindly , beneficial support . This group will not be the same place without you. I don’t want you to go …but I want you to do what’s best for you. I’ll miss you … this group will miss you …
Best wishes and good health as you move forward buddy … I’ll not say “ goodbye “ … I’ll say farewell for now,
j-o-h-n words elude me to express my sorrow regarding your departure. Your posts sometimes challenged me to figure out the humor, but mostly I can't thank you enough for keeping me looking to the lighter side and being thankful to still be surviving! I must say that you are my hero in some ways! I wish you all the best and hope you have many more years on your journey! Please at least check in from time to time! Take care my friend and God bless !
Thank you so much for your contributions. You would make me laugh when I sorely needed some humor and I always looked forward to your responses on my and others’ posts. I am sorry you are leaving and I will miss you.
I could ask why, but that would be inappropriate I guess. It's not for me to know, and if you wanted to tell us you would have.
Know that as hard as it is, to find another warrior consumed by this dastardly disease. It's even harder to see one fade away or disappear. We all have our reasons, and our paths, like the one that brought us all here together, sharing space, thoughts, laughs and tears. I'd be remiss not to mention how much sunshine you bring to the place! Truly, an amazing soul!
Thank You!!!
For being you, and sharing some time with us. May you always have sun in your life, and wind behind you, making you journey effortless.
j-o-h-n, thank you for the generous time, commitment and humor. The one liners have kept me smiling and this post makes me sad. Although it's not a one liner and I'm no Henny Youngman let me leave you with this:
A couple wakes up in the middle of the night to find a thief in their bedroom...
The thief points a gun at the couple.
"Now that you've seen me, I have to kill you both. Tell me your names and you won't suffer. I remember all my victims by their names."
The woman says "Stephanie."
"Wow. I can't kill you after all.. Stephanie was my Mother's name."
He points the gun at the man and asks his name.
"Phil. But all my friends call me Stephanie."
My Dearest friend j-o-h-n , thanks for keeping the cheer alive in an otherwise sad environment..If you’re bailing ? I’m bailing too! I can’t take it no mo either . May God bless you & your family .. Thank you for the many times that you’ve lifted me and many others up here! I get you! 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️🕊🕊🕊. my bunker is built . I’m getting in it! C U on the flip flop!
Aye , aye Capitan! I Thought that the Capitan always goes down with the ship ? Wtf? What about us in the band? That’s it! I’m getting in the bunker ! SHTF!
Really disappointed to hear J-o-h-n. The levity you brought to our somber group of brothers was a pick me up for us all. Thanks for that, from Calgary!
Well, darn! I almost always scroll to the bottom to have a laugh before I start to read. That way I get a laugh at the beginning of the thread as well as a laugh at the end. May God bless you always, j-o-h-n.
I will miss you John!!! I’m so sad to hear you go. I will definitely miss your witty sense of humor. May God bless you always John. Try to pop in every now and again!!! Thank you so much for everything!!!
I'm new to the group but I already know you will be missed here! Sending love from CT,,, but I'm a New Yorker at heart (born and raised... Queens). Take care and keep laughing! ❤️
20+ years since Dx. Age 85, good sense of humor. Why leave? Just travel along with us. Pipe in when your emotions pick up. At least come back for a visit John. Thanks for keeping it light.
Dear J-o-h-n: Very sad to read your news. But after reading every comment in this thread, please reconsider. Everyone literally NEEDS you! Your humor is therapy for us. I'm one year younger than you and live 3200 miles west of NYC. BUT we are fellow warriors that never quit. Come back, Shane.
Dang...I have stronger words but trying to act like a lady here. You've been one of my all time favorites and have brought a smile to my very tired face many a time. Thank you for all your comments and replies. God bless you with good health and many fine jokes and lots of chocolate chip ice cream. You will be missed here.
You were one of the first to welcome me to the group. Many thanks for all your contributions- wishing there would be more. I only wish I could decipher the code about the carpet. God bless!
Aww ty fir making me smile while you were on the site and I agree we all do lol with admiration and need to show gratitude for these true experts . I find when someone passes I fall hard even if I dint know him , so I limit my time but I think you for the day you made me smile through all of my tears bc it was what I needed most . Will you be joining another platform for support ? I wish you health and humour always x o Erica
That's a rough road you've been on. Sad to see you go.
I’m truly sad that you’re leaving John, your contributions have been innumerable here. I kinda feel like the jilted lover who never finds out the “why” of why she left. Unlike Nal, who apparently gets it, I have no clue what the “frayed red carpet” means. Give us some closure brutha and spell it out or just come back. This site needs more of guys like you.
Okay j-o-h-n--if you have to--may God be with you!
I clicked on like but I don't like. I will miss you and our back and forths which you always initiated with some humor either outright or subtle.
Do what you have to do j-o-h-n.
Warren Zevon's advice was to "enjoy each sandwich", but Al Stewart summed up life with a haunting song about a life well led. Don't be in a rush. Ask the conductor to save some seats for your friends.
I've always been eager to click anything from j-o-h-n. So I will miss you. And thanks for finally showing us YOUR bio. You've obviously been through a lot. If your decision to leave HU is definite and final, please know that you were appreciated and respected.
Sorry to hear this j-o-h-n ... I consider you a good friend -- lifting all our spirits -- please pm me you contact email so I can keep in touch .. maybe you will change your mind -- and stay around -- we need you.
All of us will go one day. I wish you all the best and don't look back. Enjoy your time to the full what you have left. István Hoffmann from Darlinghurst, Sydney
Dear j-o-h-n, you are a legendary man, a true warrior, fighting your own pain while encouraging and lifting others up. Keeping us smiling and with little chuckles on this journey that no one wants to be on. YOU WILL BE MISSED!!!!! Thank you for every response that you took the time to make. God Bless you on your continued journey. 🙏
May your journey continue to be one full of humour. You have supported many and bought light through laughter. All the very best from Ian in Australia. You have reached people all over the world. Thank you. Take care.
Keep enjoying those two scoops John! I live in Lochinvar NSW Australia, 200kms from Sydney. My time is coming. Hope we all enjoi the afterlife! Big party.
Dear j-o-h-n, I am so very sad to read that your beautiful red carpet has become frayed and threadbare. You have touched me with your loving kind words, gentle spirit, and your gift of humor. Many a day you took my tears and gave me smiles with laughter. Thank you for being you and may your days be surrounded in love, joy and buckets of ice cream.
Well this news sure sucks, but I totally understand. I will soooo miss your humour j-o-h-n. Keep smiling!
John, good luck to you… I have known you only 6 months through this site, many times when I felt down, there you would be… “Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor” ❤️🙏
As you can see, a smile goes a long way. Every time I have two scoops I will wear a sly smile and think of you. Thanks for the memories. You will be missed.
You will be missed j-o-h-n. Your comments always made me smile. That's something we all need more of these days. Especially those of us on this site. Reading all of the comments here from everyone, perhaps you should think about reconsidering your decision to leave. You can always change your mind.
So sad J-o-h-n I will miss you.Our bantering kept my quick wit flowing to near perfection like when i was young...Thanks for all you have done for me and the group!!!!...All the best!!!
Sorry to see you leaving the site. Appreciate your contributions. Am grateful for your reply to my post. Wishing you all the best.
Well, shucks. I was diagnosed less than a year ago, and have been a member only since then. You have been a golden thread in this tapestry, and have kind of defined the group for me.I do wish you would reconsider, but I also know you seem to be a man of self confidence and conviction.
May God bless and keep you.
Now, here's my favorite joke:
A farmer's grandfather was a robust 90 years old. His grandson asked him what his secret to long life was.
The grandfather said he always sprinkled a spoonful of gunpowder on his grits every morning.
So the grandson took his advice for the rest of his life. He died at 103, leaving behind twelve children, thirty grandchildren, sixty great-grandchildren, and a 50-foot hole in the wall of the crematorium. 🤣
So very sorry to see you go. You are a rare and giving soul. Always got your high brow humor and it made my day as I reside a little further east of you. Would love to bump into you as I make one of my sojourns into Sidney Kimmel and buy you a couple of those glorious scoops. It would be an honor as it has been reading your timely and much needed humorous injections (pun intended). Peace to my brother and let’s go Yankees! Edward
Sorry to see you go, j-o-h-n, but i realize that our paths, and the paths of all others, only parallel each other for a short time before diverging, possibly to cross again, possibly not.
my uncle had Don McClean's 8 track, and when we went to visit my grandparents in the mid-70s I guess it must have been, my brother and I would listen to it over and over - the whole song was on Track one, and then again partially on track 2 and track 3 - i can still hear the 'clunk' of that 8 track player as it switched from track 2 to 3. didn't understand the whole song then, but we loved to listen to it.
Take Care, j-o-h-n, you will be missed here. I wish you the best.
Replies to your post have restored a portion of my faith in the compassion that brought me to this site years ago... a fellowship of strangers linked by a common denominator. I have been sadden by the changing tone of sundry posts here in recent months that seem to mirror the mindset of our larger society torn by disenchanted entitlement and opinionated arrogance. The red carpet here has somewhat thinned, making this once dependably inviting path less appealing to follow or to guide. Opinions framed with smugness offer no solace. Encouragement and facts thoughtfully explained bring comfort, offer hope and suggest next steps. If you must go, go in peace, knowing you will be fondly remembered.
You will be missed even though I had to read your jokes at least 3 times - and sometimes still didn't understand 😄😄 Wish you the best j-o-h-n, stay funny!! 🌞
John, it has been a delight to read your off-the-wall humor sometimes just when we need it most! With you gone, who will help us realize that transrectal MRIs are something to laugh about!
Compañero, I can't say that I understand your leaving,. I will miss that amazing balance you brought to this space and will be lonlier without you. Stay tough.
I think the response is a testimony of what humor can do and the part you played in this forum. You will be missed J-O-H-N and I wish you the best life has to offer.
Well of course your spikes will render the Red Carpet pretty raggedy at times. But insightful humor and two scoops make it beautiful again. Consider: Your presence here and contributions are meaningful and valuable to so many. As long as you are above ground and breathing, there is still something more for you to do, something of value for you to offer.Will send you a PM re: an option. Paul / MB
My life motto is: "If you aren't laughing, you aren't living". So you have always been one of my favs. It is so weird being sad over someone you have never met. I am shocked to see you are 85. You don't look a day over 83. Fare thee well or however that saying goes. Oh, I remember. Abi gezunt!
Know a place were you may be able to trade in your thread-bare red carpet for a later model with more mileage. I think you just may have a two-fer here: Melanoma and PCa. Both amendable to Keytruda.
I think you had better Call Saul to handle that bungled surgery.
Finally, whenever I am down and out I watch stand up comedy. My two favs are
Hi George, I'm still using it along with multiple other supplements. Hard to say how effective. I had a hip injury a year ago & had 3 bone marrow stem cell transplants. Had to go off all supplements that reduce inflammation for 2 months. My PSA level jump up 20pts. PSMA scan showed cancer was still contained in the prostate.. no spread. To be safe, I decided to have IMRI done at Stanford. I am now back on the IP-6 & supplements. It's been almost 10 yrs since diagnosis, so, not sure how much supplements helped, but, I will continue using them.
I am not / was not on ADT. My gleason was 7. The supplements I'm taking are IP-6 (1 scoop per day), I mix the following supplement powders together in batch, & put in tupperware container = tumeric + pomegranate ext + EGCG + broccoli ext + curcumin ext (200? mg 2x day). Also, very active. I am / was a cyclist .. I ride 4-5 days a week. Workout in gym 3 days a week. I am also vegan. My PSA score before IMRT was 39. First test 1 month after IMRT was 14.5. Will test again in 2 months. I chose not to do ADT because I am 73 yrs old, I have no metastasis, my lifestyle is very active, & my cancer was relatively slow growing for the past 10 yrs. I think all of us here are basically buying time & balancing that with quality of life. Going forward, that might change, but, for now that's it. Advancements in the treatment of cancer are ever changing & getting better each year. Since I was diagnosed 10 yrs ago, I've tried to stay on top of all the research as it evolves.
good plan. I wish I could do the same but my doubling time is very fast (less than a month), so I feel it's better to do the treatments. Good to hear how well your QOL is!
Each person has to decide what the best course is for them .... assuming they have done some of their own research, and, reviewed with others have experienced . There is so much going on right now in treatments, and, it is progressing relatively quickly. As I said before, I think all of us are buying time, until there is something better. For me, quality of life is a priority based on my own personal circumstances.
What - oh no!!! I will miss all your jokes so much, John! You were always ready to jump in with something witty and funny and it was so nice. I will think of you fondly always!
Wishing you the very best,
(are you sure we can't patch your carpet and make it a bit more rugged? )
Thank you for your humor and lightheartedness for us with lightheadedness. Wish we had more time to compare breast sizes. I’m sure I’ve got you beat. But then you are 15 years older than me so I’m sure mine are firmer.
Won’t some be surprised when we stand before God someday and find God has a sense of humor. I bet God has everything remembered out of all the Mel Brooks movies.
That will be the day! Looking forward to meeting nurse Diesel.
I leave you with the funniest man that ever walked the earth.
Though I do not understand the reasons, I respect your decision. If it is the ugliness of some cynical posters it saddens me. We thrive when we are diverse in our thoughts and opinions. You are a truly unique person who often lifted our low spirits.
j-o-h-n, you were one of the first to welcome me to this forum and I thank you for your help with my understanding of this disease. Good humor to you always, cheers 🥂 😎 DD.
Well, j-o-h-n, like the jester in American Pie I guess you are stealing the crown and adjourning the courtroom, but a verdict needs to be returned in this case. You are guilty of being sometimes funny, often just head-scratching, but always interesting. We'll miss you, dude.....take good care of yourself! 🙂
J-O-H-N - wish you would reconsider! Your keen insight and sense of humor are one of the reasons I enjoy our site. You are a treasure to our community. And 85 is very young these days! Practically a teenager!
Bye Bye to the guy who made us all smile, at least for a while! Amazing that you could keep your sense of humor through all the stent stuff in your bio! We will all miss you, and we all need a reminder that there are always reasons to smile!
Never say never, John. Your humor has made our lives a bit more enjoyable— happier. Stick around a bit longer, please. By the way, why do ants never get sick—they have more anti-bodies! Your wife says you never buy her flowers. I never even knew she SOLD flowers!
I personally think that everybody suffering from Prostate Cancer needs this and any other Forum to listen too, for personal journeys and differing treatments and I sincerley hope that you switch to "listening mode " if you are determined not to be a part of the community with your input ! - I personally hope that you will be available for personal chats as I understand your humour, even though I understand some may find it on occasion offensive ! - we are all different - Kindest Raoul
John, John, John, You shall be dearly missed!!! I respect your decision, hope you get to do what you want with your time. We shall definitely miss your humor 😊 Best of luck with the rest of your journey. If and when you feel like, post some updates, we care. We love you brother 🤗🙏
Darn it John. Well its been 4 days since you posted this so I have adjusted to your news enough that the lump doesn't form in my throat reading it and the many replies here.
I sure hope the best for you in your future you deserve the best.
Your ability to cross bridges amazed me. From Snoop Dog to Frank Sinatra ect. Maybe it was that USO experience that propelled you. For all I know you might have shared the stage with Bob Hope.
When I first posted here you were one of about 6 to respond and I felt elation that you reached out to me. You gave me a real commendation that day.
For a long time I thought you really were a member of the forum staff. Your replies always seemed to say "ok, we've beaten the post to death hear is my joke to put an end to the discussion".
Its all been said in the many replies here but adding my 2 cents as well you really helped us with your humor raising the comrade we all need.
Really going to miss you J-o-h-n. Your great sense of humor was so welcome on a site where the topic is anything but light hearted most of the time. You were a loved part of the community. I pray for the Holy Spirit to guide your journey ahead. May you have many more happy moments. You will be missed. Faith
Dear j-o-h-n, the first thing that crossed my mind when bad news came was "Keith don't go" from Nils Lofgren.You will be missed in every corner of PCA world.
I'm going to have to camp out in Dr Morris's waiting room until I see a handsome gentleman that you once told me wouldn't be you. I'm going to miss you wish you wouldn't leave, truly. You have me crying and begging for more. Bet you never thought you'd hear that again from a woman. All joking aside I think you are one of a kind, someone very special and your humor,your kindness has meant a lot to me
John you were one of the first members to reach out to me when my father began his/our journey, or should I say nightmare. You calmed me with your humour and little jokes that I relayed to my 90 year old Dad. He was so amazed and humbled that a stranger from the otherside of the world could show him such kindness. We will all miss you so much.😔 Good health to you John. Love from Kerrie Melbourne Aus xx
I haven't really posted on here kinda of a Newbie even tho I've been following for a couple of months. First off let me Thank You j-o-h-n for your Service to this Great County I Salute you Sir..I read articles from time to time on here never really posted and from what I gathered you Sir are one of most knowledgeable and respected persons here and can't forget your off the wall humor. I have gained Knowledge and Hope from yourself and others here..Thank You Sir. When I was first diagnosed with aPC I was scared now not so much because of you and others here. May God Bless and Guide you on your continued journey and I to will leave you with a song (if I figure out how) from my favorite band that was far ahead of their time. Gumpa Pa.✌️
Ohno John why you leaving? I barely open HU lately and I see this sad news. I will miss your funny lines. HU wouldnt be the same without you! I wish you well and hopefully we will still keep in touch. It was so nice to meet you in person a few years back. I do hope our paths will cross once again. Take care my friend! Maraming maraming salamat kaibigan!
Thank you, the feeling is mutual........ keep on peddling..... (oh how I miss those days of riding a bike in NYC, especially Manhattan)......Bike lanes all over NYC now.....Except for Manhattan, the other boroughs are with few cyclist...... I have a true (and long) story about a bike rider....but lots to type wright.....for just a story....STAY WELL!!!
j-o-h-n wrote -- " ... I have a true (and long) story about a bike rider....but lots to type wright.....for just a story ... "
DAMN, I can not un-see what you wrote and it is killing me as to the contents of that true(and long) story !!! 😱
I once cycled with some friends from Bergen County NJ to Central Park for a *Heart Fund Cyclethon* and even raced there in some United States Cycling Federation Road Race events.
Sorry Biker is just part of a bigger story..... One day I'll type it out and message you with it..........so don't fret and keep your spokes straight...........
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Follow up to \"My trajectory after a 'vacation' and a new metastasis,\" and a new question
