Being Thankful----Year 6

[NPfisherman]

Greetings FPC members:

Each year, I try and post at holiday times of reasons to be thankful regarding PCa developments, and I am thankful for so many things that I have, but we can all be thankful for :

1) NCI and it's support of clinical trials ( including the trials of cancer drugs like RRX-001 (phase 2 and 3) for neuroendocrine cancers, VERU-111(Phase 3-VERACITY study-terminated for administrative reasons, but continues in CoVid phase 3 trial), ARV-110 (Phase 2-completed- best results in AR T878 and/or H875 mutations), Osteodex (completed Phase 2b over 2 years ago-awaiting a partner for Phase 3)-and the new vaccine trials like ADXS 504, OVM-200, and more ...and the recent successes like Darolutamide, Apalutamide, Orgovyx, Lu-PSMA-617, SBRT for Oligometastatic PCa, and the continued improvement of scans that can detect tumors at lower and lower PSA levels...

2) Dept of Defense and it's continued financial support into prostate cancer research and information-130 million dollars just for research in 2023!!! Increase of 20 million over last year ..

3) Centers of excellence in treating patients and providing top quality care like MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Cedar Sinai, Mayo Clinic, City of Hope, Cleveland Clinic, Peter Mac, Johns Hopkins, Moffitt Center, UCLA. and many others, and for the researchers that devote their lives to curing this disease...

4) Continued research into drugs like cyclic peptoids, bromodomain inhibitors-ZEN 3694 (Phase 2b trial started), NEO2734, CCS 1477, radiopharmaceuticals like AC-225 and other theranostics, Bi-specific T cell engagers, Dendritic cell vaccines, CAR-T , Cow Pea Mosaic Virus , and other medicines which can slow down this beast, and maybe one day, a cure...

5) Organizations that raise money for research and/or provide support to patients like the American Cancer Society, Prostate Cancer Foundation, ZERO, and HU-- which provides this forum, and others

6) For the individuals who participate in clinical trials that risk their lives and bodies so Oncologists can learn more about prostate cancer and treating it. A special salute to your courage...

7) Individuals on this forum who share their knowledge and experience and provide support to others...some with humor, some with love, some with painful stories, and some with stories of success and hope... Thanks for being a poster or replier... Your input is valued...

8) For the individuals who lost their lives fighting this disease.... the fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, cousins that took treatments and paved the way to this point...

9) For the men and women who support or supported men with this disease and understand the pain and suffering this disease causes...

10) For the warriors out there that just refuse to quit fighting this beast...

Let's all be thankful.....

ON A PERSONAL NOTE:

11) For my continued health, and the knowledge that I have gained and shared with my FPC amigos that continue to follow me, and message. I have to admit that I have been exceptionally lazy lately in forum participation...

12) For the great people I have met on these forums, The NoLa Syndicate-(cujoe, jdm3, LuLu700, dougnola), marnieg46, Dayatatime, MateoBeach, and so many others, and all the information we have shared...The laughter, the knowledge, the moments of joy and sadness... and the chance to meet up with Marnie, Cujoe, jdm3 and wife, MateoBeach and wife in Vermont in October... A good time was had by all... remember... what happens on vacation stays on vacation... lol ..

13) For a successful response so far in treating my recurrence... and the vacation that I am currently on... long may it last..

14) Last, but not least--For my loving wife and family that support me...

Happy Holidays to all... Much peace and happiness...

Don Pescado

[dougnola]

Happy Thanksgiving, Don! I live in the French Quarter now and we had dinner this afternoon close to where we all gathered! ✌️ DougNOLA

[NPfisherman in reply to dougnola]

Happy Thanksgiving, Doug...

Living it up in the French Quarter.. how grand... Hope all is going well with you and treatment regimen .. Are you traveling to see Sartor or found someone new??

Keep on truckin', young man..

DD

[NPfisherman in reply to dougnola]

Oops.. saw the update on group chat... no need to respond to earlier reply... will respond to you there...

[Boywonder56]

Grate post don....i am living proof of aplutimides success..like u in my 6 going on 7 years..wishes for continued good progress with recurrence..dont be a stranger ,and say hi to nal if you should have the chance....bw

[NPfisherman in reply to Boywonder56]

BW 56,

Thanks. Wishing you continued success and many years to come. I do not talk to Nal at all. I will not be a stranger... In a word, I am back. Forum vacation over... Retirement is a wonderful thing...

Don P

[ragnar2020]

Don Pescado et al,

Happy Thanksgiving to y’all. Keep up thee good fight.

JPD

[NPfisherman in reply to ragnar2020]

Happy Thanksgiving Ragnar...

It's funny... I have T shirt that says Ragnar for President 2020...maybe that's where you got your handle...

Best of luck on your path..

Don P

[KocoPr]

Im thankful for all the above and I would like to add Mother Nature for providing us abundant plant medicines, also laughter and love through this creature i found.

Nina my pitty aka. The Shredder

[NPfisherman]

KocoPr,

I agree...

Where would we be without plant medications?? Not a good place that's for sure...

A fine looking dog is Nina, but a bit hard on footballs. Don't go with the NFL brand, or you will pay out the wazzo.... Looking at getting a pet myself, but travel is the issue, when caring for the pet, so we have held off. Pets provide love and companionship and are a therapy in and of themselves...

Your picture made me laugh... I had a dog in my 20s, and left him in the car when I went into a store...Came back in 1/2 an hour, and he had chewed my back seat up pretty bad... He was a great dog, but I never left him in the car again...

Don P

[KocoPr in reply to NPfisherman]

Lol, he was punishing you for leaving him in the car

[NPfisherman in reply to KocoPr]

My friends and I went into the store, and when we came out the dog had a piece of foam upholstery in his mouth... my friends howled laughing... I had Zeth for many years, and many fishing adventures... Except for that incident, he was a great dog...

[KocoPr in reply to NPfisherman]

Traveling has become more difficult. Way before we got Nina we gave up flying and traveling outside of the Northeast. We drive and camp a lot and the state parks and some private campgrounds love pets. Museums are tricky but Id rather let my wife enjoy the museum inside while Nina and I find the outdoors just as neat. A big help is if you have a friend or family that would take your buddy for the time you’re gone on vacation if it entails museums and such. Rescue a pitty pup they are so loving and very funny characters, and in dire need of rescue.

[NPfisherman in reply to KocoPr]

Traveling is part of the issue regarding getting a pet, plus my wife has been bitten twice by dogs, so I think a small dog may be in our future. Kudos for rescuing Nina ... Pets can give you so much love, and help you to live longer:

usatoday.com/story/news/hea...

[KocoPr]

Thankful for all the links you provided

[NPfisherman in reply to KocoPr]

Thanks for the information that you and so many others provide... and while I did not provide links on this one, I do for a lot of posts and replies. ...

[KocoPr in reply to NPfisherman]

I guess I meant the non hyper links lol. I saved this post for the good leads.

[NPfisherman in reply to KocoPr]

I try and follow what I can on drug and other developments, but the science is coming faster and faster... it gives me real hope for so many of us...

Happy Holidays, brother...

Fish

[Maxone73]

very positive! Thanks!

[NPfisherman in reply to Maxone73]

Thanks Maxone73,

I remember when I was new to my diagnosis (much like you), and dove into investigating the disease, drugs under development, etc... It consumed me...

But as the years passed, I have gotten comfortable in my skin, so to speak, and focus way more time on loving, laughing, and being with family and friends...It's been an evolution...

Good luck on your path....

Fish

[Maxone73 in reply to NPfisherman]

I can just hope to have a long path in front of me! Thank you!

[NPfisherman in reply to Maxone73]

Read your profile and had to laugh about the ATM gene mutation not being related to cash... Didn't see your GS or whether you are adenocarcinoma or ductal, intraductal, but when I started, the American Cancer Society said that I had a 25% chance to live 5 years... this has now evolved to something like 32% I think ( stopped looking at their info because it is updated every 5 years only).

You are an exercise enthusiast... I think you will have a long path, because...

The Science is Coming !!! and it gives us hope...

Fish

[Maxone73 in reply to NPfisherman]

I am also a science man! But I never realized it could be so fast and so slow depending on which side of the fence you are. Adenocarcinome for me, the most common bastard. GS 10, to complete the great news!

[NPfisherman in reply to Maxone73]

G8, Adenocarcinoma as well... Saw that you are an AI researcher... I am an NP...

There have been so many breakthroughs and new drugs in just my time, and I agree.... fast and slow.... One of my big beefs is how biotechs get drugs through Phase II, and then wait for a partner, because Phase III is a 50+ million investment that most small companies can not afford to risk...

Lots of research into ATM mutations... I guess you had your chemo before the genetic test, since they did not add a platinum based agent to your initial treatment...

I had so much anxiety initially, and the brain fog and emotional lability led to my being kicked off one forum, as well as alienating some friends... Practicing relaxation techniques helped the anxiety, and taurine for the brain fog...

Wishing you the best on your journey...

Fish

[Maxone73 in reply to NPfisherman]

I agree, there are two bottlenecks I think: one is the money thing you mentioned, which in some ways we will solve as also thanks to AI there are so many new discoveries that some big player will become interested (as it happened with CRISPR cas9 technique and the newly authorized treatments using these techniques). The other one is timing, the pipeline for testing is too long I think. Designed in another era when simulations and so on were not so fast and precise.

I know about ATM and parp and atr inhibitors but I did not know about platinum chemo and ATM. But yes, results came after 2 infusions.

Thanks for the info!

[NPfisherman in reply to Maxone73]

Indeed, I am watching CRISPR as well.... The concept of cutting out mutations and replacing them will revolutionize medicine as the science evolves... Agree, The process needs to be reviewed... the timeline is a killer... most drugs take about 10 years to get to the end of the process... too long... AI is already revolutionizing drug development and will give us more drug candidates with a higher chance of success in a more precise and speedier process...

Good luck, young man

Fish...

[Maxone73 in reply to NPfisherman]

Good luck to all of us! Keep in touch!

[NPfisherman in reply to Maxone73]

Well, for 4+ years, I can no longer message others unless they message me first... courtesy of the administration of one forum, so if you post or reply here, I'll be sure to reply...

Indeed, good luck to all...

[Maxone73 in reply to NPfisherman]

Ok! 👍🏻

[Nusch]

Thx for your post! I just started year 7 on Nov 23rd, kind of my second birthday, which I celebrate annually. Wasn’t sure that I will be able to write this back in 2017. Let’s continue to share our knowledge and sometimes even more important our empathy.

[NPfisherman in reply to Nusch]

Thanks for the reply... Yes, 2017 for me as well... Knowledge and empathy are something all cancer patients need... Will try and do my part...

Happy Holidays, Nusch...

Fish

[Nusch in reply to NPfisherman]

Same to you, Fish and always looking forward to your posts! Let’s keep fighting and at the same time enjoying every moment of our life.

[NPfisherman in reply to Nusch]

Solid advice, brother... Thanks for the reply

[Sunlight12]

Well said, as always! Happy belated Thanksgiving, Fish!

-Sun

[NPfisherman in reply to Sunlight12]

Hi Sun,

Happy Holidays to you and yours... Hope all is well with you, lady...

Fish

[Sunlight12 in reply to NPfisherman]

It's going along! Best wishes that all is well with you and yours too!!

-Sun

[PhilipSZacarias]

Bravo, so well said my fellow Warrior. Phil

[NPfisherman in reply to PhilipSZacarias]

Hey Phil,

Hope all is well with you... Appreciate the compliment...

Take care, brother...

Fish

[pakb]

A wonderful list- thank you for posting it and for your contributions to this space!

[NPfisherman in reply to pakb]

pakb,

You're welcome ... I am long overdue to get back to posting and replying..

Enjoy the holidays...

Fish

[GreenStreet]

Great post hope you had a great thanksgiving. You are right to focus on the positive and many of us have got a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful that I am still here and for the support of my wife and family/friends. I am also thankful for the wonderful contributors on here yourself very much included who have more knowledge than me about playing chess with the beast. I am 8.5 years in so so good so far 🤞👍

[KocoPr in reply to GreenStreet]

It’s like 4 dimensional chess! We will definitely need AI to help us biologicals to solve this puzzle.

BTW jmsandy on chess.com

[NPfisherman in reply to GreenStreet]

Thanks Andy,

I had a great Thanksgiving... 8.5 years... May you have many, many more...

Happy Holidays to you and yours...

All the best,

DD

[j-o-h-n]

6 years but who's counting. You're a nice guy...... and thank God, nice guys come in last.

FYI Me and my blow up doll are starting to show our age....

Stay well and I'll see ya at the movies.............

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 11/26/2023 3:58 PM EST

[cujoe in reply to j-o-h-n]

Some especially blow-hard humor from the HU master. Glad for your return to HU earlier this year, as we all need as much humor as you can provide. Have a genuine NYC holiday and an "I'm-no-older-than-I-feel" sort of New Year. Ciao - Cujoe, your namesake K9 terror

PS Don't be looking to connect with Dangerous Dave at the movies . . . try the funny papers first.

[j-o-h-n in reply to cujoe]

Thank you...... and youse too.......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday11/27/2023 12:04 PM EST

[NPfisherman in reply to j-o-h-n]

My wife said I can't go with you and Dolly to the movies.... She says I get ideas, and that is a dangerous thing... As for Dolly's age and appearance, I will suggest this product-- Meguiar's Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner... Geez, I got another idea... You and Dolly are bad influences...

Happy holidays to you and yours, funny guy...

Fish

[j-o-h-n in reply to NPfisherman]

Rubber cleaner Hmmmmm now ya tell me, I began using saranwrap when I was knee high to a knee.....

May the fish bite for you this upcoming Holiday.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday11/27/2023 12:09 PM EST

[NPfisherman in reply to j-o-h-n]

I won't ask about your experience using saran wrap, or what you wrap up... I hope the fish will bite... haven't made it to the beach yet, but scouted a promising site...

Live--Laugh--Love

DD

[cujoe]

Another masterful year-end summary from the NPfisherman, especially the Personal Note #s 11-14. May the current vacation extend for a very long time into the future. Here's wishing that you and your family all have a Safe and Happy Holiday and an exceptionally Healthy New Year

Very Best to all of you from Cujoe, the K9 terror.

[NPfisherman in reply to cujoe]

K9 Terror,

Many thanks. As they say in WV, we had us some fun in Vermont.... Shall we sail to Oz for the next meeting?? (just kidding).. Hope all is well with you and yours...

Happy Holidays.... remember... no biting the mail man...

DD

[marnieg46 in reply to NPfisherman]

Not sure how you do it Dangerous Dave but nothing short of another inspirational Thanksgiving post. A reminder that there is much going on across so many areas to ensure that one day science will prevail. A prompt too not to forget those around us that make each day a little better and to rejoice in the extra special things - the personal connections far and near that never would have come about had it not been for this forum...the friendship, support, the sharing of information and wise counsel.

And if you do come to the land down under..would suggest you'll have a better chance of arriving if the Captain doesn't transport you by sea ...and just so you know...it's MateoBeach who has a firmly established reputation here for finding the best restaurants.

Long may you enjoy your vacation to the fullest and hopefully our paths will cross again before too long.

[NPfisherman in reply to marnieg46]

Marnie,

Thanks for the compliments... There is so much going on with the science, and like you, I believe it will prevail. We need something beyond AR targeted drugs, and between clinical trials, and what I term "crossover" drugs (drugs for other cancers that can be used for PCa), I believe the goal of chronic disease status will be achieved by 2029, and the survival rate for advanced prostate cancer will be at 50% or above.

Why do I believe this is possible?? New theranostic drugs being developed, and the push to utilize them earlier in the treatment regimen (MHSPC). The expansion of drugs available to utilize through clinical trials and crossovers. Next, I believe that SBRT will gain expanded usage and be utilized for patients with more than 5 tumors as a result of Sabr Comet-10. Finally, I believe that BAT and AT will gain earlier usage, which will slow down the path to MCRPC. All IMHO...

The Science is Coming !!!.. and it gives us HOPE !!!

DD

[Maxone73 in reply to NPfisherman]

You can bet! I am at the hospital right now for some bloodwork (chemo tomorrow) but later I will post some small news. One step at a time. I have been thinking also about some petition to ask for a faster clinical trials path to speed up drugs development.

[NPfisherman in reply to Maxone73]

Max,

Best of luck on the bloodwork. I am encouraged by the trials and where they are going with TT (Targeted Therapy) or Precision Medicine. Targeting more than AR will get us there. I believe that the process needs to be speeded up further, but safety first- always. It is no easy balance.

My niece is a VP for a company that develops blood tests for various diseases. She worked for the FDA for years, and her job is to oversee clinical design to meet FDA standards. While she will tell you what a pain the system is to get trials done, she does say that the system works.

AI will speed up the part where drugs are found for trials, but the safety part.... not so easily speeded up. Finding drug to drug interactions, SE's, etc... takes time, and I am not sure that part can be so easily overcome.

DD

PS: If I am Dangerous Dave, are you Mad Max ??? ...lol

[Maxone73 in reply to NPfisherman]

Mad I am, in more than one way!! 😂😂

I am also a believer of safety first, but our current tools have reached also remarkable precision in predicting interactions, not only in creating new drugs. That’s why I believe that there is room for some extra speed, if not now then rather soon. Meanwhile…let’s resist!

By the way, bloodwork was perfect, I can have my chemo tomorrow, and psa dropped another 30% (it’s 1 now after 3 infusions and 4 months of no hormones…I don’t know if it’s very good, but it was 70 at diagnosis)

[NPfisherman in reply to Maxone73]

Max,

I'm a little mad myself in more ways than one... Living without hormones leads to emotional lability, and I suffered from that much worse early on, but became more tolerable over time... part of my being here is related to that issue...

Excellent news !!! Congratulations on your results... May the trend continue to be your friend...

DD

[Maxone73 in reply to NPfisherman]

May the Force be with us!

[NPfisherman in reply to Maxone73]

You must be the AI Jedi from the legends....lol...

[Maxone73 in reply to NPfisherman]

Yodata!