Help interpretating Path report

bcdoo · Regular Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Posts: 18 Location: Texas

I bought Walsh's book last night and read the entire thing overnight. Great and informative. The largest question that appears to be very elusive is the question posed in his book "how long will I live?". My conclusion is: no one knows.....even the statistical survival rates of 5-10-15 years are full of abiguity and rely on individual circumstances. I really don't want to become a hypochondriac, overreacting or overanalyziing every situation. Guess I'll wait for the PSA readings in about 60 days (1 Dr. insists not on doing the hypersensitive PSA test?) So....I had a bowl of ice cream last night and will go to my workout this morning living each day to the fullest.

5 weeks sinces surgery and despite cialus and vacuum therapy, Pete is still asleep---however, I have been fully continent since the catheter was removed.

Thanks guys so much for the feedback.....you should know how helpful it is to talk. BCDOO

brainman

No, you will NEVER find a conclusive answer to the question "How long will I live" because all the doctors can go on is statistical probabilities (prognosis). If my original prognosis had been right, I would have died at least 5 years ago. I only has a 10 % chance of living more than 10 years they told me. Now, with more studies and newer treatments, the prognosis for a grade II glioma is almost reversed (10% chance if NOT surviving more than 10 years).

Here is my comment about prognosis: I like to know what my prognosis is but only in order to prioritize the items in my "bucket list"... those things that I still would like to do in whatever time I have left. After setting those priorities, I try to forget the prognosis and live one day at a time working toward completion of my goals. It is easier said than done. However, it is what I try to do. My prognosis in 2005 when my cancer recurred was 7 years before next recurrence Confused

. The list keeps getting smaller Wink

.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

bcdoo · Regular Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Posts: 18 Location: Texas

Great advice...thanks. Funny how we all focus now on the "bucket list" of important priorities. I strive to live my life through the windshield, not the rear view mirror!

BCDOO

goruck · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:18 pm Post subject: you guys are on target

http://prostateconcerns.blogspot.com/

first of all, this is my new blog I am starting to inform patients and loved ones about observations I am making on prostate cancer.

Secondly, mri or bone scan would generally be futile at this point. No relevant information can be gained in my eyes. Your doctor's make much sense to me. If you have questions, I will check my blog from time to time.

If you were my patient, I would employ wait and see, but at same time would likely be agressive about radiation in the setting of a rising psa. I would consult with radiation oncologists early so they can be on board with the plan also.

Dr. Rucker
www.urology-partners.com
http://prostateconcerns.blogspot.com/

bcdoo · Regular Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Posts: 18 Location: Texas

Thanks Dr. for the response.....seems to be the consensus...I hate this insidious disease and all it has done to my life and am committed to stay ahead of it.......it will not get me without a fight!! My wife wanted the surgeon to go right back in and get the rest after we found the cancer upgraded to T3a, 4+4.

Appreciate the remarks.

BCDOO

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