Friday, September 24, 2010

back pain, good news, part 2

okay, the back pain isn't being caused by the spread of cancer, the bone scan was completely clean which is AWESOME. So my Oncologist put me on some steroids and my GP ordered a MRI.

MRI results from yesterday reveal a herniated disc that is pinching some nerves. Next step is appointment with back specialist. Don't ask me how I got this, I have no idea but what I do know is it hurts like hell.

Speaking of the steroids, most of you know that the hormone therapy drugs I'm on now cause me some hot flashes...well, it seems the steroids are accentuating the hot flashes. In the last 2 days I've sweat so much due to a hot flash that I need to change my shirt...soaking wet, dripping, not fun.

It's a bitch this getting old thing but looking on the bright side, the sun is shining and my feet hit the floor this morning so my life is good.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

back pain, good news

Over the past 3 weeks I've had a sharp pain in the center of my back, between the shoulder blades and often the pain shoots down my left arm. Knowing I had an appointment this week with my Oncologist I just waited and when I saw him monday, he chewed me out.

He wants to know when something like this comes up but it's not my nature to complain at general aches and pains. But given that Prostate Cancer likes to go to the bone, Dr. Reza was concerned. Today we did a bone scan and good news, it was negative....and my PSA from monday was
The pain in my back? A result from kids? the wife? (hope she doesn't follow the blog)...most likely it's just a pinched nerve. It certainly will hurt my golf game....oh yeah, I never had a golf game. Cool, I'll blame the bad golf of the back pain.

Be well

Saturday, September 18, 2010

The Summit to End Prostate Cancer (part 2)

The Summit was awesome. On Thursday I was on Capitol Hill and met in the offices of my 2 NC Senators, Burr and Hagan and with my Representative Sue Myrick. Unfortunately it was crazy busy with Congress back in session and they had a vote so my 3 representatives weren't available.

Of the 3 meetings (with staffers), the Sue Myrick office meeting was by far the best. Sarah Hale took the time to really understand why we were there and what we were asking for by way of increased awareness, support for the resolution to make September Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (kind of a no-brainer) and increased funding. We were able to educate Sarah on what our priorities are and I believe it really struck a cord with her.

It was an educational experience and one that I'm going to want to repeat...I have to in order to help get more $ and research behind finding a cure for PC and at the very least getting Early Detection testing as a norm just like mammograms are today.

Now it's important for me to keep the energy and drum beat going here locally in Charlotte to spread the word and maybe run a fundraiser golf outing or two.

Be well

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Summit to End Prostate Cancer

What a great experience!
I'm attending The Summit to End Prostate cancer here in our Nation's capital and it's being put on by Zero Cancer and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Tuesday night there was a reception where Sen. John Kerry & Nancy Pelosi stopped by to show their support. Also, I had the chance to meet Michael Milken, chairman from Prostate Cancer Foundation as well as Rosey Grier and many others.

Today we had a full day of sessions where medical experts, researchers, legislators presented on a variety of topics. Two sessions that were electric were (a) Movember, the founder, Adam Garone spoke about the event history and roadmap (what a great story) and (b) Rep. Elijah Cummings from MD on PC awareness on Capitol Hill. Rep. Cummings was awesome! Inspirational!

We heard about the advances in drugs such as Provenge and MDV3100 among others and the promise for better drugs in the near future.

needless to say I'm jazzed because tomorrow I will sit in the offices of 3 NC legislators (Burr, Hagen and Myrick) and will share my story and help raise their awareness for more funding for PC research.

I have to say, this has so far been a special experience as I've met other Prostate Cancer survivors, heard their stories and have been moved by what is possible ahead of us. Every 19 minutes a man dies from Prostate Cancer...we need to do more for early detection to dramatically drop this number.

With greater awareness, Prostate Cancer research can make significant advances.

More soon

Monday, September 13, 2010

quick poll, your participation needed

Okay, it's September 13th....and I need you to click on the 'comment' button to help me conduct a little survey (sorry, no survey-monkey)

How many of you know September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month? Let me know.

I intentionally let it go until today to see how much press PC is getting and it's almost nothing, nada, zip. In about 2 weeks, all you'll hear is 'Pink and how Oct is Breast Cancer awareness month' which is great...but it's time we raise the level of awareness for PC.

Help me do so by telling a friend, brother, father, coworker, someone you know that 1 in 6 men will get PC which are greater odds than a women getting BC. Encourage anyone over 40 to get a simple PSA blood test, they'll be glad they did.

Again, please take part in mu survey by clicking on the 'comment' button and say 'yes, I knew' or 'no, I didn't'. Thanks

more soon,

Bob

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

PSA

good news, the PSA test done by Duke Cancer Center came in at < 0.1.....the medication is still doing it's job.

more soon about the Summit to end Prostate Cancer on the Hill with ZERO Cancer