Personally, I'm getting sick and tired of hearing the word CANCER!

OK . . this one's not about by recovery. Everything is status quo at this point and I've really got nothing to up date you on - at least not from my own battle. This one is is support of family and friends that are facing their own cancer battles.


First, my father-in-law Walter. For the better part of the last four years he has been getting treatments for and fighting lung cancer. Unfortunately in the last two months this have taken a turn for the worse.


Walter's status went from stage 1B to stage 4 in a matter of about two months.  He is currently under the care of doctors at Boston Medical Center.  He's been on oxygen and in some pain these last two weeks.


Faith, my mother in law, my wife Janet and her siblings David and Pam would greatly appreciate your prays for peace and comfort during this difficult time.  It would be great to get a few prayers for David as well as he really needs to come up to see his Dad, but finances are preventing him from being able to afford the trip up from Tampa, FL.


I also have an old friend and colleague from my days at the former Target Productions who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  She is scheduled for surgery this week in California, And though she's a very independent woman, I'm sure that she would appreciate the support and prayers for a successful surgery and recovery.


I don't think I've ever some across someone whose life hasn't been touch directly or indirectly by cancer.  They need our support, caring and supportive word - but ever more so just being there to help out with even the littlest of things.


Don't wait to be asked - because to probably won't come.  Just show up and drop off an easy meal, call & offer to run some errands for them, or maybe even a little bit of house keeping for them. It may not seem like much and a bit mundane, but a little bit can go along way for someone dealing with.


*********   UPDATE   *********

My father in law, Dr. Walter Hicks, passed away on November 10, 2011

after his long battle with lung cancer.  Rest in Peace Walter.

HICKS, Walter J. Of Acton, Nov. 10, 2011. Walter leaves his wife Faith of 52 years. Daughters, Janet Palazini of CT, Pamela Dole of Acton, and son W. David Hicks of Tampa. He also leaves 5 grandchildren, Jacqueline Dole of Acton, Jason, Evan, and Ryan Palazini of CT, and Joseph Hicks of Tampa. Walter leaves his sister Carol DeMatos of Methuen. Walter was involved with the Stephen Ministries and Unemployment Network Programs at Grace Chapel. Professionally, Walter had forty years of experience with a major Defense Contractor. He had multiple patents and inventions. Designer of first transistor circuits used in full scale production missile by major Defense Contractor. One of the most experienced people in the United States with respect to acquisition, tracking, and engagement of real targets in complex natural and countermeasure environments. Expert in ECM and ECCM techniques. Walter has his BSEE and MSEE from MIT (1957), Ph.D. in Plasma Physics from NMSU (1969). Member of Sigma Xi, Sigma Pi Sigma, Menza, Biography published in Marquis Who's Who in Science and Engineering and Who's Who in America - Member of IEEE and SPIE. From 1998 to present he has been CEO of Paradox Scientific of Acton - Consulting Services and Physics Research. There will be a Celebration of Walter's Life on Monday November 14 at Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Rd., Lexington at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Reception to follow in the Courtyard from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Acton. 

Getting a little blue with all the "pink".

Am I blue? YES!

Thanks to the mixed messages of the medical community and the governmental overseers, and the seemingly increasing number of prostate cancer organizations, the message about prostate cancer screening and men's health issues is just becoming noise in the background.

Thanks to the strong marketing efforts of those that run the Susan B. Komen Foundation, breast cancer awareness surrounds us on nearly daily basis - no matter what month it is. My hat's off to all involved for making the campaign so successful for so long. The question is, how can there be as strong of a unified campaign toward men's health issues in regard to prostate cancer? It's a tough fight.

Let's face it . . . the discussion of medical issues "below the waist" for men OR women, are never a good topic for cocktail parties. At least not for an extended discussion that may actually have an impact on the issue at hand. But facts are facts - prostate cancer in men has a higher annual diagnosis rate than breast cancer in women, and has a higher mortality rate than that of breast cancer patients. But this isn't about comparing numbers - it's about trying to save lives and the quality of life for men who face prostate cancer surgery and treatments.

We have The Prostate Cancer Foundation, ZERO, Blue Cure Foundation, Us TOO International, Pints for Prostates, Prostate.Net, Men's Health Network, The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) . . . . just to name a few. Generally, the message that gets out to men from each of these organizations is the same. GET TESTED! However, just from the fact that it the message is coming from so many different organizations it has become fragmented and diluted. There isn't a single voice, brand or name that one can hear or see and know that the issue is prostate cancer. This is just one thing that needs to change - a single organization/face to speak for all of the hard working and dedicated prostate cancer groups so that the message can be strong and unified.


Now, making things even more difficult in this arena, we have the government and medical community, like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), urging men to avoid using the PSA blood test for prostate cancer screening. Sure, we all know the PSA test can be flawed and does present numerous false positives. But does the medical community rely TOTALLY on this test for diagnosis? No, they don't. It is only the FIRST STEP in the investigation of a diagnosis. Perhaps instead of getting rid of the PSA test, better guidelines in providing information to men in preparation for the test are needed - or better yet a more accurate test.

The PSA test can show an elevation of the prostate specific antigen if the patient has recently dealt with an illness that resulted in an infection, or if he has had intercourse or masterbated in the previous 48 to 72 hours. Heck, even simply having BPH elevates the PSA. Does every doctor ask these questions of their patient? I would hope so. Do the doctors or their staff inform the patient to abstain from sex for a few days before the blood test to assure that these factors are taken out of the picture in an effort to better increase the accuracy of the blood work? I would guess the answer is an overwhelming "no".

How many of you reading this had your cancer initially found by means of the PSA test? I can imagine the percentage is nearly 100%. Now why is that? Generally it's the only test that is being used for early detection, but it's not the only means by which a diagnosis is made - it's just the first step.

My diagnosis at age 47 came after a PSA blood test came back at a "somewhat elevated" - 62.7 ng/ml. You could call that a bit over what would be considered "normal" for someone at that age. It was only though additional visits with a urologist, then a biopsy, that the word cancer was ever presented to my wife and I. Following RLP surgery at Sloan-Kettering, the pathology report stated that I had an aggressive and advanced stage 3Tb cancer - bordering on stage 4 with the finding of cancer in one of the lymph nodes removed during my procedure. (you've heard this before . . . a "few" times)

Is the PSA test flawed? Yes. Does the PSA blood test save lives? My wife and three sons say "Yes", as do my parents, in-laws and countless friends.

What do you say? Better yet, who are you going to tell?

Today is the second anniversary of my laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

My PSA remains at <0.05 ng/ml (near non-detectable) since my surgery.

For more than two years I have been sharing with you the story of my diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  Most of you have not faced the overwhelming wave of emotions that a cancer diagnosis can bring; the terror and anxiety of not knowing what the next set of tests (every three to six months) may show. 


I'll be completely honest with you all. I've had my moments of overwhelming fear. Fighting back tears, bouts of anger, the constant race of questions and "what ifs" racing through my head in the middle of so many sleepless nights - wondering what the best course of action would be for me, and if the decisions I made were the right ones.


The surgery was the easy part - I slept through it.


I would not have made it through eight weeks of recovery, 10 weeks of radiation and hormone therapy without the love, prayers and support of my family and so many friends; as well as those of you whom I have not met, but have been following my story here.


For those that have stumbled across my story in your search for information, help and support on the internet, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you face your own diagnosis.


The worry and stress of the unknown is the toughest part - it was for me. It's always difficult to turn over your life to someone you just met while you're in a vulnerable emotional state. As a Christian, I had my Faith in God to look to for guidance. So giving all my worries and pain to God, I was at peace with whatever outcome I was going to have to deal with - and still do.


If you find yourself, or if the women that may read this find their husbands, facing this diagnosis - talk about it in the open.  Don't hide behind and try to deal with it all yourself. I know you'll be surprised as to how many people around you may have dealt with this themselves or have a family member who has.


Nearly a quarter of a million men each year are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. It's a disease that is survivable/curable nearly 96% of the time when caught early. The earlier, the more treatment options are available - including something as simple as "watchful waiting".


There are a countless number of resources and support organizations available to you.  Ask your doctor or the medical staff for information about local support groups. You can can visit UsTOO International at www.ustoo.org for your local support chapter.  Us TOO provides education and supports services not only prostate cancer patients, but for their families as well though informational materials, to support group meetings.


As time goes on, I will continue to update this blog with my progress and any changes.  I thank you all for your support and friendship.  I couldn't have gotten through these last two years with the love and support of my wife Janet, our three sons and all of our family and friends.  You've all made my recovery and fight much easier to face knowing that you were there with me.

Harpoon Helps - Oktoberfest for a Cure

Please join me and Pints for Prostates founder Rick Lyke at Boston's Harpoon Brewery!!


Harpoon Helps, the charitable arm of Harpoon Brewery, is hosting a special Oktoberfest for a Cure beer tasting on October 11th from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Boston, Mass. at Harpoon Brewery.

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the proceeds will be benefiting Pints for Prostates. The $25 donation includes samples of great Harpoon beers, featuring a cask of Harpoon Awareness Ale, light snacks, a tasting glass and a ticket to be entered into a drawing for a seven night trip for two to Belgium.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.pintsforprostates.org, from eTix at http://www.etix.com/ticket
/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=1561583 and at the door. Space at the event is extremely limited

Harpoon Brewery 306 Northern Avenue Boston, MA

Oktoberfest For a Cure!!

We're fast approaching the end of the "official" summer season, but with the month of September comes "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

In light of that, Pints for Prostates has a whole host of events scheduled to help raise awareness of the importance of early testing and prevention of prostate cancer.

This year's fall campaign is "Oktoberfest for a Cure", and there's bound to be an event near you to help support the fight against prostate cancer and get the husbands, fathers, brothers, sons and friends the information they need to better understand how critical and important early detection of prostate cancer can be.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

RICK LYKE, APR                                                                              

PINTS FOR PROSTATES INC.                                              

704-340-2840                                                 

Pints for Prostates Holding Oktoberfest for a Cure Events to

Reach Men Through the Universal Language of Beer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Pints for Prostates is organizing a series of Oktoberfest for a Cure events designed to encourage men to take charge of their health and get regular prostate health screenings.

 The Oktoberfest for a Cure celebration takes place from Aug. 26 to Oct. 22 and includes more than 20 special rare beer tastings, appearances at festivals, events at breweries and retailers from San Francisco to Boston, and a nine night trip to the Czech Republic and Germany that culminates at the original Oktoberfest in Munich.

 “September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the fall is also a time when a great many beer festivals take place. It is the perfect time to reach men through the universal language of beer,” said Rick Lyke, a drinks journalist and prostate cancer survivor. Lyke founded Pints for Prostates in 2008 after successful prostate cancer surgery. The group urges men to get regular prostate health screenings.

Oktoberfest for a Cure prostate cancer awareness events have been made possible by generous grants from Dendreon Corp., Rogue Ales and the Oregon Brewers Festival. Support has also been provided by BeerTrips.com, Brewer’s Best and All About Beer Magazine, along with venue operators, brewers and partner organizations.

 The preliminary schedule for Pints for Prostates Oktoberfest for a Cure includes:

• Aug. 26-27 and Sept. 1-30: Prescott Brewing Co., Prescott. Ariz. Mobile testing unit at two locations in Prescott. Prescott Brewing will also offer a commemorative Pints for Prostates glass during September.
• Aug. 27 from Noon to 8 p.m.: Midwest Brewers Fest, Plainfield, Ill.
• Sept. 1 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Pints for Prostates at the Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery in High Point, N.C.,  with the High Point Regional Health System. The first 100 guests receive a special pint glass.
• Sept. 7 from 6-8 p.m.: Pints for Prostates at Pyramid Alehouse, Walnut Creek, Calif. Presented by Diablo Valley Oncology and Pacific Urology. For more information visit http://www.diablovalleyoncology.md/events/blog.
• Sept. 9-19: Pints for Prostates European Beer Tour with stops in Prague, Bamberg and Munich for Oktoberfest. www.BeerTrips.com for more details.
• Sept. 9 from 6-9 p.m.: Pints for Prostates  Los Angeles Jazz Tasting at the Sheraton Four Points, 9750 Airport Blvd. Tickets are $30 and include beer and wine samples, hors d’œuvres and live jazz. Tickets are available at www.pintsforprostates.org.
• Sept. 9 from 6-11 p.m.: San Diego Professionals Against Cancer 17th Annual Festival of Beer at Columbia and B Streets, San Diego, Calif.
• Sept. 10 from 4-8 p.m.: Brewpalooza, Hyde Park Village, Tampa, Fla.
• Sept. 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Oktoberfest for a Cure Arlington Toast with Zero, at Champps Americana Pentagon Row, 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington, Va. Tickets are $25 and available at www.pintsforprostates.org
• Sept. 24 from 1-4p.m.: San Diego County Beer Fair at the Liberty Station at Ingram Plaza, San Diego, Calif.
• Sept. 29 to Oct. 1: Great American Beer Festival, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colo.
• Sept. 30 from 1-4 p.m.: Denver Rare Beer Tasting III, presented by All About Beer Magazine at the Wynkoop Brewery, Denver, Colo.
• Oct. 5 from 6-10 p.m.: VBGB Oktoberfest for a Cure Cornhole Tournament at VBGB, 920 Hamilton St., Charlotte, N.C. Includes first Charlotte tapping of Highland PSA Pilsner.
• Oct. 6 from 6-9 p.m.: Baltimore Beer Opening Tap Celebration at the Rams Head in Baltimore, Md., $30 includes beer samples, finger food and live music.
• Oct. 8 from Noon-10 p.m.: World Beer Festival, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham, N.C.
• Oct. 11 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.: Harpoon Cares Oktoberfest for a Cure, Harpoon Brewery Tasting Room, 306 Northern Ave., Boston, Mass. Tickets are available atwww.pintsforprostates.org.
• Oct. 17 from 6-9 p.m.:  Johnny Malloy’s Medina at 1038 North Court, Medina, Ohio, part of Cleveland Beer Week.
• Oct. 18 from 6-9 p.m.:  Johnny Malloy’s Chapel Hill at 1954 Buchhozer, Akron, Ohio, part of Cleveland Beer Week.
• Oct. 19 from 6-9 p.m.:  Johnny Malloy’s Strongsville, 15323 Pearl Road, Strongsville, Ohio, part of Cleveland Beer Week.
• Oct. 22 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Piedmont Brewer’s Cup homebrewing competition at Big Boss Brewery, 1249 Wicker Dr., Raleigh, N.C.

Additional Pints for Prostates Oktoberfest for a Cure events are expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks. A complete listing of events is available at www.pintsforprostates.org.

“Oktoberfest for a Cure is an opportunity for the beer community to come together over a critical health issue. Men are 33 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than women are to have breast cancer. The sad fact is that men are about 30 years behind women in advocating for their health,” said Lyke, who was 47 years old at the time his cancer was detected during a routine physical exam. He did not have any symptoms or family history of the disease. “According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer claimed the lives of more than 33,700 American men in 2011. The fact is most of these deaths could have been prevented with regular prostate health screenings.”

About Pints for Prostates

Pints for Prostates is a 501(c)3 a campaign that reaches men through the universal language of beer to encourage them to take charge of their health. The group was founded by prostate cancer survivor and beer writer Rick Lyke in 2008. The grassroots effort raises awareness among men about the importance of regular health screenings and PSA testing by making appearances at beer festivals, social networking and pro bono advertising. According to the National Cancer Institute, 240,890 new prostate cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2011. More information is available at www.pintsforprostates.org. Pints for Prostates also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter (@pints4prostates).

A message worth repeating . . .

"Cancer sucks my friends! It alters your life, your feelings, your goals, your priorities in a way that no one can understand unless you have experienced it first hand. Maybe not all bad! But just when you had a plan for the next 30 years - the plan changed, and you had nothing to say about it!"

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

A fellow prostate cancer patient from Pennsylvania, someone I met through a Facebook cancer discussion group, yesterday completed his radiation treatments. "Fred" wrote the above statement a number of months back.  He's right.

Fred and I have talked about our situations, and shared some of the hatred we have for this disease - as well as supported each other through this rocky road.  Prostate cancer patients develop a brotherhood over a period of time.  It doesn't matter what your age is, or how early you found out about your cancer. The harsh reality is that it really does "suck"!

Like any cancer diagnosis, your life changes in an instant. The words alone can cut into your heart like a dagger. This isn't a disease that only affects the patient physically - it can affect every aspect of your life. That's the part that people don't always understand.

My wife sat next to me the day I got the results of my biopsy -  "the long talk" as the staff at my urologists' office referred to it.  We did the best we could to hold back the shock and tears - until we walked out of the doctor's offices.  She collapsed into my arms sobbing as soon as the door closed behind us.

It's now been almost two years since that day.  My operation in October '09 was a "success" in the sense of removing the tumorous prostate gland, multiple nerve bundles, twenty lymph nodes and some surrounding tissue that had been affected.  My PSA levels have been great. I spent last summer undergoing daily radiation treatments and trying to adjust to body chemistry changes thanks to the ADT hormone therapy I was also undergoing.   Trust me, it made for a interesting summer.

It looks pretty simple on the screen, doesn't it.

What it comes down to is this; I'm doing what the doctors have told me I need to be doing to increase my chances of beating this cancer.  That's not something I take lightly, nor is it something that is run of the mill.

My friends and former co-workers know I have this fight ahead of me.  They offer their support and on occasion ask how I'm doing. "Fine", "Hanging in there", "Fighting the good fight", "Being where I'm supposed to be, when I'm supposed to be there" are my typical standard answers.  But I'm not always "fine". This sucks more than anyone of them can know.  

Sure, I am very fortunate to have what looks to be a very good prognosis and things could be a whole lot worse - for that I am very blessed and grateful.  But as a cancer patient in "remission" (or whatever label you want to put on it), every little "different sensation" you feel get you wondering if it's coming back.  I had no symptoms when I was first diagnosed, so how the heck am I supposed to tell whether or not something I feel or sense is an indication of a return?

Many advanced stage prostate cancer patients who develop metastatic cancer begin to experience pelvic or lower back pain.  I've had back issues in the past (for many years), so when I have issue with my lower back now and it feels "different" than other times, my mind starts to wander a bit.

I really have no hard reason to worry that it could be the cancer coming back, it's just one of those things you think about as someone who has been diagnosed with the disease.

The pre-test anxiety level is beginning to return a bit. In two weeks I meet with my medical and radiation oncologists at Sloan-Kettering for the first time since March and December respectfully.  It will be the first blood work I've had done in five months.  I certainly don't expect anything to have changed, but I've had plenty of surprises and always need to be prepared for what ever comes along.

Thanks again to those that are still following along with this blog. I appreciate your support and friendship.

Cheers!

Chris

BTW . . .  Janet and I will be celebrating 27 years of marriage this Thursday, August 4th.  She doesn't know it yet, but I plan on being around at least until our 50th.

Positive news . . .

It just struck me that the phrase "positive news" when discussing a cancer diagnosis or treatment can have very different meanings.  In my case, it is the good one.

Some 18 months following my surgery I remain cancer free. My recent PSA blood work showed that my PSA levels remain at near non-detectable levels -   <0.05 ng/ml.  As I wrote a few months back, my last bone scan in January showed no signs of recurrence and everything is on track. I'm obviously very happy with this news, as is my family, and I look forward to keeping it that way.

I've had some opportunities to counsel other recently diagnosed prostate cancer patients.  Most are "friends of friends" who just needed to speak with someone who has been through it all already. We usually discuss the "news" they have received and talk a bit of what lay ahead for them.  As I'm not a physician or an expert, I certainly am not going to  try to push a specific course of action on anyone - that's not why I'm here. But, I have been through it and like most things experience can matter a whole lot more.

As with any cancer diagnosis, there are many questions to be answered - some of which can have some harsh realities attached.

As I've said numerous times before, the concern and fear almost always stems from the unknown. It's not like many of us have taken courses in school that would prepare us for being able to deal with any of this.  You lean on family and friends for support, and all trust is placed in the hands of the Doctors and your faith in God that everything will turn out alright.  Not always an easy task, but a necessary one.

If anyone out there has found this blog, and would like to speak with me directly, I encourage you to do so.  You can contact me by email with your email or phone number, and I'll be more than willing to be there when you're ready.

On a side note . . . 

I've had some unexpected free time of late, as I was laid off from my job in early March. Like a lot of people these days, it's been difficult to to find another job or freelance gigs. Like my cancer treatment, or anything else in my life, I have faith that God will provide what my family and I need.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  - Jeremiah 29:11

Treatment, recovery and remission . . .

what does this all mean?  Excellent question my friends, but first, a long over due update;

My last bone scan in January was clean of any signs of recurrence/metastasis of prostate cancer, and my PSA blood work still shows no significant increase - remaining at near non-detectable levels.  This news, along with the long awaited and slow return of my energy levels, is all very positive.  I'm finally beginning to feel like "myself" again.  My next blood test is in mid-April, along with follow-up appointments.

So back to our question of the day, "What is remission?" According the the American Cancer Society:

"Some people think that remission means the cancer has been cured, but this is not always the case. Remission is a period of time when the cancer is responding to treatment or is under control. In a complete remission, all the signs and symptoms of the disease go away and cancer cells cannot be detected by any of the tests available for that cancer. It is also possible for a patient to have a partial remission. This is when the cancer shrinks but does not completely disappear. Remissions can last anywhere from several weeks to many years. Complete remissions may go on for years and over time be considered cures. If the disease returns (recurs), another remission may be possible with further treatment."

So basically this reminds us that at this time there is no true "cure" for cancer - any cancer. For nearly every cancer patient, and their loved ones - no matter the type of disease, there is the possibility that the cancer can return at nearly any point in time.  Of course, we all live with the hope and faith that if cancer ever returns we can once again fight the beast off and return to living our lives once again.

I have not yet heard the words "cured" or "remission" from any of the doctors I have been treated by, but the tests results since my surgery have all been good news.  I suppose that there is some standard period of time that needs to pass before anyone will utter any term like that - two years, five years, 10 years . . .   In the meantime you just do everything you're supposed to do - eat healthy, get lots of rest, stay/get fit, take your meds and see the doctor(s) every 3 months.

There's also the hope that comes with the months and years that pass where there are no signs of re-occurrence. In that time, we all hope that science and medicine have made forward progress in the detection and treatment of cancer that will ultimately improve a patients' chance of a long and healthy life.

We either have be designated clear of cancer - or are able to live with it under managed medical care and medications.   No matter what, we are thankfully given another chance - and it's time to live life again.  It's almost Spring.


Cheers!