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!

It's the holiday season . . .

For my family and I, it's another year of blessings. It's December already and time seems to just keep flying by - which is a good thing at times.

We're all looking forward to celebrating Christmas and the New Year with family and friends. The tree goes up this weekend, the shopping has already started in our household - when my wife got me to join her on "Black Friday".  It really wasn't so bad as we stayed away from the malls and stuck with the local stores getting a good deal of shopping done.

As for me, I'm keeping my chin up and doing everything I can to stay positive and upbeat - just living life as I should be.  Though at times it's not always as easy as it may seem.

One of the things I've discussed here in the past has been how difficult the "not knowing" part of all this can be.  For some patients, and even for my wife and myself early on, it was almost paralyzing.  The waiting on test results, waiting for and then deciding on the next steps, can all just be rolling around in your head constantly.  You just have to do your best to put it all aside . . .  laugh, enjoy time with friends and family, put your best efforts in at work or your favorite hobbies.

It's been nearly four months since my last radiation treatment and ADT hormone injection. Outside of dealing with the occasional hot flashes, lack of any sustainable energy level and trying to fight off the additional weight gain from the medications - I've had little to actively do - medically - to fight the cancer.  First it was all the tests, bone scans, MRIs, doctors appointments and the like - the surgery and recovery, the eight weeks of radiation and six months of hormone meds.  Then suddenly, it all comes to a stop and you feel like you're on your own.

Sure, if I had any issues or real concerns I could call anyone of my 5 doctors and speak with them, but somehow asking about the occasional insomnia, the difficulty keeping my weight down, the odd pains/aches I sometimes feel deep in my shoulders, lower back and legs - all seems trivial and not worth the phone call in comparison to what I've already been through.  Besides, I'm not in my 30's anymore and I've been through all that before I had cancer.

In addition to having been four months since my last treatment and doctor's appointment, it's also been four months since my last PSA blood test.  Yeah, sure . . . my PSA level had thankfully remained at <0.05 since my sugery 14 months ago.  Awesome and blessed news (as I've said countless times here), but knowing that my diagnosis had been changed in March of this year to "metastatic" disease - I have to admit I've been a bit anxious about not being tested for a while.  At some point I will only be tested once or twice a year, but it's one of the simplest things that I can have done for my own peace of mind.  It kind of makes you think twice about those little pains you feel every so often.

My next PSA test will happen soon enough as I meet with both my medical and radiation oncologists at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center late next week for follow-ups.  Of course I don't expect any earth or life shattering news, but at the same time I realize that I'm a bit of a crossroads.  As much as I want, and need, to know what my PSA level is - the holidays are here. However unlikely as it may be, I'm honestly afraid to hear that my PSA may have increased as we approach Christmas.  The last time I got the bad news about it, my wife and I had just celebrated our 25th anniversary.

So there's my paradox.  Of course, I can ask the doctors to not let me know until after the New Year's holiday, and I'd have to fight my urge to check my test results online, but at the same time I'd hardly want to wait to begin any kind of treatment that may be necessary.

OK, maybe I worry too much about all this, and I'm sure everything will be fine.  But this is what a cancer diagnosis can do to you - how nuts everything can make you. You just need to stay focused and active in life.  Find a prostate cancer advocacy or support group to become involved with like the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Pints for Prostates, Us TOO International or Imerman Angels to do what you can to offer help to others facing what you've experienced in your own cancer battle. It can mean a world of difference to someone who is facing a new diagnosis or about to begin treatment if you would only take the time to talk to them and share your own experiences.  I've become involved with each of the above organizations at some level, and I know that I've not only helped other patients, but it's helped me as well.  After all, it is the season of giving.

Thanks again for all your love, prayers and support over the last year. It has meant the world to my family and I. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

CJP