Since many of you have asked about the results, the truth is, they are not good and Carlos starts treatment next month.  :\'( :\'( :\'( We haven't decided which treatment to go with but we pretty much ruled out surgery. So that leaves external beam radiation with hormone treatment & external beam radiation with seeds. There are pros & cons to both of them. He is scheduled for an ultrasound in March so we have until then to decide which one to go with.

We both are confident that the radiation will get rid of the cancer but our worries come from going through it and the side effects.

Thoughts & prayers are always good.



Cat

Since many of you have asked about the results, the truth is, they are not good and Carlos starts treatment next month.  :\'( :\'( :\'( We haven't decided which treatment to go with but we pretty much ruled out surgery. So that leaves external beam radiation with hormone treatment & external beam radiation with seeds. There are pros & cons to both of them. He is scheduled for an ultrasound in March so we have until then to decide which one to go with.

We both are confident that the radiation will get rid of the cancer but our worries come from going through it and the side effects.

Thoughts & prayers are always good.



Cat




I sorry it wasn't good news... you have all the positive thoughts I can send your way!

(((((hugs)))))) to you both!  You know where to find me if you need to talk.

Cat, I am saddened by the news, I can only hope things will turn out okay and please know
my thoughts are with Carlos and you.

This is too much  :\'( :\'(

Definitely not the news you were hoping for... :(

You're both (still) in my thoughts and prayers.

Positive thoughts and prayers are coming your way. This is awful news and we will be here if you need a shoulder.......

You have my thoughts and prayers as well, Carlos and Cat.

Healing energies coming your way, Carlos!

Many comforting thoughts to the both of you, Cat and Carlos.

I'm so sorry, Cat and Carlos. I will be sending many, many positive thoughts your way.

Please include my prayers and thoughts with those of the others.

Cat, I too am here if there is anything I can do....shoulder, ear, hug, anything.

(((hugs))) to both of you.

Cat, carlos

I'm sorry to hear you didn't get the all clear this time.

I am thinking of you both.  :-*

Cat & Carlos..you will both be in my prayers.

Hugs to you both. I'm thinking of you




If you have any more questions feel free to ask

My thoughts and prayers go out to you.  I am sooo sorry and saddened to hear this. Please take care.

Lots of (((((((hugs )))))))) coming you way

Very sad news.  My thoughts are with you and Carlos during this very difficult time.

I wish you both love and strength through this tough time.  The battle is hard but not hopeless.  My good thoughts are with you.

(((HUGS)))

Cat and Carlos, I am so sorry to hear that the test results were not good.  I will be thinking about both of you during this difficult time.  I hope the treatment goes well. (((HUG)))

I'll be thinking about both of you.

My thoughts are with you both at this difficult time...

Thank you all for your support.  It does mean a lot to both of us.  I'm confident that which ever treatment we go with will cure the cancer.  Its the side effects I really worry about.  We will keep you all posted.  Thanks again.

Cat and Carlos,

Like everyone else, my hugs, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Staying positive, as you are, is definitely good for the soul.
I am here if you ever need me.

Tam 8)

Carlos and Cat, I know how strong you both are, and I have all the faith in the world that Carlos will battle through this like the Don he is.  I'm still sending some good thoughts and karma your way, and a couple of hugs too.  :-*

Carlos, you can totally do it.  You're a strong man.  The pain that comes with the radiation is worth the reward of knowing you'll live longer and piss off the government even more. :D

We're here for you guys.  Think of us as your long distance cheerleaders.  Just don't ask me to do the splits.

OMG!  I did not know Carlos had cancer!  Jesus, I'm so sorry. 
:\'(

My brother-in-law Jay died of cancer in May of '08; however, the cancer was already advanced by the time they discovered it. 

I'm sure it's not what you want to hear right now, Cat, but it's the best way I can express I can relate to the stress. 

I send to Carlos all the healing vibes I can marshal.

Feel free to PM me any time.  I'm always here for support.  You are two special people to me and I've come to think of you like family over the years we've been on the boards together.

Thank you all for your support.  It does mean a lot to both of us.  I'm confident that which ever treatment we go with will cure the cancer.  Its the side effects I really worry about.  We will keep you all posted.  Thanks again.
it sure is reassuring to see & hear your confidence Carlos.  I'll be praying fervently that the doctors and specialists and nurses will give you the best treatment so that you'll be healed and that you and Cat will feel the strength & peace that will be needed. take good care

Tons of good thoughts, my friend. I'm positive you'll beat this, i don't know why but i feel it.
As for the the rads side effects if you had chemotherapy before you'll see it's 10 times easier,fear not,k?  :-*

Once again, thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.  Prostate cancer is very common, in fact most men will have it when they die, but few (like 1%) will die from it.  It grows VERY slowly, rarely metastasizes, and the treatments are almost always effective.  Its the side effects that really worry me most.  Thanks again all.

Update:  This thursday I will see a radiologist to arrange for external radiation treatments.

Hope he gets better soon.

Update:  This thursday I will see a radiologist to arrange for external radiation treatments.


Hope all goes well,Carlos :)

Update:  This thursday I will see a radiologist to arrange for external radiation treatments.


I hope it will all go well for you, Carlos.  ;)

I hope it goes well.  My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Carlos...My Dad had 2 Prostate cancer operations.
He's doing amazing.
It CAN be beat !
Stay strong ,You and Cat.{My old neighbor} ;)

Once again, thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.  Prostate cancer is very common, in fact most men will have it when they die, but few (like 1%) will die from it.  It grows VERY slowly, rarely metastasizes, and the treatments are almost always effective.  Its the side effects that really worry me most.  Thanks again all.

I'll be thinking and praying for you Carlos! :)

I hope & pray that your treatments will be highly effective. good luck & God bless you both

My sister just got through with her radiation(breast) and got the all clear yesterday.  Early detection is the key.  I know a couple of guys who went through the prostate thing.  Same results.  It isn't February anymore, things will be getting better  :)

Again, thank you all.  We will keep you posted, but I suspect there won't be much to tell until after the treatments.  Thanks again.

Saw the doc yesterday.  As soon as my insurance gives the oky dooky we start external radiation.  It will be a regimen of 40 exposures, about 20 minutes each, 5 days a week.  The prognosis is very good, and the permanent side affects are likely to be minimal. 

Saw the doc yesterday.  As soon as my insurance gives the oky dooky we start external radiation.  It will be a regimen of 40 exposures, about 20 minutes each, 5 days a week.  The prognosis is very good, and the permanent side affects are likely to be minimal. 


That is excellent Carlos!
I will still keep you in my prayers though! 8)

Great news Carlos!!!!

The prognosis is very good, and the permanent side affects are likely to be minimal. 


Excellent to hear...and I give you and yours my best wishes!  :)

That is excellent Carlos!
I will still keep you in my prayers though! 8)



Me, too!

Great to hear Carlos! You will also be in my continued prayers. :)

Saw the doc yesterday.  As soon as my insurance gives the oky dooky we start external radiation.  It will be a regimen of 40 exposures, about 20 minutes each, 5 days a week.  The prognosis is very good, and the permanent side affects are likely to be minimal. 


Wonderful news, Carlos! May you continue to do well in your treatments!  :)

Saw the doc yesterday.  As soon as my insurance gives the oky dooky we start external radiation.  It will be a regimen of 40 exposures, about 20 minutes each, 5 days a week.  The prognosis is very good, and the permanent side affects are likely to be minimal. 
It sounds like you're in good capable hands Carlos. I'll be praying for your body to have a complete recovery & healing.

I think I am more scared about this than he is. But, I know we will get through this.




Cat

I think I am more scared about this than he is. But, I know we will get through this.




Cat



It's not an easy thing to go through- your fear is understandable...

I hope that everything goes well for you Carlos.

Carlos starts radiation today.  :\'( :\'( :\'(




Cat

I'll think positive thoughts about him

Carlos starts radiation today.  :\'( :\'( :\'(




Cat


Thinking of you both today, and for the rest of the treatment time.  Call if you need to

I'll think positive thoughts about him



And to him....and you, Cat.

Good vibes from he Great Spirit for Carlos and Cat.  Hope things continue to go well!
:)

I will send good healthy vibes to Carlos. Just try to keep positive :).

He is about half way through the treatment and so far (knock on wood), the side effects have been minimum.




Cat

that's a good report Cat. more prayers &  blessings will be sent on his behalf

Many calming and healing thoughts sent your way.  If you need anyone to vent to, I think you have my number.  I am awake all night  :)

Wonderful to hear.  :)

praying for your recovery Carlos 

Thanks, everyone. Only about 2 weeks left.



Cat

Thanks, everyone. Only about 2 weeks left.



Cat



Hang in there, my friends.

5 more treatments.



Cat

We'll keep good thoughts....
5 more treatments.



Cat

He has my continued prayers, Cat.

Relax, we are on top of it, our good wishes can only bring a positive outcome.    ;)

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers.  I very much appreciate your support.  Final zapping is monday the 11th.  Then we wait a month for the results.

Still keeping you in my thoughts, Cat and Carlos.  :)

Stay strong,Brother !

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers.  I very much appreciate your support.  Final zapping is monday the 11th.  Then we wait a month for the results.

Thought I'd let you all know, the radiation is over, the side effects are minimal and easing, and we'll know the outcome in about a month.

Thanks again to all of you.

I wish you good luck on your treatment and home care, Don. Cancer is never an easy thing to deal with. But I know you and your family will be strong and finally beat this thing once and for all. in tough times like these, we need all the good news we can get right now.

Hope You continue feeling better,each day. Stay strong !

Thought I'd let you all know, the radiation is over, the side effects are minimal and easing, and we'll know the outcome in about a month.

Thanks again to all of you.

I will always keep you in my thoughts!  :)

Keep positive...you are in my thoughts as well.

Thought I'd let you all know, the radiation is over, the side effects are minimal and easing, and we'll know the outcome in about a month.

Thanks again to all of you.


Excellent!!!

Thought I'd let you all know, the radiation is over, the side effects are minimal and easing, and we'll know the outcome in about a month.

Thanks again to all of you.


Glad to hear that it's over and that the side effects are easing.

My best wishes for your comfort and continued recovery and good spirits.  Also for good news later.

that's good to hear Carlos. here's to a healthy life for you. prayers have been, and will continue to be said on your behalf

I am afraid that I spoke too soon about the side effects. What had happened, the side effects eased because he was taking meds for them. Now, he is off the meds and the side effects are back again. The question is does he want to go back on the meds (which have their own side effects) or just ride it out?  :-\\ :-\\ :-\\



Cat

I am afraid that I spoke too soon about the side effects. What had happened, the side effects eased because he was taking meds for them. Now, he is off the meds and the side effects are back again. The question is does he want to go back on the meds (which have their own side effects) or just ride it out?  :-\\ :-\\ :-\\



Cat


Did the docs give any indication how long it might last?  If the effects are tolerable and will only last a short while then Carlos might prefer to ride them out.  However I do remember reading that sometimes some of the side effects can be permanent.  :-\\

I hope Carlos goes on to make a complete recovery.  thinking of you both

Did the docs give any indication how long it might last?  If the effects are tolerable and will only last a short while then Carlos might prefer to ride them out.  However I do remember reading that sometimes some of the side effects can be permanent.  :-\\

I hope Carlos goes on to make a complete recovery.  thinking of you both



The doc said about a week (and it has been a week  :-\\ ) I really HOPE this one isn't permanent because this one is causing him pain.  :\'( :\'( :\'(



Cat

Sending You My best wishes....
Hope You feel better soon Carlos.



The doc said about a week (and it has been a week  :-\\ ) I really HOPE this one isn't permanent because this one is causing him pain.  :\'( :\'( :\'(



Cat

I'm so sorry about the setback.  :(  I hope it doesn't last too long.

The doc said about a week (and it has been a week  :-\\ ) I really HOPE this one isn't permanent because this one is causing him pain.  :\'( :\'( :\'(



Cat


oh no....  :\'( 

Just got the PSA test-1.01.  ;D ;D ;D  Yes, that is VERY good. It was about 17 when he started the radiation. However, I found out today that even though the PSA count is VERY good, he still isn't out of the woods yet. They will be monitoring him for a while just to make sure that his PSA count doesn't go up-AGAIN!


We will keep everyone informed and we both want to thank everyone for their thoughts & good wishes as we went through this.



Cat & Carlos

I'm rejoicing for you both here and wish you continued success in your fight.

Even though he's not out of the woods, any good news is a reason to celebrate!  Hopefully his side effects have subsided, as well.

Even though he's not out of the woods, any good news is a reason to celebrate!  Hopefully his side effects have subsided, as well.



Yes, side effects have gone away. He is now looking to get out on the boat.



Cat

Just got the PSA test-1.01.  ;D ;D ;D  Yes, that is VERY good. It was about 17 when he started the radiation. However, I found out today that even though the PSA count is VERY good, he still isn't out of the woods yet. They will be monitoring him for a while just to make sure that his PSA count doesn't go up-AGAIN!


We will keep everyone informed and we both want to thank everyone for their thoughts & good wishes as we went through this.



Cat & Carlos

YAY! Continue to hope for positive things, that's half of the battle.
Thanks for letting us know.

Yes, side effects have gone away. He is now looking to get out on the boat.



Cat

More good news!  :)

Great news !!
Well...We'll keep the positive thoughts that the PSA count does not go back up !!


Just got the PSA test-1.01.  ;D ;D ;D  Yes, that is VERY good. It was about 17 when he started the radiation. However, I found out today that even though the PSA count is VERY good, he still isn't out of the woods yet. They will be monitoring him for a while just to make sure that his PSA count doesn't go up-AGAIN!


We will keep everyone informed and we both want to thank everyone for their thoughts & good wishes as we went through this.



Cat & Carlos

Even better news !!
SOOOOOO glad the side effects has subsided.....
Glad You're feeling better , Carlos !!!!!


Yes, side effects have gone away. He is now looking to get out on the boat.



Cat

Great results!

Very cool.  :)

Hi all.  Yes, the side effects are now gone (they could have been much worse than they were) and the PSA numbers are very good.  The boat should be in the water as I type, and we will get out there tomorrow, at least to get her ready for a real sail, with those big white floppy things (yeah, sails that's what they're called) and all.

Many thanks to all of you for your good wishes and support.

Hi all.  Yes, the side effects are now gone (they could have been much worse than they were) and the PSA numbers are very good.  The boat should be in the water as I type, and we will get out there tomorrow, at least to get her ready for a real sail, with those big white floppy things (yeah, sails that's what they're called) and all.

Many thanks to all of you for your good wishes and support.


I will be on that boat with you guys in spirit!!  :D

I will be on that boat with you guys in spirit!!   :D



Come out for a visit and you don't have to be there only in spirit.  ;)



Cat

Just got the PSA test-1.01.  ;D ;D ;D  Yes, that is VERY good. It was about 17 when he started the radiation. However, I found out today that even though the PSA count is VERY good, he still isn't out of the woods yet. They will be monitoring him for a while just to make sure that his PSA count doesn't go up-AGAIN!


We will keep everyone informed and we both want to thank everyone for their thoughts & good wishes as we went through this.



Cat & Carlos

This is good news.

Hope You're feeling well & enjoying Your boat,Carlos....

Feeling very well, but so far we don't even have the boom mounted.  Hopefully this week.  Thanks again to all.

Wonderful news, cancer-free Carlos.  Here's some karma and well wishes for continued good health.

Latest PSA results-0.59. Even lower than before.

YAY!!!!!



Cat

Latest PSA results-0.59. Even lower than before.

YAY!!!!!



Cat

YAY! Karma to both of you

That's great news!

Yay!!! Now maybe DC will show up more often in our politics thread.  I miss him.

it is wonderful to get good news on this thread  :) I'm glad to hear you're doing well Carlos.

Wonderful news!  We are very happy for you both.  :-*

Excellent!  Karma to you both.

Latest PSA results-0.59. Even lower than before.

YAY!!!!!



Cat


Yay Carlos!  :)  Now...what about your mental illness Cat?  ;)

Go Carlos!

Yay Carlos!  :)  Now...what about your mental illness Cat?  ;)



You don't want to know.



Cat

That is fantastic news :)

Carlos

I'm sorry that I didn't see this earlier, but I hope you go through the aftermath of your Prostate Cancer Surgery...or whatever.

I'm also going to give you a personal letter to you.

JUST saw this....GREAT news for You BOTH !!!!
I'M so happy For You !!!!!!




Latest PSA results-0.59. Even lower than before.

YAY!!!!!



Cat

Latest PSA results-0.59. Even lower than before.

YAY!!!!!



Cat


That's wonderful!!!!!  8)  :)

Keep on fight it Carlos!

Latest PSA results-0.59. Even lower than before.

YAY!!!!!



Cat


EXCELLENT!!!! O0

Yay Carlos!  :)  Now...what about your mental illness Cat?  ;)
I new Gibbo deserved a smite for something on Tuesday - now I know what ;)


Cat - Congratulations on the good news 8)