I found out that one of my teammates was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  He is only 42 years old.  We've had differences in the past, I can't help but feel shocked and saddened by this.  He is a good guy and I wish him the best.

Andrew
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FUFU
"Act like you've been there before"

This is a very strange time for me to see this post.  One of my teammates was also just diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 48.  He is not just my teammate, but my best friend.  He and I started our bowling team back in 1979 and plan to have a 25th anniversary celebration this summer--but first he has to get through this.  He found out by way of having a high PSA show up in a blood test.  A subsequent biopsy showed cancer in 3 out of 10 samples taken, and the decision was made to have surgery and remove the prostate.  It appears to be very early stage, but he is still quite concerned.  I told him that I'd be there at the hospital with him if he wants, and he said that he would; so I'll be off work on March 29.

The prognosis is very good, but it's still very reassuring to see all the positive comments in this post.

Shiv
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Listening to the monotonous staccato of rain on my desk top

Agroves and Da Shiv -

My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer 8 years ago at the age of 50.
He had the operation which was a complete success and has been cancer free ever since.  His current PSA is less than 0.

Since I have already gone through this with my husband, I would like to offer the following advice:

1)  Choose a surgeon carefully through personal recommendations or ask some of the nurses.

2)  When you meet with the doctor write down all the questions you want to ask.

3)  Ask him or her how many times they've performed the operation and what
their success rate is.  The more confidence you have in the doctor, the better you'll feel about the operation.

4)  Read as much as you can on the subject.  

We found the more informed we were, the easier it was to deal with.

I wish both of your friends well.

Fatboy8 -

I'm truly sorry to hear about your father.  It must be a very difficult time for your family.  Our prayers are with you.
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LadyW....(aka Wannabe)

Cancer is a crazy crazy disease....I wish everybody in here that can relate to this disease the best of luck! I lost my dad at 48 to cancer on Dec 23 '00, and my 43 yr old uncle on Jan 16 '01....Since then two of my dad's other brothers have beaten cancer for the moment and my sister is doing well with cancer at this point. You never know what is going to happen so try to make the best of the situation and look forward to better times

If any body needs any help with anything at all give me a shout!!

Tim
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Your village called, they want their idiot back!