discussion Confronting End of Life ...

[Guest]

A decade and a half or so ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and declined the medical establishment's "symptomatic treatments" that were offered at the time. I took some "alternative" treatments, and did well for a long time.

More recently, my diagnosis was upgraded to Stage 3 terminal. My health has started showing some decline over the past two years, with some lumbar disc deterioration giving some lower back pain. I'm taking pain meds every 6 hours for the back, as eventually I will start having really serious pain and be upgraded to stronger stuff, so the body needs to get used to them.

I'm signed up for hospice services, so will have care when it becomes needed. There's no way to know how much quality time I have left before I can't take care of myself, but hopefully at least a couple more years.

I'm doing the scale modeling now as a way to leave a legacy of some of my interests, and I'm hoping I get time enough to finish the more detailed miniature project.

There have been big emotional ups and downs this past month, as that's when I got signed up, and had to confront the various issues that I have avoided thinking about in the past. I'm in an OK state, generally, at present, and will manage.

Regards, John

 

[Dave W]

Sorry to hear of your condition John.I myself have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and im only 53.I started having blood tests when i turned 50 because my father and brother are both diabetic.Thats how they found the cancer.Lucky for me its quite small at the moment so theres a good chance they can kill the ******.Im trying to decide which treatment is best for me.i will probably go for the Brackytherapy (Think ive spelt that right!).Thats what they do over here,tell you the treatments and let the patient decide.Im told its the American way.I said 'is that so i dont sue your ass if it doesnt work?!'.

Please remember this is a family forum.

BB

 

[Guest]

Shocking and tragic news, all I can do is wish you both the best of luck

 

[Dave W]

Thanks Andy.I would have kept it to myself only i felt i had to say something to John.To get back to what this forum is about,i do find modelling is a great way to relax.And i can get really involved in a model and forget my troubles for a while.I used to find motorcycling was great for 'getting away from it all'.Then i messed my right arm up in a track day accident so icant do that anymore (going too fast for my riding skills!).But ican still make models!.Life throws all sorts at us.Above all i think you have to keep a good sense of humour.

 

[Dave W]

I apologise for swearing in post #2.Your right ,its not apropriate on here.

 

[BarryW]

Best wishes to you John. I understand what you must be feeling. My first wife was terminally ill for 11 months with cancer aged just 42 so it is an old enemy of mine. Keep your spirits up and fight the B*****....

 

[papa 695]

Sorry to hear about the bad news and my best wishes go out to both of you and like you say keep fighting

Ian

 

[yak face]

My best wishes go to you both ,john and dave. tony

 

[Guest]

Best way John to talk about problems in life. I went through two or three years of depression after being hit by a racing car, died but then brought back to life. Talking was a great help.

No doubt you have had the same feelings. Why me !

I do hope that you are able to keep comfortable & carry on modeling which is a great help.

Best wishes to you Dave.

Kind regards

Laurie

 

[Guest]

My sincerest best wishes go to John and Dave.

scott

 

[mossiepilot]

Best wishes to you John and Dave.

Keep building and keep posting.

Tony

 

[Guest]

Been trying to think of something appropriate to say on this thread for a couple of days but words fail me; your bravery and frankness is moving and inspiring. Enjoy your modelling and all the very best, cheers, Rob.

 

[Guest]

Like Rob, above, i struggled to find the right words that would possibly echo my thoughts exactly ...

I'm still struggling ... the most appropriate i can think of saying is live life as best you can, try and do things you've always wanted to and please accept my very best wishes for your futures.

Colin

 

[Guest]

i saw the original post about ten minutes after it was posted and have been thinking about what i could say to you, did not know what words i could type that could comfort you.it almost feels like a taboo subject.i can only echo what others have said.my best wishes to you both and your families.

 

[Dave W]

Thankyou all for your best wishes.I feel like ive highjacked Johns post.When i read it i felt i had to say something.Although i ended up talking about myself.As i said ive caught mine early, so it can be treated.There are side effects like impotence and incontinence (I think my ability to spell big words is a symptom as well!) but they can be treated.Im an engineer so that meens im a practical person.My reaction when i was told i had cancer was 'How can we kill it?).i dont consider myself brave and im just going to get it sorted and carry on living.Besides,there are lots of models still to build and the wife wants a stud wall putting up,then a kitchen building!.I'd like to encourage any bloke reading this to get themselves checked out.Just ask your doctor for a blood test to look for elevated PSA levels.You might be lucky and catch it early like me.Anyway,enough of this,i need to do some more to my Heinkel 219.

 

[Ian M]

All I can say is grab life by the horns and give it a damned good ride. I know its not a comment most will understand but is not half the battle refusing or accepting defeat. I am sure that both of you John and Dave know what I mean.

Ian M

 

[Guest]

I'm at a loss as well for the right words,my positive thoughts and prayers to both of you!

 

[Guest]

Thank you all for your kind words and wishes. I am trying to keep positive, as far as I may. Like Dave W I'm an engineer (retired), and I try to keep a practical attitude.

The troublesome aspect at the present is the treatment I took this year (Lupron) affects the hormones, so I'm having the experiences that a female has at menopause, mainly sweating problems. When I first had the treatment, I did not know what effects it would have, and the first thing I noticed was emotional reactions; I'm AS, so I'm more like Mr. Spock in Star Trek emotionally, so this was a bit odd, not unlike the episode where Spock gets emotions!

I find the side effects more upsetting than my condition itself!

I shall try to "Keep a stiff upper lip! ..."

Regards, John

 

[Guest]

Well John I have read now a number of times this article.

With all the things which members of this forum have written I find it is impossible not to get emotional.

Also good to see the support given by people who have not physically met but can generate so much kindness through the written word.

Keep writing John.

Laurie