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Joined: Dec 2011
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Campfire Regular
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OP
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And celebrate with me. I try not to post too much “personal” stuff on here, but thought I’d make a happy exception.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April of 2017, thanks to my routine annual physical. (Get your PSA checked every year!) I’d been around a 2 for several years, now a 4.4. My GP said it could be a dozen reasons why it was elevated, and they usually don’t have concerns below a 4, but that’s why we check it every year and he’d send me to another doctor to check it out. After another “physical” and then a biopsy, yep it was cancer. I was 57 at the time, and unless you’ve heard it yourself, having your name and cancer in the same sentence is a whole new experience. At first, you’re thinking, “oh, hell no! that’s some other guy!” Then you accept it and have the conversation with those you love. Then get the referrals as best you can, pick a couple doctors you can trust, go through the decision tree with each of them. For me, it was a pretty straightforward decision, so going to have the radical robotic prostatectomy.
But wait, I’d been planning a drop in caribou hunt in the northern Brooks Range with 3 of my best friends for the past 3 years and was booked for August. (Pics and story I posted last year). So, hey doc, I know this is life or death and I won’t do anything that hurts my percentages, but can I wait until September? Sure, if you’ll take these shots. No long term effects, the cancer will not go anywhere it’s not today (basically dormant), and you can wait until September. If you don’t take the shots, no, he wouldn’t recommend it because it’s going to leave my prostate at some time, and then all bets are off. Any side effects? Yep, among a few others, you’ll have raging hot flashes like a woman going through menopause, but you’ll be able to do your hunt. OK, so sign me up. (He wasn’t schitting about the hot flashes!) Not at my prime for the caribou hunt, but had the trip of a lifetime with my friends. Four great bulls, too much bear contact, everything I had dreamed of.
Surgery on September 11, 2017. Fast forward to the end of this week. Had my 4th 3 month test, I’ll call it my 1 year visit, and I’m cancer free! No chemo, radiation, medication, etc. Will now go on 6 month cycle of check-ups for 4 more years. I know I don’t have the “all clear”, but I’m a blessed and happy man.
I head to South Dakota at the end of next week for the pheasant opener, and to Montana in November to chase Muleys with friends. For me and my family, life is good.
Last edited by USMC2602; 10/12/18.
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 31,605
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2009
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Just raised my glass to you devil dog! Good luck on the hunt!!!
Founder Ancient Order of the 1895 Winchester
"Come, shall we go and kill us venison? And yet it irks me the poor dappled fools, Being native burghers of this desert city, Should in their own confines with forked heads Have their round haunches gored."
WS
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: May 2016
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I am MAGA.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,850
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,850 |
A toast from a bottle liberated from the Halls of Montezuma. Well done!
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
2 Thessalonians 3:10
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Joined: Jan 2012
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2012
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All i got is hot cider at the moment but...
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 46,245
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 46,245 |
Fantastic! congratulations, i hadn't planned it, and it's near bedtime, but, i'll by damn have a shot of 12 year Glenmorangie in your Honor!
Trump Won!
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 95,675
Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 95,675 |
Ecc 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but that of a fool to the left.
A Nation which leaves God behind is soon left behind.
"The Lord never asked anyone to be a tax collector, lowyer, or Redskins fan".
I Dindo Nuffin
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,498
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,498 |
Never thought I'd say this, but I'll drink to the good condition of the organs up yer ass.
Prob'ly a suave way ta say that, in french, but IDK what it is.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,068
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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Mercy ceases to be a virtue when it enables further injustice. -Brent Weeks
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15,663
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15,663 |
Good news. Had my surgery March ‘17. Had recurrence a few months ago and went through the radiation + hormone journey for six months. Finished radiation August 6 and the hormones when should be wearing off over the next couple of months.
Here’s a glass to you....stay on top of it!
NRA Life,Endowment,Patron or Benefactor since '72.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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Yes I will raise a glass for you sir!
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Joined: May 2007
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2007
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USMC2602; Good evening to you sir, thank you for sharing your good news with us.
Like you, I'm reluctant to share too much personal information here on the 'net - well with most people really.
That said, I think that sometimes when we have something of such an important, positive note to share, its good to do so both for ourselves and others.
Tonight sir, please count me with those "others".
For reasons which I'll not share at present - see there it is again - cancer is a deeply personal issue with me and my family, so hearing victory stories over it do my heart good.
I'm sure that others here feel the same way too, so again my heartfelt thanks for doing so.
Hopefully it's okay if I raise a wee bit of Canuck made blended rye - Pike Creek - to you tonight.
All the best to you and yours and good luck on your hunts this fall.
Dwayne
The most important stuff in life isn't "stuff"
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,040 |
Glad to hear! I'll pop a bottle of vino for you Sir!
"Social order at the expense of Liberty is hardly a bargain” de Sade "He who'll not reason is a Bigot, he who cannot is a Fool, and he who dares not is a Slave."SirWilliamDrummond
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 44,271
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 44,271 |
Slaves get what they need. Free men get what they want. Rehabilitation is way overrated. Orwell wasn't wrong. GOA member disappointed NRA member 24HCF SEARCH
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10,258
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2007
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Ed
A person who asks a question is a fool for 5 minutes the person who never asks is a fool forever.
The worst slaves are those that put the chains on themselves.
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 45,020
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 45,020 |
Its 414 am Getting ready to go to area 50 on post and do some deer hunting. Raise up the coffee cup for ya!!
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 961
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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toast....it's just coffee but means the same.
Sorry,I drank the Sako-Aid.My opinion may be biased. bh444
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
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Sure enough!
Hope you stay healthy and live the life you love!
Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla!
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Posts: 4,963
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I'll raise a double of good whiskey in your honor tonight. May you have MANY more good days to come.
Mauser Rescue Society Founder, President, and Chairman
I don't always shoot Mausers, but when I do...I prefer VZ-24s.
jdi do píči
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