Why I've been "missing in action"

[bobt]

Hello, folks. I hope this is the right place for this post.

Some of you may have noticed that I've been pretty much absent on the site for a couple of months. I think I mentioned back in April that I had a stress fracture in my right femur that was cutting down on my photography during the spring and early summer. I've been seeing various doctors for various ailments since mid-March - most of which I thought were related to the stress fracture and side effects of the pain medications I was taking for that. Unfortunately, it turns out that I've been (and am) much sicker than I originally thought. After being hospitalized the week of June 21 and poked, prodded, and scanned, the diagnosis has come back as Stage IV prostate cancer. This first diagnosis indicates that the cancer has already spread to my lungs, lymph glands and bones.

I'm letting you know because I think I've developed some rapport with some of you, and to be perfectly frank, I believe that my treatment must include a spiritual dimension and I wish to be in the thoughts and prayers of as many people as possible. When you look at the human condition realistically, all of us are terminal. However, my timetable has suddenly accelerated.

For you men, especially those over 50 - make sure you have your prostate checked, including the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood assay. My PSA was normal in 2002, and in 2002 & 2003 the "standard" exam was likewise normal. Because of various things that were going on in my life in 2003 - changing jobs, my mother's worsening Alzheimer Disease, refinancing our house, the death of my father-in-law, and then the death of my mother - I simply neglected to schedule the PSA assay. One doctor I saw wasn't convinced that the PSA last year would have shown anything last year because the cancer appears to be atypical and extremely aggressive, but of course I can't help wondering if we could have started attacking the cancer a year sooner. So men, I repeat - have your prostate checked, including the PSA assay.

[KPRussell]

You'll be in my prayers. I can't imagine what is going through your mind now, but I know that prayer and seeking His guidance, love, and collective prayers from friends does make a difference.

Take care my friend ...

[Sleeping Bear]

My family will keep you in our prayers, you can count on it.

[JPS]

Hi bob ! although I don't believe in God(s), I am from all my heart with you, and, although I of course don't pray, I'll be thinking of you, and wishing you -and yours- all the necessary courage...

Please, stay in touch with us as much as you can...

Sending you all my friendship...

Jean-Pierre

[lightwrangler]

My thoughts and hopes for recovery are with you. Please take care and let us know how you are doing. Thanks for spreading the news re PSA and prostate exams, all of us guys need to be reminded.

[Melody]

My thoughts are with you as well.


Melody

[killians913]

Bob,

I am so sorry to hear of your current condition. Be safe and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Lockett

[bobt]

Thanks to all of you for your kind words. One thing I've learned the past couple of weeks is what a lift to the spirit it is to receive good wishes from others. You might not think that a few words could made a difference, but it really does make a hard road easier.

[Tom V]

You have my wishes and hopes with you as you battle your huge challenge.

[Igor]

May God help you Bob! Trust Him.

[Ol'coot]

Bob you will definitely be in our prayers, stay strong and keep your faith strong.

[Linda G]

Bob,

It's all been said before, but any strength you can gather from me is yours. And thank you, too, for the warning for others to heed.

[HulaMike]

Bob,

Take heart and fight this thing tooth and nail. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000. Due to his advanced age, 80, a less than aggressive approach was deemed better for him. Believe it or not, within three years his cancer was gone and his PSA levels back to normal. You CAN beat this thing!

All my best.

Men, please note: My doctor tells me that the PSA test is fairly unreliable by itself. If you have a concern, symptoms or history of prostate cancer in your family, take a more aggressive approach than the PSA test alone.

[Serge]

Bob I want to add to all the well wishes already expressed here, and my prayer will be that you make peace with your creator, may His peace be with you.
I am going in for a second colonoscapy test on Monday, have had some worrying symptoms in the past six months, thanks for the good advice, your news is devastating, take courage, I don't know how I would fare in your position, God bless.

Serge

[Andre]

Bob,

My thoughts are with you.

Do not let this get the better of you...I know that will be difficult, but you need your will to fight this. I believe that we do have some control over these things.

Also, cancer treatments have come a long way lately. Combine that with a good will, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone here and you will have the best chance you could have.

Keep good thoughts.
Andre

[LightWriter6208]

Bob...You're in my prayers. You fight this with every thing you have. Miracles happen every day. Keep us posted.
Alice

[bobt]

Tom - thanks for wishing me well. As I said, kind words do help, more than I had any idea.

Igor - I am trusting Him. I'm certain that not everyone, probably a minority, on an international site such as this, share my Christian faith. I'm just grateful for wishes of the best from anyone.

Tony - thanks for the prayers. I believe that must be a part of my treatment plan.

Linda - One of my good friends lives in Wichita, whom I haven't seen since around 1980, rode his motorcycle to come see me after we emailed the news to him. He's Kansan born & bred. You grow them good out there.

Mike - you are absolutely correct about the PSA not being definitive. There's no history of prostate cancer in my family, but I've already put my two adult sons on notice - their risk factors just went up.

Serge - As I've said, this situation has made me sensitive to the importance of kind words from others and the comfort that comes knowing that others are praying. You will likewise be in my prayers as you have another colonoscopy. Don't go it alone, Friend.

Andre - Even though I relish the spiritual support I'm receiving, I'm also attacking through medicine. I've been fortunate to find two oncologists who were colleagues at Walter Reed for several years and have agreed to collaborate on my case. My cancer is evidently atypical, aggressive and a bit of a puzzle, so getting more than one brain working on the challenge is good.

Alice - fight and pray - absolutely what I plan to do.

Everyone - thanks again for taking the trouble to encourage me.

[Snitzlefritz]

Bob,

I didn't reply to this thread but know that I am keeping you in my prayers.

Conrad

[jhawk1000]

I am not a religious man in the sense that most use it. I do believe in the power of our minds and bodies to defeat adversity. My best thoughts and wishes go to you and it is my wish that this opponent will be soundly defeated.

Mel

[jasonbrian007]

Bob

I don't know you at all, but after reading your message I would like to say the power of positive thought really is powerful. You keep your faith and it'll see you through.

regards

Jasonbrian007

[Jacqui Jay]

Hello, Bob

You have my heartfelt sympathy for the dark times you are going through. May I add my good wishes and hopes for a full recovery, I will pray for you to have strength to cope with this illness.

[ballroom_boy]

Hi Bob,

One thing I know about this site (which is much different than others) is that we have formed quite a supportive community. And you have my support too. Thank you for sharing what is going on in your life and know that you are never alone.

I shall keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Tom Nolle]

A good attitude and the good will of others is a powerful combination, and one that you have working for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tom

[Auminer]

Everyone - thanks again for taking the trouble to encourage me
It is no trouble for us to encourage you, quite the contrary. It is you and your positive attitude that allows us to minister to one of our own. Whether it be by well wishes or prayer, we are all pulling for you!

Personally I will keep you in prayer as well as your wife of many years as I know she is needing them as well and of course your entire family. I am a man of Faith as our Father has proven to me His presence many times over and I will not waiver...neither will He for you!

"Fight the good fight" and may I be so brave and faithful when the time comes.

Dave

[Wilm]

Bob,

my family and I will include you in our prayers.

I have learned something during the last month of my membership in this forum. It is more than a typical photography-community, it is a place of real friendship. I know we can´t compare my former unemployment with your desaster, but warm words from all of us has helped me and will give you the power to survive !
Keep us informed that we can stronger cross our fingers for you and include you more and more in our prayers !


My thoughts are with you
Wilm

[Maisiemouse]

Bob

I can't pray for you - it would be hypocritical of me. But I can offer you this advice:

Take this illness outside, square up to it, look it right between the eyes and beat it out of existence. And if you need anyone to hold your jacket while you do it, give me a call.

Best wishes

Sean

[Duck]

Bob, you are in my prayers... I wish you all the best!

[proberts]

I'd like to add my thoughts and support. If there's something I can do, please let me know.

Paul

[deMille]

Bob,

Add another for support. Thank you for sharing and reminding us to be vigilant in taking care of ourselves.

Dale

[Bilbo]

Bob

Take this illness outside, square up to it, look it right between the eyes and beat it out of existence.

Sean

I heartily agree with Maisiemouse! Remember to let us know if you need any help...

Bilbo

[S_Leeper]

May you have the strength to do what you must.
Good Luck with your treatment.

[bobt]

Thanks again for the well wishes, everyone. I have to admit, the last couple of days have been pretty rough.

[globug]

Bobt,
Maybe you will miss seeing this as due to a lot of being away this is my first visit back to this site in several weeks, and you maybe finished reading all the posts. But just in case.

To see this news made my heart drop, I've continued to figure being just across the river we fellow local photos might bump into each other at a show of your wonderful pix at the bookstore or whatever. Well I am going to hold onto that idea.

You are in my thoughts and prayers too.

Globug

[Mike_B]

Bob,

I also just saw this thread for the first time, as it began during a time when I was absent. I realize that, since I'm a relatively new forum member, you may not recognize my name, but that doesn't mean that I offer you any less support and prayer than anyone else. Having seen my father go through similar trials not that long ago, I can't help but be deeply affected.

Frankly, I'm not sure what it is I can offer you, in the sense that your strength and faith seem superior to mine. All I can offer is my heartfelt concern, plus the sincere wish that your strength of character will continue to provide a good example to that that come in contact with you for quite some time to come.

Mike