11 Years later

I have been 11 years cancer free!

If you didn’t remember, or you don’t have the time to read previous posts I will give a very short recap below. I also wanted to follow-up by including an update on my gallstone.

I was 45 years old when I was diagnosed with prostate and kidney cancer, and I am 56 year old now (45+11=…I’m a math genius). A great deal has happened over the last 11 years, from my parents passing, to all my daughters marrying. I am also excited to be a grandfather to Ruth and Gabriel – an look forward to many more in the future.

Fortunately, I have not suffered from any of the negative affects that accompany a radical prostatectomy. I tend to experience more difficulty with out my gallbladder – but, I’m fine when I eat properly.

I think I have learned a lot over the last decade, and am ready to start sharing. Maybe you’ll enjoy following this blog post. Feel free to send comments.

• July 2009 – Transurethral Resection (TURP)
• August 2009 – diagnosed with Prostatic Adenocarcinoma (prostate cancer)
  • Cleason Score of 6 (3+3)
  • PSA of 1.7 (the PSA was taken two prior to the diagnosis in December 2007). Prior to surgery, my PSA was 1.6. This indicated the cancer was not growing quickly. It was assumed the decrease was due to the TURP – removing part of the prostate.
  • T1a, stage 1
  • I was 45 years old
• October 2009 – diagnosed with renal cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer)
• November 2009
  • Partial nephrectomy, cut into the urine collection area – laparoscopic
  • 2cm x 4cm mass
  • Margins clear, cauterized the area
  • Stint (kidney to bladder) for 5 weeks
  • Foley catheter for 1 week
  • Kidney drain for 1 week
  • Massive amounts of Vicodin
  • 2 night initial hospital stay + additional hospital stays due to complications
  • 2 ER visits
• January 2010
  • Radical Prostatectomy – Da Vinci laparoscopic
  • Foley catheter for 1 week
  • 23 hour outpatient
  • A couple Vicodin, but mostly Tylenol
  • No I & I issues
• January 2018
  • cholecystectomy
  • 10cm stone
  • 12 hour out patient
  • Tylenol

Still cancer free!

WOW – I just realized it has been 2 years since last I updated this blog.

Well, I am still cancer free (prostate, and Kidney) with no indications of it coming back.

In any case, I continue to forget I had cancer. A few months back, I was treated for nodules in my lungs. There was no pain, but the doctor was determined to rule out the possibility of cancer. A few CT scans and some steroids completely cleared them up. 

Providing the your doctor with relevant medical history is important. I know we tend to love the attention we get from our doctor, and feel as if our doctor is the “only one who really cares about my health.” Well [insert contemplative pause here] they really are the only ones who want to know every bit of medical information as it relates to our current ailment. Some of us (I won’t name names here) feel as if the greeting, “Hi, how are you doin’?” is an invitation to recount your entire medical history, but let me assure you – it’s not. The doctor is the only one who wants to know about your BM’s and meds, normal family members really don’t want or need to know this information. Suffice to say, if they want to know something, they will ask you.

in my case, upon the proper invitation from my doctor, I spilled my medical history. He was stumped as to why the nodules to be characteristically cancerous, but couldn’t think about any other potential reason for the nodules being where they were. It wasn’t until he asked if I had any head colds, or sinus issues that the light bulb came on. As it turns out, I have had chronic sinus issues as long as I can remember, and the fact that I have been traveling on planes so much over the last three years hasn’t helped at all. Long story short, the steroids cleared up the sinus issue, and dissolved (I don’t know if that’s the proper medical terminology) the nodules.

In summary, telling friends, family, neighbors, and the mailman about your medical history is not good; telling your doctor your medical history is good.

Keep A-Goin’

Those who know me at all are in stunned silence at the fact that I am making a reference to poetry. I don’t remember where I first heard this poem, but can only surmise it was being used as a comedy bit on the Beverly Hillbillies, or a segway by Henry Gibson on Laugh In. A common convivial catch phrase used durning family get togethers to break the silence, the simple utterance of the phrase “keep a goin” was always good for a chuckle.

While the poem KEEP A-GOIN’ by Frank L. Stanton (1857-1927) [http://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/6072/219.html], is unsophisticated, it seems to put hardships into perspective. To be perfectly honest, maybe that’s why it’s one of the only pieces of poetry that appeals to me.

Last night at chuch, a fellow Prostate cancer survivor friend of mine was telling me of some latest developments regarding his recovery. He too had a prostatectomey via the Da Vinci technology, and has been riding the train to recovery for the last five months. With a huge smile on his face he told me that his latest PSA registered 0.1. He also told me that his Urology team had already started setting up appointments for him to begin radiation treatment.

Way too soon for the doctors to make this kind of decision (without even consulting him I might add), I asked him how he was dealing with it, and he said “I’ll just keep goin.'” And, in using such a simple phrase, it said everything.

He could have been mad, bitter, or any other appropriate emotion one can think of, but instead, he chose to state his action. In an attempt not to get all philosophical, isn’t that all we can really do – keep a-goin’?

Both he and I trust in God’s love for us. We trust in the creator of everything to look out for our best interests in light of his eternal kingdom. Sometimes that means pain and uncertainty. But rest assured, that if you trust that God loves you and wants what’s best for you that sometimes pain and suffering are necessary.

When I watched as my daughters were inoculated as infants, they cried in pain. It was impossible for them to understand at the time, but while they were experiencing pain, it was really for their own good. they didn’t understand this, but I did.

Not that I believe God must always use pain and suffering to help us grow into what he intends for us, but it is one tool in His toolbox.

There have been many books on pain and suffering, but one of the best I have read is by Randy Alcorn called “If God is Good.” [http://www.amazon.com/If-God-Good-Faith-Suffering/dp/160142132X]

I think many followers of Christ tend to forget that there is eternity after this blink of an eye on earth. For me, trusting in God through my cancer experience revealed that there is more to live for. Knowing that God is preparing me for eternity with Him puts things into perspective. I can keep a-goin knowing that God loves me and is working on making me more like Christ (hence the reason for all my pain….he’s got a lot of work to do on me).

Apologetics

Erin and I at the Tickle Pink (just outside of Carmel, Ca)

Looks like it’s been a while since I’ve posted, so I will take a couple moments to catch you up on what’s beens going on here at the the Bretz Bakery.

• Erin and I were able to get away for a long weekend in the California Highlands (just South of Carmel on Hwy 1). We love this place because it’s secluded and beautiful (even if it rained during most of our visit)
• I was recently accepted into the Master in Christian Apologetics program at Biola (http://www.biola.edu/academics/sas/apologetics/). It’s a distance learning program combining on-line, modular, and on-site courses. I am very excited, but will still be working full time with international travel – – hope it doesn’t kill me
• Erin has returned to school to finish her bachelor’s degree in nutrition. She possesses this strange desire to keep the family eating healthy – what’s up with that? She seems to enjoy it, and is doing well so far.
• Lindsey will be receiving her Associates degree in May, and then will be heading off to Sac State to study English. She is very excited, and it will be fun to see her and Erin going off to the same school together.

I have had numerous tests on my kidney and void where my Prostate use to be, and there is no signs of cancer. I will be on an eight month cycle for check-ups, hoping that I will not receive as much radiation as I have over the last couple years, yet often enough to catch any recurrence should it appear.

I feel like a normal person again, and was commenting to Erin this morning just how much I have forgotten. When I was going through all the treatment, I really felt that I would never forget the pain resulting from the procedures; but I have. I really don’t think of myself as a double cancer survivor. In fact, I rarely think about it at all.

It is at this time I am extremely glad I started this blog. Due to the fact that I have forgotten so much of what happened, it’s nice to have a record of events. More importantly, I am happy that what I have written has been able to help and encourage others suffering from prostate and/or kidney cancer. I try to respond to questions quickly, but sorry if I haven’t responded to you yet.

Still alive!

Wow – it’s been a while since I posted.

I’m writing from the airport in Amsterdam while waiting for my flight to Gothenburg, and was inspired by actually seeing the sun rise…that’s right, no fog…looks like it’s going to be a very nice day (too bad I’m leaving for the Great White North).

I had my 1 year post surgery appointment with Dr. Takahashi (a little bit late, but…). All is well, so I don’t have to see her again for another year. The last Cat-Scan was clear and there is no detected sign of cancer in my PSA. So, I will continue to do the regular PSA’s + Cat-Scans every 8 months.

I am amazed at how much I don’t think about having gone through the whole cancer experience because I feel so normal. Of course I think I may just be adjusting to the new normal, but in any case, I am able to do pretty much whatever I want to do.

To those of you who are going through your treatment (or in recovery), I say stay strong. Please send me a note and I will add you to my prayer list…send me your phone number and I’ll call you.

The other thing that amazes me is the number of daily visitors to this blog. I haven’t posted for a long time, but from the look of it, people are looking for resources, so I will add more as I find them.

Gonna go jump on the plane…let me know how you’re doing.

Men’s Breakfast

Digital rectal exam

Thanks to all of you who came to the Men’s Breakfast. I really enjoyed sharing my story with you.

Here is the information I promised to post.

I am working with Annette to come up with “free” prostate cancer screening, but until then, please contact:

Marshall Cancer Resource Center – Annette Glass (530) 672-7050
– Cash/Pay program
– heavily discounted for Prostate Cancer  screening

El Dorado Prostate Cancer Support Group (a monthly support group for men with prostate cancer, their families, and close friends)

WHEN: 1st Thursday of each month (3:00-4:30pm)
WHERE: Marshall Medical Center “Cancer Center Campus”
3581 Palmer Frive
Conference Room #600
Cameron Park
Contacts: Robert Guthleben (916) 989-9222 or (530) 748-7954

Reno Air Races – UPDATE!!!

Here is the latest on the Reno Air Races trip. The schedule looks pretty good. Besides all the racing, there will be an F-18 demo + the Canadian Snowbirds will fly. Be prepared to leave my house at 6am sharp!

Requirement fulfilled

I had a pretty good weekend. I started with getting my PSA results back. I am at <0.5 which is where I need to be on the “cancer free” scale.

As some of you may already know, it is a law that all prostate cancer survivors must compete in a Triathlon. Well, I have complied with the law and have fulfilled the requirement of “tri”ing to kill myself after surviving cancer.

The quick summary – I am glad to have finished.

The swim, by far was the funnest part. I started in the last wave, and have never been hit and kicked so much in my life. There was a feeling of frenzy in the water as everyone struggled to get out of the pack and into open water. This worked for me for a while, but didn’t last for too long. As I approached the first turn buoy, all the other swimmers converged in order to cut the turn as close as possible (obviously an attempt to shave off precious seconds from their swim time).

Harder to deal with was passing the slower swimmers, and those who just stopped and we treading water. I almost hit a couple of those, but everyone was pretty nice and courteous – I heard a lot of “oops, sorry, did I just break your nose?”

Coming out of the water wasn’t easy due to all the big rocks. I accidentally kicked one and fell over (I’m so graceful). I didn’t realize it at the time, but I must have hit that rock pretty hard, because my toes are all black and purple now.

The bike portion would have been easier if not for the wind. Just as I hit my first mile on the bike, I could see the first two “elite racers” coming back (having already completed their ride portion). I am amazed at how fast they were moving. They would be long finished with the entire race before I even started my run.

The best part of the bike ride was being on “closed” roads. After the endless climbing out, I was treated to some pretty sweet down hill. I was able to get up to 32mph, but I could have go faster if the road was better. All in all, it was fun.

The run kicked my butt. I should have been much better prepared. It was obvious I should have done much more work on my “core” because after the first mile, my back was killing me. There were so many people who yelled words of encouragement – thanks to all of you, it really does help. In addition, Dane and Laura (some friends of ours who did the tri with me), came back out onto the trail at mile 4 to accompany me. They have both done numerous triathons, 1/2 and full Iron Man races, and kept me company telling me about all the crazy stuff that happened to them in the past – they were very funny (thanks guys).

In the end, I want to do it again, but with a better time (doesn’t everyone say that?).

I have come to the conclusion I love open water distance swimming (strange, I know), but I find it peaceful.

I’m a little sore today, but not too bad. I was treated like a king after the race by all my girls – I have a great support group!

Coming up next: The Four Bridges 1/2  Marathon? (maybe not)

6 Months Cancer Free

Digital rectal exam

I am happy to say I have been cancer free for 6 months as of Thursday (15 July). To be perfectly honest, I almost forget I had cancer. At this point, the only real reminders of my cancer fun are the scars all over my stomach.

I am feeling really good, but put a couple pounds back on ye ole chassis. Erin attempted to break me today with a “brick” (22 mile ride + 4 mile walk/run). I bonked on mile 15, and never really recovered. This had the effect of turning my 6 mile walk/run, into a 4 mile walk/run). To be perfectly honest, I don’t think I did much running at that.

I have been swimming, and finally broke down and bought a wetsuit for some open water swimming (I am really tired of doing laps in the pool).

If all goes well, I plan to do my first triathlon on 15 August. While I am concerned about making my triathlon ambition public on this blog, I figure the announcement might help drive me on the days when I feel wimpy and unmotivated. Either way, I am fulfilling the prostate cancer survivor obligation to complete a triathlon.

Since I just mentioned prostate cancer, and due to the fact that I posted the DRE “finger” picture (see right), I will take this opportunity to shame you men into getting your check up.

So, why are you waiting? Please go get your Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), and your Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test.

LADIES ONLY – okay, let’s face it, you need to make sure your man goes in to get his exams. Guys aren’t that bright, and don’t really understand the potential problems that accompany Prostate Cancer. I don’t know how much more blunt I can be about this. Prostate cancer kills. Catching it early increases the potential for overall survival, but, more importantly, it offers a greater chance for Impotence and Incontinence (I&I) recovery. While your man thinks he’s a “big deal” now (strutting around like the master of the universe), wait to see how proud he is when he’s wearing a diaper and can’t perform (if you know what I mean by the word “perform”). It’s up to you to help get him motivated and in to the doctor NOW!

Anyway, prostate cancer is completely survivable. Don’t be stupid – get tested!

Email responses

Hi All. Thank you for your questions about PC. I am a little backlogged in my responses, but rest assured I’ll be getting to you today.