How Accurate is the 3T MRI at detecting cancer

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  • Will Doran
    Will Doran Member Posts: 207 Member
    Grumpy Urologist

    Tony,

    Sorry to hear of your concerns.  I went through the same thing with a Grumpy Urologist.  I had been in for surgery for a Melanoma and in the blood work it showed a PSA of 4.3 as with you.  My GP thought we should have an exam at Urology.  My GP did a DRE and said everything seemed OK but he thought I should get another opinion. I was a serious Road Cyclist, and it was thought that the cycling was causing a slight rise in the PSA.  That was mentioned earlier in this section by Hopeful & Optomistic.  I went in for a check up at Urology.  The doctor was awful.  He did a DRE and told me I had the smallest Prostate he had ever examined.  I was advised to not do a biopsy at that time by my GP unless they did an ultrasound and it showed an area of concern.  So, the urologist wanted to do a biopsy.  I refused and the doctor got mad and stormed out of the room.  I had no symptoms and thus I went on with my life.  11 years later I had an internal bleed, still no symptoms of prostate problems, and it was thought that I had a problem with an adrenal glad.  Turned out that was not the problem.  In the process of all this they found that my PSA was now at 69.  I went back to Urology and insisted on a different doctor.  MY GP Suggested a different doctor.  I went to him , and again my DRE didn't show much of a problem.  However this time we did the biopsy and I ended up with a Gleason of 7 with the PSA of 69.   If only I had gotten this doctor the first time.  However he wasn't in practice at that time.  So, in Dec. 2013 I had Robot assisted surgery , followed by two years of ADT (Lupron) and 8 weeks, 5 days per week of radiation as a clean up, post surgery.  Post surgery pathology showed I had 40% involvment of the Prostate.  I was listed as a Stage pT3bN1.  I had one very small spot in one lymph node.  That hadn't even shown up on my MRI's.  As of August 14th, I will be a three year survivor from the time of diagnosis.  They treated me as if I were an Advanced Stage 4.  It was rough, but I've made it this far.  In three weeks I will go through all my blood tests again and have my 4 month checkup with Urology.  They had my trestosterone knocked down to 17 with the Lupron.  I have been off the Lupron for 6 months now, and my Testosterone has started to come back up.  At my last checkup, it was up to 134.  That's still very low.  Normal is between 250 and 1,100.  As of now my "T" levels seem to still be coming back up.  At my last check up, my PSA still remains at <0.010, where it has been since two months post surgery. Time will tell next month.

    So, My advice is get the biopsy.  Don't mess around with this beast.  I did and I am sorry.  If only that Grumpy Urologist (who is still at the Urology Department) had been like my present doctor, I woudln't be in the shape I am right now.  I'm still exercising daily with Physical Therapy , free weights and resistance bands and at least 80 minutes and up to 100 minutes per day on a Spinner Stationary Bike.  It's a long hard fight, but if you get ahead of it early you will be much better after the fact.

    Best of Luck

    Peace and God Bless

    Will

  • tonycue
    tonycue Member Posts: 39

    mpMRI, a fabulous predictive tool for PCa

    Tony,

    Regarding the efficacy of image studies in detecting prostate cancer (your main subject of this thread) my take is that they have high points of acceptance but not yet 100% correct. A biopsy is still the way to go when in doubt.
    As far as I know, mpMRI is a valuable tool for those cases where a biopsy cannot be performed or it becomes unnecessary due to the evident advanced status of a patient (moving him straight to a treatment), or when a repeated biopsy is done under guidance (in a CT/MRI). The information gathered at the many clinics (in particular those involved with brachytherapy and guided biopsy) makes the PI-RADS score somehow acceptable but it is not a common substitute of a biopsy yet.

    In fact, since 2000 that there have been increasing efforts to use the image studies to diagnose cancer; however, each expert involved in PCa used his own experience (acquired along the years of practice) to report findings but no effort was ever done to standardize the interpretation in a system that could be used by the whole medical community. The PI-RADS (Prostate imaging reporting and data system) comes from these tentative efforts. The European uro-radiology  “built” a score system based on the data collected from several respected physicians who use to predict cancer not diagnose it.

    In 2010 I read a Chinese clinical study done by researchers in China that managed some evidence comparing image studies with post biopsy findings. The cohort was numerous but the image studies were from earlier CT and MRI machines, which image results would be out of date if used in building a “score” with more sophisticated equipment.

    In the PCRI annual conference of 2013, Dr. Jelle Barentsz, a respected radiologist specialized in interpreting image studies of the prostate from the times of the “Combidex” exam, (radiology at Utrecht, Nederland) introduced his video-conference system for analyzing image studies live, which were sent to him from hospitals around the world. Everybody recognized then the gap among radiologist at interpreting an image study. He wanted to have it standardized or teach the many on a principle in a reading process. At the same annual conference of 2015, Dr. Dan Margolis (a radiologist at UC Los Angeles) introduced the PI-RADS score which ranged from 1 to 5 namely highly unlikely to highly likely. These wordings are of prediction and that’s how we should consider it, or....... Can we trust that radiologists are now more coherent in analyzing an image study and do score it properly?

    I read with interest your cross discussion with Hopeful above. He is highly knowledgeable on the intrigues of AS. I also think that AS is the best initial option to consider in a PCa positive case, Surely AS is not for everyone but for those cases suitable for AS (low indolent risk), it provides quality living during many years till proper intervention becomes necessary, if any. Active Surveillance does not prejudice the benefit of a future treatment. One needs to learn how to sleep with the enemy in the same bed and still feel comfortable.

    Your scheduled biopsy will unveil the mystery, and it will tell you if you are rightful for an AS program.

    I hope they find the spots to be benign and that the seesaw PSA was related to a case of hyperplasia.

    Best wishes,

    VGama

     

    Skull & Crossbones & Light Boxes

    Hi VG, Thanks for replying with a very informative post....Of course when I asked the original question, I really wanted the repy....."NO! mpMRI's are c**p at spotting cancer, you may as well use a kaleidoscope!"......Unfortunately the more I learn the more I fear that this "something" might be what I'm dreading.....This after putting my details into the UT Health and Science centre of San Antonio's nomogram and getting 83 smiley faces out of 100 (meaning I had only a 17% chance of something sinister.....)....To quote a line from my favourite movie Some like it hot "Nobody's Perfect"

    I remember saying to my wife just before we walked into the hospital urologists office...."If there are scans clipped onto light boxes I'm screwed".....I even jokingly  said to try to peek a look at my notes to see if there's a skull and crossbones drawn on them.....Black humour is the only form of protection when facing something like "hospital tests"

    As for Optimistic and hopefuls helpful posts.....I guess that anything is possible, like I mentioned earlier I am not a good patient and hate taking pills and potions of any kind....the thought of the various treatments for PC just leave me very trepidatious....Could I sleep with the enemy? I suppose it depends how unpleasant the enemy is. Never say never

    As for the PSA Seesaw I was thinking prostaitis although no one has mentioned this at any time.....as for BPH I know I have a large prostate My GP did the DRE and said as much, the professor said likewise, the doc doing the cystoscopy guesstimated it at 50cc....I imagine that they know for sure now after the MRI....That's of course what I was hoping for after reading about PSADensity I thought that a reading of 4.3 from a 50cc gland would be OK.....trouble is with this disease is there appears to be no rules, every case is different....

    I'm still keeping my fingers crossed, thank you for your good wishes

    Regards   Tony

     

     

         Regards    Tony 

  • tonycue
    tonycue Member Posts: 39
    Living in Ignorance and Denial

    Hi Will, thanks for your post.....You appear to have been "through the mill" Sorry to hear that.....I'm likewise a keen cyclist although not a serious one....I haven't been out on the bike since all this madness began around 7 weeks ago, I haven't had the gumption.....I think I'm frightened of looking too slim in case I then convince myself that I'm losing weight due to something else.....It's amazing how suggestible we humans can be....we think we are sophisticated beings until faced with our own mortatility and then we become as superstitious as neanderthal man (or is it just me? Embarassed).....I have had so many aches and pains since this all began (all attributable to PC of course.....in no way related to my age Wink).....The one thing that is freaking me out at the moment is a grumbling hip pain....I have now convinced myself that this "Means" something....I'm now kicking my butt that I never went to the hospital 2 and a half years ago when my GP wanted to send me with my 3.1 PSA (I knew better...thought 3.1 being only .1 above the cutoff for my age was "SAFE"....Ignorance and denial will get you every time)

    In life it pays to be born lucky.....You certainly have to be lucky overall with doctors....As you say things could have worked out so much differently for you had you got the right doctor first time round....The only thing I could really say is maybe my GP could have twisted my arm and "made" me go to the hospital back then, but overall it's not her responsibility....I'm an adult....she did agree to check my PSA every 6 months instead of annually, so I can't complain.....I'm in the UK so under the NHS and despite the fact that they get a "bad press" sometimes they have been excellent to me (so far)....The hospital urologist just surprised me really with his attitude.....Not unpleasant, just very businesslike.....never even introduced himself, I had to ask his name....Its always possible of course that some Doctors are not very good when faced with patients who they have to give bad news to......Maybe it's a kind of defensive mechanism....don't get too friendly in case the patient asks too many questions, and you have to give him some dodgy answers....Maybe I'm reading too much itno it...Maybe he's just generally an A**hole

       Back to you.....I may have missed something, and I admit to being on a very steep learning curve here, but in light of your staging I wouldn't have thought that surgery would have been an option for you, or did they think that all was clear at the time?

       Keep on hanging in there, and very good luck for your future.....

    I'm in the UK and I don't know if you are familiar with a rhythm and blues group called "Doctor Feelgood"? they were big in the UK in the 70's....as I'm writing this I'm listening to the radio and there is currently an interview with their guitarist Wilko Johnson who was diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer 3 years ago,  he chose not to receive chemo.....He is now "cured" and has resumed his music career, played last year at Glastonbury, made an album with Roger Daltrey from "The Who" and so on.....Gives everyone a bit of hope I guess

       Best Wishes    Tony

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,803 Member
    edited August 2016 #25
    tonycue said:

    mpMRI vs MRSI scans

    Hi Swingshiftworker, That PSA  rise must have been a major worry? ....Glad it worked out for you.

    I have heard of the MRSI scanners that use spectroscopy to detect chemicals found in cancer, but I must admit to being a bit confused, are you saying that the mpMRI cannoct detect cancer? Ever since asking this question on several forums a few days back I have now been educated a bit more, and directed to various web sites and I am now under the impression that the mpMRI with a good radiologist has a pretty good sensitivity in detecting tumors...using the PI-RADS score they could even have a pretty good guess at staging said growths.....My doc says that the "something" on my scan needs investigating and only a biopsy will tell....I was wondering if he was just being "Coy" and maybe not trying to worry me unduly at this stage....I'm of course hoping that they genuinely don't know and that this is going to turn out to be something less nasty....Any further info you have from your experience would be greatly appreciated

       Thanks for taking the time to reply 

         regards    Tony

     

    Once again

    Tony,

    It's great that you are well-read, that you understand a great deal about PCa, that you are learning the options.

    But no amount of speculating, no amount of worry or imagining, will give you definitive answers. Only the biopsy will do that.

    Only when the specifics of the biopsy are back can informed, clinically appropriate treatment responses be tailored to your resuolts.

    max

  • tonycue
    tonycue Member Posts: 39

    Once again

    Tony,

    It's great that you are well-read, that you understand a great deal about PCa, that you are learning the options.

    But no amount of speculating, no amount of worry or imagining, will give you definitive answers. Only the biopsy will do that.

    Only when the specifics of the biopsy are back can informed, clinically appropriate treatment responses be tailored to your resuolts.

    max

    You have to Speculate to Accumulate.......More worries!!

    Hi Max, What you say is true, but I have had this OCD thing since I was about 8 years old.....Can't unlearn 50 years of bad habits in 10 minutes, especially at times of stress....Plus I have an intensely curious nature......Most OCD types do, we need to "know" answers to questions....We don't let things lie. Ultimately all the research I have done in the last 7 weeks has amounted to a row of beans..But if nothing else I have "met" some very supportive people (yourself included) on this forum and other forums who have been happy to educate me and give me reassurance.....So for that I am truly appreciative......

       Regards    Tony

  • Will Doran
    Will Doran Member Posts: 207 Member
    edited August 2016 #27
    Age and my staging

    Tony,

    I was into cycling pretty heavy.  I was out on the road up to three hours per day.  Many times I was riding with the student cycling team members from the Pennsylvania State University Cycling Team.  We were even doing some high speed drafting practice.  I'm 6ft 2in tall, 200 lbs.  When I was in the front of the draft , I guess they liked it because I made a bigger "hole " in the air.  I could really fly.

    I was 67 when diagnosed.  My doctor gave me the option of surgery or radiation treatments.  I was ready to do the surgery from the first day I found out I was dealing with this cancer. I wanted the cancer removed.   However my doctor wouldn't do it, until I talked to Radiation Oncology and learned about the radioactive seeds and that type of treatment.  After that appointment I thought I wanted to have the radiation instead of the surgery.  However for some reason, I changed my mind.  Dr. Miller (my urologist / surgeon) had told me that because of my physical condition and my "Youth" (at which I laughed until I cried) I was a good candidate for the Robotic Assisted Surgery.  Turned out, I was very glad I did the surgery.  When they got inside of me, they realized that I had a birth defect.  My Prostate had adhered to my bladder.  So, they wouldn't have been able to get the seeds into the postions they needed to be.  So, the radioactive treatments woudln't have worked.  But it turned out I had to have The Chemo (Lupron) to weaken any remaining cancer cells that might have been left behind and then I had the 8 weeks of Radiation, after being on the Lupron for two months prior. My surgery took 5 1/2 hours to complete.  It was to take 2 1/2 hours.  First they had trouble getting the robot through the mesh from a double abdominal hernia repair.  Then, when they got in there, they found the birth defect. They had to make an incision in my bladder to get the prostate removed.   Then, when they went to remove the lymph nodes. My leg muscles were so developed from the cycling that they couldn't find the lymph nodes in my right groin. Finally They got the robot moved to the lymph nodes.  Then Dr. Miller had the robot do a mirror image and it got to the lymph nodes on the left side.  Thank you Da Vinci.  He explained all this to me around 10:30 the night of the surgery.  I was sitting up in bed watching a Soccer Game (Your football).  I went home the next afternoon and was on a tread mill two days later.

    I had some arthritis in my hips.  The one side is worse, because I was hit by a truck while riding bike.  I was left laying along the road.  It was a hit and run.  That has never been solved.  So, the Lupron caused leg muscle and bone and joint pain on top of the arthritis.  Then after I was off the Lupron my legs started to feel better.  Then, They did a bone density scan, and found that I had gained bone density everywhere in my body, except in my Femurs.  I had lost density in those bones.  That was the area where the radiation had hit.  So, they put me on Prolia for Bone Density to try and correct the problems the other treatments created.  The side effects for the Prolia are as bad or even worse than the Lupron.  Bone and joint aches and muscle weakness.  Please be aware of all the side effects from these drugs and treatments.  Make sure and check all that out on-line.  Look at web sites from actual medical facilities.  My doctors warned me about most of the side effects, but not into the detail you will find when doing your own research.

    I was a Music Teacher and taught Instrumental Music in the public schools, plus an elementary & middle school band director.  I also worked with the High School Marching Band as Drum Line Instructor.  So, yes I know who "Doctor Fellgood" is.  We always have the Rhythm and Blues station on through our cable music system, and in the cars through the Sirius XM.  I have the surround sound fired up right now on Blues Station right now.  I hadn't heard about the situation with Johnson.  But yes, It does give a person hope.  However my doctors are very careful to never use the word cure.  They talk of remission.  They always keep it real and make sure I understand that the cancer could and probably will come back at some later time.  We already have plans talked through if that occurs.  As long as my PSA stays at "0", they tell me I'm doing well.  In fact, my doctors say they are very surprise that I have done this well, because of where I was at the beginning of this battle, three years ago.  Like I say over and over It's one hell of a fight.

    Dont' mess around with this beast.  Hang in there and fight like hell.  Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. 

    Peace and God Bless

    Will

  • tonycue
    tonycue Member Posts: 39
    edited August 2016 #28
    Cycling and Surgery

    Hi Will, That's quite a story...I'm delighted that you are doing so well......My guess is your fitness from all the cycling will have helped in your recovery a great deal. A five and a half hour surgery is a marathon for everyone concerned....Hats off to your surgeon for having the stamina.....Funnily enough a couple of weeks ago I was sitting at the PC doing some Prostate research when I noticed a lumpy mass in my right side of my abdomen......I immediately freaked and thought...."Lymph nodes".....made an emergency appointment to see the GP......walked into the surgery, he said "trousers down, shirt up" had a feel....Inguinal hernia......Great! now how did I get that? the fact that I immediately thought Lymph nodes just means all this PC stuff is messing with  my mind.....I'm now down to speak to the hernia people in a few weeks time.....getting old isn't all it's cracked up to be Laughing

    Thanks for your good wishes.....Hope your condition just keeps getting better and better and in the meantime find Dr Feelgood's "Milk and Alcohol" and crank it up to 11.....even better for you than Da Vinci Surgery

          Regards    Tony

  • Will Doran
    Will Doran Member Posts: 207 Member
    Milk & Alcohol

    Tony,

     I did as you suggested.  Located "Milk & Alcohol" on You Yube.  Turned it up full blast.  I like it.  Several live performances in the set.  Which one is Johnson?  The electric 6 string or the bass player.  These were videos from '79, so I assume prior to his diagnosis. 

    To many Ab Crunches and heavy lifting.  That's what they told me. My Hernias popped out while I was carrying a ladder down a flight of steps from the back sun deck on the house. Then like an idiot, I went for a two hour bike ride and then came home and mowed the lawn.  The rest of that night I was at the hospital.   Be advised that if you have the hernia fixed, and they use a mesh over the entire front of your abdomen, as they did with me, that will cause some difficulties if you eventually would need surgery.  I have 60 titanium staples holding mine in place.  It can be done, but it just slows down the process. Dr Miller had to rebuild all that mesh after he was done doing the surgery.   And, yes every ache, pain and lump can put a person in a panic.  Even after three years I get those panic things at times. 

    My doctor told me I wasn't to get back on a bike for 8 weeks, post surgery.  At 6 weeks I couldn't take it any more and bugged the hell out of him and ask him If I could try my trainer/spinner bike.  He said yes, and told me I'd know if I was over doing it.  It went fine.  I started building up time on the spinner bike to 100 - 120 minutes per day.  I'm still doing at least 80 minutes per day and up to 100 min per day, riding at a tempo of 100 - 120 beats per minute (with CD's going on a player) when I feel up to it.  Your physical condition is very important in the results from you treatments.  Other places on the site, you will see others who talk about physical condition. There are other cyclists and runners, One of us is even a body builder and is doing competitions.  So make sure and get yourself in the best condition you can and then get right back at it as soon as you feel up to it. 

    Peace and God Bless

    Will

  • tonycue
    tonycue Member Posts: 39
    Wilko

    Hi Will, Glad you liked Dr Feelgood.....They're not to everybodys taste......They were a typical Pub Rock band who made good and then fell apart within a few years.....A bunch of working class (you'd say blue collar) boys from a very poor part of industrial Essex, called Canvey Island (about 30miles from London). Canvey Island was a port where Oil Tankers would pull in and offload their cargo to the local refineries.....It was a very bleak industrial part of the country...then fallen on hard times, which of course is always a good breeding ground for disaffected youth making Rock & Roll....I've looked at the you tube clip of Milk and Alcohol and can only see one version....If it's the same one you've seen then Wilko Johnson had left by then, There was an acrimonious break up in 1978. (The guys by that time were all abusing various substances and were constantly arguing). That song was written by Nick Lowe and was supposedly about his attendance at a John Lee Hooker concert.......The song  criticises Hooker ("Main attraction dead on his feet, Black man rhythm with a white boy beat").   

    There was a brilliant documentary movie made about the band called "Oil City Confidential" by the Director Julian Temple.....If you love rock and roll you'll love this film....All human life is there

    Also if you get the series Game of thrones then Wilko Johnson appears as Ser LLyn the kings executioner....Here he is in one of the bands early hits "Roxette"....He's the guy in black with the chicken neck moves......sure knows how to play the guitar though....even though he's an odd looking guy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaybV46MA6E

    Got to admit to being impressed with your training regime.....Never mind the PCa .....You've kicked its ****....You'll live forever Laughing

        Best wishes

    PS...I think he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012.....He was given nine months to live at the time....Guess he's about your age now.....Not as fit I'll be guessing.

  • Swingshiftworker
    Swingshiftworker Member Posts: 1,017 Member
    tonycue said:

    mpMRI vs MRSI scans

    Hi Swingshiftworker, That PSA  rise must have been a major worry? ....Glad it worked out for you.

    I have heard of the MRSI scanners that use spectroscopy to detect chemicals found in cancer, but I must admit to being a bit confused, are you saying that the mpMRI cannoct detect cancer? Ever since asking this question on several forums a few days back I have now been educated a bit more, and directed to various web sites and I am now under the impression that the mpMRI with a good radiologist has a pretty good sensitivity in detecting tumors...using the PI-RADS score they could even have a pretty good guess at staging said growths.....My doc says that the "something" on my scan needs investigating and only a biopsy will tell....I was wondering if he was just being "Coy" and maybe not trying to worry me unduly at this stage....I'm of course hoping that they genuinely don't know and that this is going to turn out to be something less nasty....Any further info you have from your experience would be greatly appreciated

       Thanks for taking the time to reply 

         regards    Tony

     

    MRSI scan is more precise in locating cancer.

    A mpMRI can highlight areas where a cancer mass "may" be present in the prostate and is a good diagnostic tool for determining what areas of the prostate should be biopsied but it cannot detect smaller, less obvious cancer sites.  It is almost routine to do a standard mpMRI scan for early PCa diagnosis.

    On the other hand, a MRSI scan can pinpoint the exact location of any cancer within or near the prostate using a gadolinium dye, which is a very precise marker for cancer, as a contrast medium.  Between the 2, only an MRSI will show EXACTLY where (if any) cancer is located.

    The MRSI scan is a VERY expensive procedure and normally is not used unless cancer is already known to have been present but there remains some doubt (as in my case) about its current existance and/or location.  It would probably not be approved by an insurance carrier for preliminary diagnostic  purposes.

  • tonycue
    tonycue Member Posts: 39

    MRSI scan is more precise in locating cancer.

    A mpMRI can highlight areas where a cancer mass "may" be present in the prostate and is a good diagnostic tool for determining what areas of the prostate should be biopsied but it cannot detect smaller, less obvious cancer sites.  It is almost routine to do a standard mpMRI scan for early PCa diagnosis.

    On the other hand, a MRSI scan can pinpoint the exact location of any cancer within or near the prostate using a gadolinium dye, which is a very precise marker for cancer, as a contrast medium.  Between the 2, only an MRSI will show EXACTLY where (if any) cancer is located.

    The MRSI scan is a VERY expensive procedure and normally is not used unless cancer is already known to have been present but there remains some doubt (as in my case) about its current existance and/or location.  It would probably not be approved by an insurance carrier for preliminary diagnostic  purposes.

    MRSI

    Thanks for the enlightenment......

        Regards

           Tony

  • Will Doran
    Will Doran Member Posts: 207 Member
    Got it.

    Tony,

    They just played Milk & Alcohol on the Blues station on our TV / Music Cable.  I got the link you sent .  Johnson is not the guy I saw on the other videos.

    I should also mention to you, that as you move along in you treatments and fight, be aware, than if you have had or are prone to Melanoma Skin Cancer, make sure you go often for check ups.  It' s just another problem that can arise, as your immune system is fighting.  I had Melanoma surgery about 13 - 14 years back, with lymph nodes removed.  I hadn't had problems for 11 years until I  was in the middle of all my radiation etc.  Then, 1 year into this PCA situation, My Chemo Oncologist, suggested I change Dermatologists.  I guess she saw something she was worried about.  She suggested a doctor.  Made appointment and turned out that the doctor was a former female student of mine.  I didn't realize it, because I didnt' know her married name. She walked in the first time and said "Hey Mr, D (that's what the kids called me), remember me?"  I about fell off the exam table.  My GP is also a former student of mine as are 3 others who have been helping me fight this battle.  So,  Sara ( Dr. Ferguson) has removed 11 Melanomas in 1 1/2 years, all have had to have follow ups surgery done.    My last three check ups have been clean with no surgery needed.  The side effects, etc from my treatments have "worn off" enough, so they say, that the Melanoma has gone back into remission.  However now, I go to a distant hospital to a Skin Oncologist for a checkup once a year.  I still go to my normal Dermatologist (Sara) every 3 - 4 months for a check up.  The doctor I see in Hershey, PA, USA is into heavy research into the relationship between Melanoma and other cancers. If I need more further surgery, it is done by another surgeon who comes to town once a week.  So, As Sara wanted, I have " three pairs of eyes" checking me over on a regular basis.  So, Please be aware that this problem could come about.  I'm a blue eyed, blond of German descent.  My dad had red hair. I was raised on a farm, out in the fields in the summer in as few clothes as were legal, and later in life spent lots of time at the beach with my wife.   All of these recent Melanomas have been caught in the "pre stage" of very early Stage 1.  So, for heavens sake, get checked by a good dermatologist on a regular basis.  It's just another pain in the butt, but please don't let anything like that slip in as you go along this fight.

    Peace and God Bless

    Will

  • tonycue
    tonycue Member Posts: 39
    edited August 2016 #34
    Melanoma why worry??

    Hi Will, Now you're aware of Dr Feelgood, you'll probably keep hearing them "ad nauseum" from now on ....Synchronicity.....

    How wonderful that your former pupils are helping you out in regards to your health problems.....Just as well you were nice to them, or you could find yourself getting biopsied on a weekly basis Laughing

    Thanks for the "Heads Up" but I don't think melanoma should be a problem for me, I'm of Italian descent, so have very dark olive skin....never had to worry about the sun in the past.....But never say never I suppose....Don't need to be baiting the "Cancer Gods"

    Hope your Melanoma stays in remission (good word that)

       Best wishes     Tony

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,803 Member
    tonycue said:

    Melanoma why worry??

    Hi Will, Now you're aware of Dr Feelgood, you'll probably keep hearing them "ad nauseum" from now on ....Synchronicity.....

    How wonderful that your former pupils are helping you out in regards to your health problems.....Just as well you were nice to them, or you could find yourself getting biopsied on a weekly basis Laughing

    Thanks for the "Heads Up" but I don't think melanoma should be a problem for me, I'm of Italian descent, so have very dark olive skin....never had to worry about the sun in the past.....But never say never I suppose....Don't need to be baiting the "Cancer Gods"

    Hope your Melanoma stays in remission (good word that)

       Best wishes     Tony

    Adele

    I am hearing a pop hit's refrain in my head. I have no idea why....it is from Adele; the line goes and it's round and around and around and around we go.....

  • tonycue
    tonycue Member Posts: 39

    Adele

    I am hearing a pop hit's refrain in my head. I have no idea why....it is from Adele; the line goes and it's round and around and around and around we go.....

    Adele

    Hi Max, I don't know if the "round and around etc." is a gentle "dig" at me.....but Will and I were pretty much off the subject of cancer (well OK, Will was talking about melanoma but that's the least of MY worries)....we were, on the other hand discussing the merits of 70's R&B band Dr Feelgood....Completely off topic....except for the fact that their frontman Lee Brilleaux died at the age of 41, from of all things Lymphoma (talk about coincidences)....Their lead guitarist who Will and I were discussing because of his near death experience with Pancreatic Cancer is a wonderful character called Wilko Johnson.....As you are an anglophile and enjoy Led Zeppelin I heartily recommend you to expand your Brit Rock & Roll knowledge and find a documentary called "Oil City Confidential" directed by Julian Temple about the band Dr Feelgood....Sad, Funny, Poignant and Life affirming and some Kick-**** Rock and roll to boot....Plus as an ex-submariner they hail from a part of the world called Canvey Island famous for it's Oil Tankers and refineries.....(what's not to like?)

    PS I'm name dropping here, but I work in the TV and film industry, and last year did a series of "commercials" with Adele for your very own "Target Stores"......She was absolutely lovely....Although she does not suffer fools gladly

    Oil City Confidential....The Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CZMLs8Ke40

    Best wishes     Tony

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,285 Member
    edited August 2016 #37
    Interesting development

    This thread has become unexpectedly interesting for music people; I am one of  them, but don't play anything (except CDs).

    There's a connection to prostate cancer though.for me because when I went under the CyberKnife, I could listen to whatever.

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,803 Member
    tonycue said:

    Adele

    Hi Max, I don't know if the "round and around etc." is a gentle "dig" at me.....but Will and I were pretty much off the subject of cancer (well OK, Will was talking about melanoma but that's the least of MY worries)....we were, on the other hand discussing the merits of 70's R&B band Dr Feelgood....Completely off topic....except for the fact that their frontman Lee Brilleaux died at the age of 41, from of all things Lymphoma (talk about coincidences)....Their lead guitarist who Will and I were discussing because of his near death experience with Pancreatic Cancer is a wonderful character called Wilko Johnson.....As you are an anglophile and enjoy Led Zeppelin I heartily recommend you to expand your Brit Rock & Roll knowledge and find a documentary called "Oil City Confidential" directed by Julian Temple about the band Dr Feelgood....Sad, Funny, Poignant and Life affirming and some Kick-**** Rock and roll to boot....Plus as an ex-submariner they hail from a part of the world called Canvey Island famous for it's Oil Tankers and refineries.....(what's not to like?)

    PS I'm name dropping here, but I work in the TV and film industry, and last year did a series of "commercials" with Adele for your very own "Target Stores"......She was absolutely lovely....Although she does not suffer fools gladly

    Oil City Confidential....The Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CZMLs8Ke40

    Best wishes     Tony

    Greeks

    The ancient Greek philosophers of Plato's day would gather for all-night discussions of any topic whatsoever. These were called Symposia, from which they current English word symposium is derived.

    It seems the only real requirement was that gallons of wine be present.  On the sub, many of us "coners" (guys working in the forward end of the ship) would do music trivia, so getting off track for a moment into the realm of music seems not like a serious offense to me.   My favorite English musician is the semi-retired Jeff Lynn, founder of ELO.    I can't get it out of my head ! :)

  • tonycue
    tonycue Member Posts: 39
    More Symposia

    It Seems to me that what this board needs is more symposia.....All this talk of Prostate Cancer is getting a bit morbid Laughing

    Jeff Lynne of ELO is an amazingly interesting guy......and Sooooooo Talented.....try and find a documentary that was made for the BBC called "Mr Blue Sky" which is Jeff's life from his working class childhood in Birmingham right up to the Travellin Wilburys and the resurgence of ELO.....At 19 I once "totalled" a sports car that I was immensely proud of whilst changing sides on an ELO tape cassette (New world record) that was on constant "hard rotation"

       More Symposia.....And more wine is the order of the day

  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member
    Nostalgia

    Enjoying it too. Just toss the names.

  • Will Doran
    Will Doran Member Posts: 207 Member
    Play the tunes and keep it light.

    To All,

    I feel we must have other things on our minds than the fight we're all in.  So, Let the Music Play, let the Wine (or whatever) Flow, Get out there a drive your pants off in your favorite sports or muscle car, enjoy nature, and live every day like it's your last.

    Old Salt,  When I had my Radiation Treatments, I could control the music in the room, as well.  Here in Central PA, they usually had Country Music going.  Many times I'd let it there, but sometimes change to Jazz or Blues, depending on my state of mind that day.  It helped, I think.  Especially when the Therapists (three or four women and one guy) would come dancing in the door when the treatment for the day was over.  I kept it "light" and that made them happy as well.  The guy who followed me every day, was having treatment for a very serious reoccuring cancer (head and neck) and that would set the tone for him as the days went by, and we got to be pretty good "buds".  He'd sit with my wife during my treatment and then we'd pass each day in the hall and give each other a "High Five", as we passed by each other.

    Love & Peace and God Bless to all

    Will