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Blog Entry 12 of 15 Things, news, whatnot
I'm Karen Ward Gilbert, a (former) community journalist here at YourHub.com. In this blog, I may (have written) about current events, the latest happenings at YourHub.com or blather ranging from what I overheard on the bus to my new favorite chocolate bar.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~whatnot

The big C

Contributed by: Karen Ward Gilbert/YourHub.com   on 9/18/2006

Sept. 18 marks the beginning of Prostate Cancer Awareness Week.

Me, I became aware of prostate cancer this past February.

One lazy Saturday or Sunday I was sitting at my sewing machine in front of the TV trying to affix the wrong size zipper into a particularly ill-fitting garment I had just finished knitting when my parents called.

Typically, when my caller ID reads "Mom and Dad" both of them are on the speaker phone at the same time when I answer. But this time, it was just Dad. And after the requisite light and general conversation, he told me he had prostate cancer.

I put my project down and moved to the couch. This sort of news, it seemed, required a comfy place to sit.

Dad sounded upbeat. He told me the disease was very common among men of his age and with treatment, the survival rate was nearly 100 percent. In fact, if one were to choose a cancer to have, this would be the one, he said.

But still, I thought, cancer.

Later, I learned Dad's particular cancer was determined to be "aggressive." The good news was, it was detected early; the bad news was the doctors didn't know if the cancer had spread.

Turns out it was localized - but treatment would need to begin right away.

Dad opted to be a guinea pig at the V.A. hospital in Portland, Ore. His program of treatment - four weeks of radiation administered five days per week followed by surgery -- was one that had successfully been used to treat other forms of cancer, but had not yet been tested on prostate cancer.

He kept joking about getting a "per diem" since he was "doing his thing for the advancement of science," but the docs just laughed him off. (For the record, I'm pretty sure he was serious.)

For the first two weeks of radiation, Dad made the four-hour drive home to Bend on the weekends.

But by the third week, the radiation had pretty well zapped him of energy as well as his appetite. So, Mom caught the bus from Bend and spent the last portion of Dad's treatment in Portland.

After the round of radiation was complete, my two brothers, my sister and I all paid independent visits to Mom and Dad this summer. Being the baby (at 32!), I went during the "in between" time before the surgery. The others assisted during the radiation, the surgery and the recovery at home.

Dad's recovered from the surgery and so far so good.

The point is, early detection likely saved my Dad.

On Sept. 17 I participated in the Governor's Cup 5K PACE Race (I didn't bother with the timing chip) in an effort to support the Prostate Cancer Education Council -- an organization that offers free screenings and promotes prostate cancer education and awareness.

I don't think I've accelerated beyond a walk since last November's Turkey Trot, but hey - it was a good cause and the elevated heart rate did me good on a gorgeous September morning (plus, Joe took me to brunch at Lola afterward -- I recommend the Lola Huevos and the orange mimosa.)

My stiff legs today are for you, Dad. Here's to 100 percent recovery and to your great team of doctors in Portland.

*********************************************************
According to the Prostate Cancer Education Council:

*Seventy-nine percent of all prostate cancers are discovered in the local and regional stages; the 5-year relative survival rate for patients whose tumors are diagnosed at these stages is 100 percent. (100 percent!)

*Over the past 20 years, the survival rate for all stages combined has increased from 67% to 92%.

For information about prostate cancer awareness week, visit www.pcaw.com.


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Showing 1-5 of 5 comments
Submitted By: Fairlight Baer-Gutierrez
posted on 9/23/2006 @ 10:03:41 AM
Rated Blog Entry
I just got back from a walk through our neighborhood (no running for me today either). Thank you for sharing this, Karen. It sounds like your closeknit family and your dad's optimistic spirit saw him through some tough days.
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Submitted By: Travis Henry
posted on 9/23/2006 @ 8:14:49 AM
Rated Blog Entry
Important story Karen. Thanks.
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Submitted By: Katherine Jerome
posted on 9/22/2006 @ 3:37:22 PM
Rated Blog Entry
Genuine and moving story Karen. Thanks for bringing awareness......I'll remind my guys.
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Submitted By: Carol Wilson
posted on 9/21/2006 @ 10:24:12 PM
Rated Blog Entry
Good article, who ever thinks their dad is going to get it. I also like the way you plug in those links. I know your dad will have full recovery.
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Submitted By: Erin Williams
posted on 9/19/2006 @ 4:33:41 PM
Rated Blog Entry
Karen, I'm so glad to read that your father is doing well! I hope that he remains "in the clear."
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Showing 1-5 of 5 comments
CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Karen Gilbert has posted 15 blog entries and 71 comments since joining on 5/10/2006. Karen Gilbert's average blog rating is 4.95.
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