Knee Replacement

I've decided to get a full knee replacement after battling pain and
extreme limitations on exercising. The reason I'm posting here is that
I have stage IIII (nodes positive) PC, so far under control with a
combination of chemicals(zoladex, casodex, taxotere, etc.) and got to
thinking - am I crazy - I'm supposed to be dead in a few years,
shouldn't I just "endure" (counter point). My thoughts take me to do
all I can do for as long as I can with mobility and exercising as key
ingredients. Just looking for thoughts - I realize this is a personal
decision. Appreciate any insight.

Rich

On 20 May 2007 16:07:22 -0700, Richbro <richbro_22@msn.com> wrote:

>I've decided to get a full knee replacement after battling pain and
>extreme limitations on exercising. The reason I'm posting here is that
>I have stage IIII (nodes positive) PC, so far under control with a
>combination of chemicals(zoladex, casodex, taxotere, etc.) and got to
>thinking - am I crazy - I'm supposed to be dead in a few years,
>shouldn't I just "endure" (counter point). My thoughts take me to do
>all I can do for as long as I can with mobility and exercising as key
>ingredients. Just looking for thoughts - I realize this is a personal
>decision. Appreciate any insight.

If you've got enough gas in the tank, have it!

I went to see about mine early 2003 and was put on a 'wait list'. It
has since been offered to me twice and I deferred it due to my PCa
treatment regime and subsequent SEs.
Now, I need to take painkillers to have a shower and shave.
So, amongst other things, I'm getting back on the list, however long
that is today.


-Please reply to group as my email addr is fake!

-Regards CC

Hello, Rich:

You're aggressive about battling the cancer; why? Because you want to
have more life and a good quality of life, too. Wouldn't the knee
replacement fit in with that? If your knees are keeping you from the
things you want to do and there's an available solution, why not?

All the best,

--charlie

"Richbro" <richbro_22@msn.com> wrote in message
news:1179702442.016511.147660@36g2000prm.googlegro ups.com...

> I've decided to get a full knee replacement after battling pain and
> extreme limitations on exercising. The reason I'm posting here is that
> I have stage IIII (nodes positive) PC, so far under control with a
> combination of chemicals(zoladex, casodex, taxotere, etc.) and got to
> thinking - am I crazy - I'm supposed to be dead in a few years,
> shouldn't I just "endure" (counter point). My thoughts take me to do
> all I can do for as long as I can with mobility and exercising as key
> ingredients. Just looking for thoughts - I realize this is a personal
> decision. Appreciate any insight.

Richard,

I don't know as much about Stage IV as I should. But, it seems to me that
your slow rise (at least I think that considering your history, Gleason 8,
and mets, a 1.7 in March is a slow rise from 0.9 in December) is due to a
fairly efficient and effective immune system. My concern is that if you
undergo surgery you may tax your immune system and lose ground on the
cancer. Or, you may not have enough left in your system to ward off
infection where you are cut. And, I have no idea as to your psychological
state. The pain of recuperation from a full knee just might send you
spiraling if you have and depression issues.

On the other hand, I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't walk. I think I
just might cash in my own chips.

Quality of life is very important and, other than scaring the shit out of
you, I cannot decide which way I'd go with it.




--
PSA 16 10/17/2000 @ 46
Biopsy 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c
RRP 12/15/2000 G7 (3+4), T3cN0M0 Neg margins
PSA <.1 <.1 <.1 .27 .37 .75 PSAD 0.19 years
EBRT 05-07/2002 @ 47
PSA .34 .22 .15 .21 .32 PSAD .056 years
Lupron 07/03 (1 mo) 8/03 and every 4 months there after
PSA .07 .05 .06 .09 .08 .132 .145 PSAD 1.4 years
Casodex added daily 07/06
PSA <0.04, <0.05
Non Illegitimi Carborundum

On May 21, 3:38 pm, "Steve Kramer" <skra...@cinci.rr.com> wrote:
> "Richbro" <richbro...@msn.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1179702442.016511.147660@36g2000prm.googlegro ups.com...
>
> > I've decided to get a full knee replacement after battling pain and
> > extreme limitations on exercising. The reason I'm posting here is that
> > I have stage IIII (nodes positive) PC, so far under control with a
> > combination of chemicals(zoladex, casodex, taxotere, etc.) and got to
> > thinking - am I crazy - I'm supposed to be dead in a few years,
> > shouldn't I just "endure" (counter point). My thoughts take me to do
> > all I can do for as long as I can with mobility and exercising as key
> > ingredients. Just looking for thoughts - I realize this is a personal
> > decision. Appreciate any insight.
>
> Richard,
>
> I don't know as much about Stage IV as I should. But, it seems to me that
> your slow rise (at least I think that considering your history, Gleason 8,
> and mets, a 1.7 in March is a slow rise from 0.9 in December) is due to a
> fairly efficient and effective immune system. My concern is that if you
> undergo surgery you may tax your immune system and lose ground on the
> cancer. Or, you may not have enough left in your system to ward off
> infection where you are cut. And, I have no idea as to your psychological
> state. The pain of recuperation from a full knee just might send you
> spiraling if you have and depression issues.
>
> On the other hand, I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't walk. I think I
> just might cash in my own chips.
>
> Quality of life is very important and, other than scaring the shit out of
> you, I cannot decide which way I'd go with it.


Steve, you have an excellent memory or great note taking, either way,
you bring up two very good points. My psychological state is pretty
good 95% of the time. My PSA went back down after being at 0.9, 1.7,
it then dropped back to 0.9. I'm attributing the PSA drop to casodex,
although I'm not certain. My first cycle with casodex a year ago did
nothing, this time it seems to be blocking. I have two appointments
with my doctor team for surgery clearance and I plan to address these
topics. I appreciate your insight and the courage to state an opinion
even though this issue is a personal decision it never hurts to hear a
different perspective. Thanks.

Rich

Rich,

Rarely on alt.groups but saw your post...

I did it the other way around - I had my Knee replacement in 2003
before being diagnosed with Pca in 2004.

I was suffering large with OA in L Knee and could walk more than half
a mile. Had the knee done and now can walk for miles and miles. Now
no pain nothing. Only downside is that everytime I fly the security
metal detector goes off!

Sure it hurt a bit for the first few days but the meds sort that out
- I was up and walking on frame the day after the op and on a stick 2
days later. Took about 5 weeks to fully recover lots of excercises
etc. You will quickly forget all the old pain and agony I know you
are suffering as I was - If your up to it why not? NEVER GIVE IN!

>From a quick look at your profile you don't seem to have had chemo for
the PCa so looks your bloods are up to it.

There is a great forum on Knee replacement http://forums.delphiforums.com/onourfeet/start
which I recommend. Loads of good solid advice on there and they helped
me through the "should I shouldn't I" stages.

Bottom line? Bloody glad I got the TKR

HTH

Cheers
Bernie
London, UK

"Cancer is a word not a sentence".

> I've decided to get a full knee replacement after battling pain and
> extreme limitations on exercising. The reason I'm posting here is that
> I have stage IIII (nodes positive) PC, so far under control with a
> combination of chemicals(zoladex, casodex, taxotere, etc.) and got to
> thinking - am I crazy - I'm supposed to be dead in a few years,
> shouldn't I just "endure" (counter point). My thoughts take me to do
> all I can do for as long as I can with mobility and exercising as key
> ingredients. Just looking for thoughts - I realize this is a personal
> decision. Appreciate any insight.
> Richard,

I had a THR(L) - total hip replacement, left - in July 2000, about 5 years
after it should have been done because of the bitch I had for a
rheumatologist for 8 years. She kept saying, "Put it off until you can't
stand it (the pain) any longer." When I told her I was ready, she replied,
"Welllllllllll, it may be too late." I had the operation within 4 months
after switching doctors..

Then I was diagnosed with PCa in Spring 2001. With a wedding and honeymoon
coming up, treatment was postponed. In November 2002 I began preps for RT -
CT, X-rays, body cast made to immobilize me during RT, etc. etc.

Went in for my 1st RT and the bastards already had someone else on the
table - said it would be another hour before they could begin my treatment.
I told them to get fucked, walked out, haven't been back and haven't had any
treatment. So you might call me a 6-year watchful-waiting survivor. I've
had a urologist lie to my wife and me about the 40 pounds extra weight
disqualifying me for seeds. A 2nd urologist who failed to include ALL the
possible side effects of HT and RT. And a 3rd urologist who would not
listen to my wife and me about not sending me to the above mentioned
treatment center and then made 2 referrals to the place, who then phoned me
to make appointments. BTW, that treatment center also billed Medicare and
Tricare for THREE appointment that were never made.

Now my rheumy, surgeon and I are preparing for a THR(R) this summer.

Both have been to improve quality of life - standing longer, walking
further, sleeping longer without pain.
That is the most important reason for a joint replacement (TJR). I've met a
29-year-old lady with THREE TJR's.
Yet there are still a$$holes practicing medine who tell patients "You're too
young."

They (including the whore who treated me for 8 years) should lose their
license to practice medicine. Or should I say "malpractice"?

BTW, join us in alt.support.arthritis.

And you may want to visit http://arthritis.org - the American Arthritis
Association's site.

http://rheumatology.org - The American College of Rheumatology - is another
good place to visit.

On May 24, 3:38 am, Bernieboy <berniebo...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Rich,
>
> Rarely on alt.groups but saw your post...
>
> I did it the other way around - I had my Knee replacement in 2003
> before being diagnosed with Pca in 2004.
>
> I was suffering large with OA in L Knee and could walk more than half
> a mile. Had the knee done and now can walk for miles and miles. Now
> no pain nothing. Only downside is that everytime I fly the security
> metal detector goes off!
>
> Sure it hurt a bit for the first few days but the meds sort that out
> - I was up and walking on frame the day after the op and on a stick 2
> days later. Took about 5 weeks to fully recover lots of excercises
> etc. You will quickly forget all the old pain and agony I know you
> are suffering as I was - If your up to it why not? NEVER GIVE IN!
>
> >From a quick look at your profile you don't seem to have had chemo for
>
> the PCa so looks your bloods are up to it.
>
> There is a great forum on Knee replacementhttp://forums.delphiforums.com/onourfeet/start
> which I recommend. Loads of good solid advice on there and they helped
> me through the "should I shouldn't I" stages.
>
> Bottom line? Bloody glad I got the TKR
>
> HTH
>
> Cheers
> Bernie
> London, UK
>
> "Cancer is a word not a sentence".

Bernie, thank you for the perspective and information. I did have 5
months of chemo (taxotere) w/last treatment about 9 months ago. My
blood readings stayed pretty steady and now have fully recovered. So,
full steam ahead!!

Rich

On May 24, 2:26 pm, "california_chief"
<Fire_Chief@Jamacha_Junction_FD.ca.us> wrote:
> > I've decided to get a full knee replacement after battling pain and
> > extreme limitations on exercising. The reason I'm posting here is that
> > I have stage IIII (nodes positive) PC, so far under control with a
> > combination of chemicals(zoladex, casodex, taxotere, etc.) and got to
> > thinking - am I crazy - I'm supposed to be dead in a few years,
> > shouldn't I just "endure" (counter point). My thoughts take me to do
> > all I can do for as long as I can with mobility and exercising as key
> > ingredients. Just looking for thoughts - I realize this is a personal
> > decision. Appreciate any insight.
> > Richard,
>
> I had a THR(L) - total hip replacement, left - in July 2000, about 5 years
> after it should have been done because of the bitch I had for a
> rheumatologist for 8 years. She kept saying, "Put it off until you can't
> stand it (the pain) any longer." When I told her I was ready, she replied,
> "Welllllllllll, it may be too late." I had the operation within 4 months
> after switching doctors..
>
> Then I was diagnosed with PCa in Spring 2001. With a wedding and honeymoon
> coming up, treatment was postponed. In November 2002 I began preps for RT -
> CT, X-rays, body cast made to immobilize me during RT, etc. etc.
>
> Went in for my 1st RT and the bastards already had someone else on the
> table - said it would be another hour before they could begin my treatment.
> I told them to get fucked, walked out, haven't been back and haven't had any
> treatment. So you might call me a 6-year watchful-waiting survivor. I've
> had a urologist lie to my wife and me about the 40 pounds extra weight
> disqualifying me for seeds. A 2nd urologist who failed to include ALL the
> possible side effects of HT and RT. And a 3rd urologist who would not
> listen to my wife and me about not sending me to the above mentioned
> treatment center and then made 2 referrals to the place, who then phoned me
> to make appointments. BTW, that treatment center also billed Medicare and
> Tricare for THREE appointment that were never made.
>
> Now my rheumy, surgeon and I are preparing for a THR(R) this summer.
>
> Both have been to improve quality of life - standing longer, walking
> further, sleeping longer without pain.
> That is the most important reason for a joint replacement (TJR). I've met a
> 29-year-old lady with THREE TJR's.
> Yet there are still a$$holes practicing medine who tell patients "You're too
> young."
>
> They (including the whore who treated me for 8 years) should lose their
> license to practice medicine. Or should I say "malpractice"?
>
> BTW, join us in alt.support.arthritis.
>
> And you may want to visithttp://arthritis.org- the American Arthritis
> Association's site.
>
> http://rheumatology.org- The American College of Rheumatology - is another
> good place to visit.

Thanks California, I was told some of similar crap too. Now though, I
feel like this is my window of opportunity, so I'm going for it - damm
the torpedoes.

Rich