Am I in Remission! I'm confused!

Grandpa,
You will propable get many respones, of varying degrees, but just know you are in a good place right now with the PCa and with Healing Well. Found a good definition on ezinarticles.com-what is remission of cancer. I too was confused a few months ago when my doctor used the word with some hesitation ,like he said it was "in remission for now". In my case,after posting that ,I was reminded again by a brother with 'tough love' on myprostate .com site that I was not in remission that this disease in my case is not curable, and advised I take the most aggresive treatment possible,and I understand that. We are searching for the best solution to live out our lives the best we can, hopefully for many,many more years to come, and I am trusting my doctors, and my Lord. Currently my doctor termed my cancer is somewhat "at bay"'. Another interesting term. I'll sit by the dock of that bay as the song goes as long as can. We will definitely talk to you leater, I just sent you an e-mail!

I agree with Peter's assessment. Definitely not in remission, but do like the word "at bay", because of your treatments, you are keeping the cancer at bay, currently.

Just words, you are looking good right now, considering the seriousness of your diagnosis.

My best to you,

David

i would define remission as no further progression of the disease, with out treatment since the last treatment that "halted" the progression. Like a cure, remission is what is is until it isn't. Pca as well as most cancers will never,imo, ever present a definitive cure. Having said that PCA is still one of the cancers that responds well to a multitude treatment for " most" patients and that is a great salve for those who allow it to penetrate from the outside to the inside. You strike me as one with that propensity, tho like us all, some thickness of skin, ironically, will produce the same result , that we normally attribute to thin skin. A puzzle to be sure, and I do not myself quite understand it. Go figure…. It is decipherable with a lot of thought.

Dave the use of the term is ambiguous. Many doctors call remission a disease that is not progressing. Many use the terms "controlled" and "durable" in front of it.

A controlled remission is a disease that is not progressing while on therapy.

A durable remission is a remission that continues when all treatments are stopped.

But again, like others have said, there really is no clear explanation.

Webster:
Remission - a period of time during a serious illness when the patient's health improves

I'd say use it.

Tony

Thanks TC-LasVegas and JNF,

Thanks for your input. Remission or not, I'm taking it one day at a time and living life to its fullest. Do I have bad days\moments; YES, but try not to let them last long.

Praying for everyone.

Dave in Bartlett, TN

JNF said...
I saw my urologist today and asked if I am in remission. He said "hell yes". Then he cautioned me that we are not out of the woods by any measure, but that I am indeed in remission. The quarterly PSA drwas will continue indefinately as will the daily Jalyn.

JNF - That's great to hear. I'm not sure we're ever really "out of the woods" with this, but I'm happy to enjoy the sunny clearings here and there. :)

I like TC's term "controlled remission". I'm going to embrace that one. Still in treatment, but no signs of progression. My next PSA test will be in February, and I'm comfy with things until then.

HighlanderCFH: Thank you very much!

Redwing57: I agree with you!

tarhoosier: thanks for your support.

Dave