John WA1GOS ... and men's Prostate Troubles

[K1JJ]

Dear Friends,

I was shocked to read in announcements that my good friend John has passed.  Rather quickly and with a vengeance. I remember John from way back. We used to hold the 75M "Unemployment Net" back in the summer of 1973. His comment was to anyone who was around,  "You sound just like a broadcast station!"   (whether you did or not)  He had many, many friends on the air. May John rest in peace. I will miss him.

I just had to write this post after hearing about him..... Now to talk about a subject that affects most men;  My doctor once told be that if a man lives long enough, he will probably die from prostate cancer. 90% of men over 85 years old have enlarged prostates, most benign, but many turn into cancer eventually and move quickly through the body. The main way to fight it is by radical removal of the prostate and hopefully we can live another 15 years without trouble.

I haven't been very active over the last 6 months. I have told only a few close friends about the reason why. Yes, I too, have had an enlarged prostate for about 15-20 years now. Like many of us, I had to wake up from sleep up to 5 times a night to take a leak. I know where all the public bathrooms are in town. I could not shop anywhere without a restroom or the sudden urge to go would be a problem. Fully emptying the badder was a problem.  This can cause bacterial infections in some men.

In February 2023 I finally decided to do something about it. Finally, after going thru hell and back to the ER, taking test after test and finding out I was a good candidate for a recent technology called HOLeP, a laser based procedure, I went in and had it done two weeks ago. Fortunately, my prostate that had grown to three times its original size over the last 20 years was benign, no cancer.   Over the years, every general exam by the doctor told me I'd better do something based on his finger exam.... yikes! I was too stubborn to throw in the towel and get something done.

So, despite post operation blood clots, wearing a catheter last spring for 3 weeks, and other unmentionables like having a “fire hose” shoved up my ****, I had the operation done. I now have great flow, clear urine, and excellent draining. I still need to heal to improve tank capacity.   I also needed a stent placed between the bladder and kidney which was removed today.  I am making a comeback and hope to be tower climbing again. My weight is now a lean 175- 178, which is perfect for me. The removed prostate  tissue showed no cancer. God bless new technology and the wonderful doctors and surgeons.

My advice to anyone who has enlarged prostate symptoms is to contact a urologist and get a series of tests done. There are at least five tests that will tell the story. Staying near a bathroom is no way to run our life.

The older TURP procedure and now the laser-based HoLeP (the one I elected for) are probably the best.   I like my laser method cuz there is little blood and is more precise.  Do some serious reading on the subjects!  All bodily functions are usually preserved with HoLeP....  This is key.

My goal here is to try to save a few lives of my dear ham buddies out there..  We saw how fast it took John out - don't let it happen to you too.

The bottom line is once the HOLeP operation is done there is <1% chance of needing to go back - and a tiny risk of cancer and the wonderful chance of staying cancer-free (prostate-wise) for 15 years or more.

Men got a bad rap with this gland called a prostate, but can fight back.  Do read about the laser HoLeP procedure. I was able to go home after just one overnight stay in the hospital. Hey, I'm not out of the woods yet – there's many risks for bad things to happen.  Don't give up hope -  just fight on.  Life is really a bitch at times and hard.  Sometimes I cannot believe the string of bad luck that comes along for extended times. Old age is not for pussies...

Any other related stories?  

Best,

Tom, K1JJ

[W1ITT]

Tom...
I'm very sorry to hear of John... G-golf, O-golf, S-golf's passing.  He was a sharp engineer and a great wit.  We swapped stories of cats...of which we are both fans.  I recall the "Unemployment Net" on 75 meters decades ago.  I was employed at a TV transmitter, back when a First Class license was required at each station, and often checked in from the transmitter site  as John called me," The broadcast station from within the broadcast station."  It's sad that John didn't get to enjoy a few more years of well deserved retirement after his years of work.
As far as the prostate goes, the subject is certainly more complex than just nutrition, but a urologist once told me that if every man would get at least the minimum daily requirement of Zinc, either in diet or in a supplement, that it would decrease the income of urologists everywhere. And that's a worthy goal.  RIP, John.
73 de Norm W1ITT

[Opcom]

This scares the H.E. double-toothpicks out of me. I'm sorry to hear about your friend John's passing, and shocked that it was so fast-progressing.

I haven't been to the specialist for prostate or the other 'inspection' down there in several years, but I believe I better do it after reading about John. Who knows what's going on inside.

Some nights, I'm up 2-3 times to stand before the bowl. Any more details would be TMI on my part but that's just me.

Recently, just last week I was sick for 4 days, no idea what caused it. After telling the Dr. the symptoms, his X-rays showed nothing but the order was to go get a gall bladder ultrasound.

I'm just saying, things wear out due to age, confusing things happen like being quite ill for a few days with nothing found, it's like roulette and we don't have a choice in what the heck's going on!  It's been 5 years since I rode the ATV (the dirt bike is loooong in the past), had to give up the military trucks because of my back. Ya know, retirement is supposed to be great, but again no matter how one tries to take care of oneself, it's the roulette, and one has to accept it.

I guess next time I'm on the air I could join the ignominious stereotype of hams who complain about the gall bladder!

God have mercy on us older folks. And lets go to the doctor for goodness sake! Not to be morbid but I have to do a will. My dad put it off until he fell ill with his final illness, then hurried to get his and Mom's wills done. That's not the way to plan.

Sorry if I'm being a downer. Just trying to be brutally honest.

[Pete, WA2CWA]

Tom:
Congratulations on the success of the operation and the very positive health attitude going forward. However, it may be time for you to seek someone else to do your tower climbing.

As we age, it's important to address possible health issues as soon as they become apparent and/or when body functions don't seem to act normal or the way they did in the past. Some of this stuff can sneak up on you very quickly so regular doctor checkups are also important.

Over the last several years, I get two major checkups, blood tests, etc. per year plus I do quarterly visits with the doctor to discuss "how am I doing", any heath anomalies, mental acuity, etc.

Had a colonoscopy done  the last week of May. Anesthesia being administered seem to have a faulty valve, so for the first few minutes I had a HD view of the inside of my colon on the monitor.  

Just had my third hernia operation in 12 years on 6/1. This one was located on the groin right side.
Hernia operation was a bit unusual. When it became apparent, no lump, just some pain. Did the operation, "success" pain went away, but a small visual lump developed in the area. I'm told that post operations of this type in rare cares, a small hematoma can develop. I guess it was my lucky day for a hematoma. Will discuss with the surgeon this coming Thursday.

My son was constantly bitching about me climbing ladders to get on the roof of the house (it's a raised split) to clean the gutters, and adding and/or doing repairs/adjustments on various antennas I had up there. So, last year I had the roof replaced; I was getting some minor leaks. Besides replacing the roof, they removed two non functioning vent fans, six original 4X8 sheets of rotting plywood(original plywood from when the house was built 50 plus years ago), added covers to all my gutters, and most importantly, removed all the antennas I had up there. Still don't have a complete plan for all those antennas but at least hopefully, my roof climbing days are over.

[w8khk]

I am also saddened by the loss of John, WA1GOS.  I am thankful to hear that Tom has risen above prostate cancer and received the necessary treatments to put him in control of his destiny.  I am sure the view is much better when your head is in the clouds atop a monstrous tower!

I thank Tom for inviting others to share stories about their journey around the prostate cancer adventure.  I too was diagnosed with "the C" by my primary care provider back in 2014.  While there was no outward evidence, or even a hint of a clue via the "digital" finger test, my PSA (prostate specific antigen) count was climbing consistently for two semi-annual checkup periods.  He said it may be nothing, as the PSA test, in and of itself, can be inaccurate and misleading.  But knowing the risks, I proceeded with the referral to the urologist.  

It is interesting to note that my dad, Walter Maxwell, W2DU (SK in 2012) was diagnosed at the same age I was when referred to the specialist, and I stayed with dad while he had surgery and through his recovery period back in 1988.

My urologist was proactive and thorough.  I was entered into a double survey program whereby the diagnosis process was performed from two different avenues, by separate specialists, in order to improve the success rate for the diagnostic strategy.  The gold standard for determination of presence of prostate cancer was the biopsy, with its inherent risks and discomfort.  But the goal at hand was to evaluate the ability to accurately diagnose the need for prostate cancer treatment in a less invasive manner, which included both CT and MRI evaluations.  While I had all three, the biopsy, CT, and MRI, the results and images were evaluated blindly and separately, then the findings were compared in order to determine the relative accuracy of the non-invasive (albeit more expensive) options.  I understand now the MRI is used more often before biopsy for PSA diagnosis at my hospital, although a final biopsy is normally performed prior to commencing any treatment.  I am aware of these procedural improvements as a result of attending a monthly survivor's group where various doctors speak as more is learned about modern treatment options.

But I am getting ahead of myself.  I had a total of three biopsies, two during the "wait and see" period, followed by one which indicated it is time to do something or wish I had.  MRIs confirmed the progress.  I underwent several other tests to assist in determining the best treatment option, and I learned that I was not a candidate for surgery, due to reduced lung capacity as a result of almost forty years of second-hand smoke exposure.  Even though never a smoker, cigarettes got the best of my respiratory function.

I embarked on over two years of chemo, and a full year of radiation treatment, five days a week, with weekends off for good behavior (no missed appointments.)  While some suffer radiation damage to the bladder, I was not afflicted in this manner.  Prior to radiation, it was necessary to drink at least two quarts of water, and retain it until the radiation is complete.  I was no a happy camper on days when the equipment was in need of maintenance, delaying my treatment.  I did not want to have to drink all that water again on the same morning.  Since my radiation treatments, a new "Spacor" device, which degrades and dissolves over time, is inserted between the prostate and the bladder, to better protect against bladder damage during radiation.

Prior to starting radiation, part of the "prep" included having four gold pellets, about the size of uncooked rice, deposited in the prostate via hypodermic injection through the perineum.  This was not a pleasant experience, to say the least; but it was over quickly, and my body has increased recycle value when I finally become horizontally polarized.  The pellets are used to automatically guide and focus the radiation on the prostate.

So by tolerating long-term chemo and radiation, I dodged the surgery bullet, and now I am cancer-free, after semi-annual checkups until this past year, when I commenced annual checkups with the urologist who saved my future.  The chemo half-life is long, but the only side-effect for me was uncontrollable weight gain, which I am just now starting to eliminate.  

This year, a stress test indicated the potential for cardiac artery disease, and this was confirmed by a cardiac CT angiogram.  Within the week, I was in the hospital for a stent to be placed in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery.  After less than a week of recovery, I am now good as new heart-wise, with all arterial flow back to 100 percent.

I hope sharing my story, as Tom did, will help at least one person avoid the loss of many years of amateur radio operation during their retirement.  As the saying goes, "retirement is the absolute best job I ever had!"

[Opcom]

Anesthesia being administered seem to have a faulty valve, so for the first few minutes I had a HD view of the inside of my colon on the monitor.  

LOL the doctor had me woke up a time or two during my last one to show me 'here is this and here is that, then snipped things out - nothing was cancerous at all but I didn't really need to see that. I believe he had my best interests at heart, but yeesh!

[n8fvj]

Nasty unforgiving disease. I have mine checked every 6 months at age 73 now. Likely will have it removed at first sign of enlargement.

[K1JJ]

Wow, some very interesting comments and stories!

Rick, cool that you beat the prostate cancer using radiation therapy....  probably cuz they could not qualify you for the surgery due to your lungs.  That sure was a lot of radiation you took on.

Pete, good comments on all. Three hernia operations makes you a real pro. OK on the roof repairs and needing 4X8' plywood replaced.  I am needing roof work too and will be aware of the plywood rot.

 Aside from an appendix removal back in 1973, this HOLeP procedure was my first modern surgery. I asked so many questions of the nurses and doctors that I could feel the bum's rush after a while. But screw them... not axing questions is a good way to make poor decisions. I spent days and days reading articles and comments on the web.  I'll tell ya, many of the comments scared the heck outa me and I felt like canceling the procedure plans many times. I think the complainers are the main posters. The people with good results probably don't post as much. Be aware of this.   But then there are the doctors or corporations who paint a flowery picture with more sales approach. The truth comes out when you have to sign all the liability paperwork before the operation.The disclaimers often sound like the drug ads on TV.

Norm, the salaries are incredible for urology. The average is $475K / year, with better ones making seven figures.

You'd think by now in our human evolution we would have full silicon / digital bodies by now. Instead, we are super  complex, walking chemistry sets;  Rube Goldberg would have been proud to design such a complex machine of flesh, blood and bones. Amazing that it actually works as well as it does....

** Like sleep apnea and Lyme disease from ticks, (I've had both) prostate problems are at epidemic levels but many folks discover they got it after it's too late.

T

[AJ1G]

Like many of us, I was shocked and am deeply saddened by John’s passing a few days ago.  He was one of my earliest ham radio friends from back when we were JNs  on 80
novice CW and then part of the gang of budding AMer school bus riders getting together in the late afternoons in the 75 meter AM window.  And in our retirement, doing it all over again, most recently up on 40 meters, especially in the late afternoons this past spring. He had a wacky and sometimes bizarre sense of humor and I really enjoyed his frequent group emails that often were reminiscences of his (no doubt fictional) family relatives and acquaintances, like the uncle who worked in a sardine cannery and was whose  job was closing the eyes of the tiny fish before the cans were sealed. It was great growing older but not up with him over the years on the air.  Unfortunately, I never met him in person.

Re his sudden passing from a rare and rapidly aggressive type of prostate cancer, he was dealt a very bad hand.  Like others have already said, most guys will likely pass with it in some degree, but not of it.  The aggressive type, however can even strike at a very early age.  I lost a good friend here way back in the 1990s to it when he was only 44.  At that age, many guys haven’t even thought about monitoring their PSA. But his passing at such an early age was a wake up call for me, and motivated me to be diligent on tracking mine. 

[W3SLK]

That's a shame. Tom, I'm glad you are on the mend and was wondering what had become of you. I started getting the PSA blood test about 15 years ago. My primary care guy asked if I want the 'digital' exam, and I told him not without dinner and a drink first! But I digress. He is ok with the fact that when I get up in the middle of the night to 'void,' I usually fall asleep standing with my 'Nuvistor' in my hand because the reservoir is full. He told me if anything changes to notify him. As a result of this thread, I think I will dispense with the dinner invitation and get it checked at my next appointment.

[W1JS]

I am shocked and saddened by the news of John passing.  I have known John since the 75 meter days of the mid 1960's.  I heard from him just this past February: 

Hiya Jack, hiya hiya!
You'll be happy to know that the infamous "ALM sign off" lives on! Some ask what it is, and once explained, they get it! Hey, those are a good looking couple of cats you have there! Beautiful animals, daddio, hip cats!
Easy on the mustard!  73 - John  WA1GOS

Great guy with a quirky sense of humor. 

May you rest in peace, John.

Jack
W1JS
fka WA1ALM 

[W1GFH]

They posted the obit online today:

https://www.farmeranddee.com/obituaries.htm

Scroll to "John C. Sliva"

[K1JJ]

I can always pick out an Eagle Scout in the crowd. Shoulda known.  I wish I had asked him about it years ago. I'm a Life Scout (with 28 merit badges, one rank below Eagle Scout) and we could have had a great conversation.

Add to this he is a BSEE, Extra Class ham and loves animals.  My kinda guy. I always thought he looked a lot like John Sebastion in his younger years.  

Rest in peace, John.


Tom, K1JJ

[W1GFH]

I only met John on the 40 meter AM ham radio band last winter. He was an extremely engaging conversational wit, and full of stories about East Coast ham personalities and history. I couldn't believe my luck in finding such a smart and funny person who avoided the chest-beating or grievance-based monologue unfortunately embraced by so many hams of retirement age. I looked forward to many future QSOs with the guy. His passing took me by complete surprise. RIP John, 73. Joe W1GFH

[W1RKW]

Tom,
1st, glad you're on the mend and came through 100%.

In your research, was there any mention of causes of enlargement and prostate cancer.  Are they hereditary, environmental or just a male design defect?

And was there anything about maintaining good prostate health in the early years of adulthood and throughout.  What actions males should take.  Obviously, keeping poisons out of ones body is the step in the right direction but is there more related to diet?

rkw

[K1JJ]

Tom,
1st, glad you're on the mend and came through 100%.

In your research, was there any mention of causes of enlargement and prostate cancer.  Are they hereditary, environmental or just a male design defect?

And was there anything about maintaining good prostate health in the early years of adulthood and throughout.  What actions males should take.  Obviously, keeping poisons out of ones body is the step in the right direction but is there more related to diet?

rkw

Hi Bob,

Some good questions....

I don't think they really know what causes prostate enlargement.  But I would be curious if it has been a problem with men going back hundreds of years.  Little data, but what I am getting at is: is it caused by one of the many bad ingredients we eat now-a days?  Is it caused by pollution of its many forms?  Same with cancer, HIV, lung and heart disease, etc.   Many are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.


----
Taken from Google:
"The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH."
---


It may just be a natural function of older men, like our noses grow bigger, our muscles weaken and our immune system loses effectiveness - our cells don't duplicate perfectly each time. Compare your own picture at age 21 and age 70 to see the cell replacement Xerox machine deteriorating with every copy.  

Most guys try the easy pill path to shrink the prostate. That worked for me for a few months, but alas, after a while the TV commercial disclaimers took their toll. My blood pressure dropped from a healthy 120/60 down to a scary 90/50.  I said the heck with prostate "alpha blockers"  and told the surgeon to go ahead and cut me up with the laser.  Those "Super Beta Prostate" pills you see on TV seemed to work for me  for a coupla years, but there comes a time when things get worse and you need to do something about it.  No pussy pill stuff- laser surgery is the only way.  Then there's always the people pushing vitamin supplements and herbal concotions to fight prostate symptoms.  Most is probably bunk.

I must say, after being + 3 weeks post-surgery, my water-works are working like a champ. Being a tech kinda guy, I have kept records of flow volume, how many times I get up at night, tank capacity and other parameters.  I couldn't be happier with the results so far. I am able to sleep 3-4 hours now without getting up. And it is getting better. The surgeon told me to be patient cuz it may take up to a year or more to retrain your body and see full results. The bladder needs to be retrained. The ability to hold water with the flesh sphincter valves needs to be exercised via  "pelvic floor exercises."  

Do a lot of reading on Google and YouTube.  Try to stay away from the horror stories about blood clots, loss of functions and other stuff. Yes, there is risk... you gotta just throw the dice and hope for the best. The HOLeP laser procedure is in the 90% success area, so pick a good surgeon and go for it if you pass all the tests and are a good candidate.

This may be TMI, but here goes:  You want to know how you are doing?  Then drink 3-4 full glasses of water. Then wait as long as you can until you MUST go.  Use a fl oz calibrated measuring cup.  If you can fill 15-16 OZ, you are doing well for a guy over 65. But we are all different and much will depend on your own anatomy. I was at times able to pass only 2-3 OZ months ago pre-surgery, (called retention)  but hit 16 OZ yesterday.  Hope it keeps increasing...tank capacity that is, to sleep all night or take a longer shopping trip without stopping at every restroom.... :-)

Another test is duration... the average animal, including people, urinate for 21 seconds. I am right on the money.  The first 1/3 has strong flow and the next 2/3 tapers off.  An equal amount of volume should divide between the 1/3 and 3/3 points. It's mostly about gravity and water pressure assuming there are no blockages from enlarged prostate, tumors, etc.

And, another test is how much is left when you empty your bladder? The bladder's flexibility, leather or elastic - and muscle tone, will dictate this. Some elderly folks retain up to 2/3, which is a problem, while very young people can void most all.  Poor emptying will have a big bearing on your tank capacity and time duration between pit stops.  Before surgery I was holding 140-180 ml after voiding. After surgery I retained only 24 ml and sometimes less!  After surgery, the once overworked bladder needs to be retrained to empty itself better. It may overwork and cause bladder spasms until retrained. Some need to take pills to prevent this at first.  I did not - lucky.  I was really surprised when fully emptied and could actually feel the difference.  Less apt to have urinary infections too since the urine does not sit and fester as much in smaller amounts. They need to use an ultrasound machine to do this voiding test... no home solutions.

A good MRI, etc., will also show things that are pushing on the bladder causing "bladder spasms'"   These sudden urges to go are what make you run to the bathroom barely making it in time.

I think the worse part about this whole business is catheters. I had one on for three weeks, pre-surgery. After that ordeal nothing will bother you. No embarrassment when talking about it or being exposed to nurses or doctors.   Desensitized.

The first time in the ER, I was traumatized by the fire hose shoved up my....  I never knew there could be so much pain. The floor was covered with my blood. The nurse did her best but could not push the cable thru my bladder channel without extreme measures.  I bled for almost 3 weeks. It was a fricken nightmare beyond description.  My personal "red badge of courage" I guess.

There's so much more to this story, but judging from some of the private emails I've received, this subject has hit home and I'm so glad a number of us with symptoms are looking into tests and then potentially treatment.  Getting this elective surgery done may be the best decision I have ever made health-wise. It's more of a quality of life change for me, really.

T

** BTW, I'm starting to fire up some of the rigs again and doing home improvements.  After feeling somewhat down for months, playing with my toys is always a good sign that mental recovery is progressing too...

[W3SLK]

Tom, I don't think there was not enough information there. What you did was cracked the shell on a subject that a majority of us fellows want to sweep under the table! Maybe John's passing was too young for him, but by discussing the reasons of his short life, he left a legacy for us to follow so we don't meet the same fate. From the data you posted, I'm currently doing fine. But the fact that I was a bio-med tech in a former lifetime and retired instrument tech from a pharmaceutical lab, I identify with those measurements and how they came to be and will be watching for any trending changes. Realistically, I don't think you can be over-informed! As I have posted on my profile on another forum, "Knowledge is good!.......Emil Faber"

[Pete, WA2CWA]

"They" say sex can keep you healthy and has a number of health benefits.
https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/sex-and-health

From     Google:   Why is sex good for people after 70?
"Positives include lower stress levels, better healing after surgery, healthier behaviors, and even a longer lifespan. Intimacy has even been found to ward off depression. Physical affection has been linked to lower resting blood pressure and higher levels of oxytocin, a feel-good hormone."

And you thought just playing with your radios would keep you happy and healthy when you got close to retirement age!

[W1RKW]

Mr.T,
I'm in my early 60s and knock on wood all is good here.  I did lose a close friend to PC many years ago. He was in his late 40s but he also had testicular cancer in his early 20s.  Interesting that there could be a link.  I'm not afraid of the doctor so go annually and have things checked which includes the stuff in manland.