Phil has prostate cancer :(

[phorbesie]

but he'll beat it i know!

Message from Phil on 10.26.2006

What do I have in common with Rudy Giuliani, John Kerry, Bob Dole, Joe Torre, Nelson Mandela, Sean Connery, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Emperor Akihito of Japan, General

Norman Schwarzkopf, Colin Powell, Quincy Jones, Roger Moore, Sydney Poitier, and Robert De Niro?

Like them, and along with thousands of other men, I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Since my liver transplant, my health has been monitored by a crack team of doctors; in the course of this program, I have periodic blood tests and clinic visits. At my last clinic, my doctor noticed that my PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) levels had increased over the last period. He recommended that I see a urologist, and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. I have decided to have it removed in early December with da Vinci robotic surgery. Since we’ve caught it very early, and it’s small and slow-growing, I fully expect to have a rapid and complete recovery.

I am feeling energetic as always, and all my scheduled appearances will occur as planned.

As you know, I urge everyone to become an organ donor to help save lives. Now, I am also urging all men: speak to your doctor about having periodic regular PSA screening for early detection of prostate cancer- you may save your own life.

-PHIL

Edited October 26, 2006 by Guest

[MarcO]

ah man....... I wish Phil the best of luck and full remission.

[balogna pogna]

It's a bummer but it's good to know that he takes his health so seriously.

Too many men die to young from prostrate cancer.

[Kanada Kev]

(((((((((((((((((good vibes))))))))))))))))))))))

Get well Phil. A good dose of love in Vegas this weekend should be a good start!

[Booche]

Definitely hoping for a speedy recovery for him and his family.

[Jaimoe]

My friend told me last week that he has prostrate cancer (Booche, it's my friend that does all my picture framing). It's a killer for sure, but the cure rate is getting higher every year. I'm expecting Phil to beat this awful disease.

[AD]

there's a movement in the ontario legislature to have OHIP pay for PSA screening tests.

At least there was. I haven't followed it for a while.

AD

[Hux]

What do I have in common with Rudy Giuliani, John Kerry, Bob Dole, Joe Torre, Nelson Mandela, Sean Connery, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Emperor Akihito of Japan, General

Norman Schwarzkopf, Colin Powell, Quincy Jones, Roger Moore, Sydney Poitier, and Robert De Niro?

hmmmm....I dunno - you're a Republican Democrat Senator who manages the Yankees, was jailed in South Africa, is Japan's head of state and former U.S. Secretary of State who produced classic Motown records with a licence to kill, won a Nobel Prize and an Oscar and starred in Casino?

(He'll beat it! go Phil!)

[zero]

I have a dirty prostate but I'm not sure it's cancerous (yet).

[M.O.B.E]

if...and I mean if, Phil doesnt get better and I didn't get across the border to see him this summer. IT'S ON...I swear I'll declare canadian jihad on that border gaurd and the whole US govt.

I know Im over reacting, I just needed to get that out in the open.

[edger]

Too many people getting cancer...

[mark tonin]

Too many people getting cancer...

I just found out last night that a teacher at our school died of cancer. She has a one month old child (still in Sick Kids Hospital) and a loving husband who is now a single father of three young ones.

My grandmother always used to say "that damn cancer" ...

It's going to be a teary, blurry day at school today.

Wishing you a speedy recovery Phil ... I'm itchin' for another dose of your musical magic after last summer's show.

Peace, Mark

[The Chameleon]

My heart goers out to Philand his family. I know he will triumph. If anything Phil is a survivor.

Phil is also right men, need to get tested as they get older to avoid this preventable killer.

Think about it if Frank Zappa did this he may still be with us.

Keep the Cain Unbroken

[timouse]

this is very sad indeed...hugs to you mr tonin, that's really rough...cancer is becoming much more prevalent in our society. my friend's mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and is in chemotherapy. the chemo ward at St Mike's looks like a bus station...endless "chemo stations," always full of people.

*sigh*

[paisley]

It's a bummer

[color:purple]"ahem" cough

prognosis sounds very strongly positive but still crossin the fingers that phil's "bummer" heals quickly and completely

[timouse]

thanks paisley for injecting a bit of humour into a dark situation....ironically, as i write this, "knockin' on heaven's door" from warren zevon's last album just came on the ipod.

if you are reading this, male and over 40, it's time to go get...*ahem* "intimate" your doctor

[AD]

i friend of mine who works in health care told me that regular PSA checks should ideally be started around 25 years of age. Seemed like a bit early to me, but then again I know nothing about this. Perhaps prevention starts very early..

[paisley]

male and over 40

pffft... nothin ta worry bout here then! (for another month and a half anyways =)

think this sounds less serious for Phil than the liver transplant likely was... the transplant still freaks me out a lot... moreso that he's still playing nearly constantly and not just still alive... at the time of his transplant the deadhead community was warning each other to stay braced as transplanted livers usually fail after 5 or 6 years... phil's having a fantastic run with his to be sure

[Booche]

I've had the poke and am due for another one. I figure its a necessary uncomfort. Get her done boys. Also, make sure you check your balls from time to time.

[Asparagus]

I work at the Cancer Centre in Ottawa, where part of my week is spent with the prostate brachytherapy group. Brachytherapy is the implantation, permanent or otherwise, of radioactive material into, or around, the tumour. As far as I know, we have never treated a patient with prostate cancer that was under 44. Traditionally, doctors have started doing the 'finger test' at age 18, but they are seemingly starting to wait until 35-40. I can only assume that the age will start to decrease as all forms of cancer, even those attributed mainly to the elderly, are being diagnosed in younger and younger people.

[AD]

hey, good to know. thanks for that.