“Sit-Rep” .. No.36 “Hospice .. and .. the “T-Word” Well Folks, this is probably going to be one of the less comical “Sit-Reps” .. and unfortunately for those in a hurry… one of the longest. I’ll begin by saying that I’m going to cheat a little. The first part was actually a part of “Sit-Rep” No. 21. Events that have occurred since it was written have given it new meaning and I believe that it might help some of you if you are ever confronted with a similar situation, or know someone who is. Because of something that occurred within my circle a couple of weeks ago, my outlook was altered slightly. A man and his family were told on one day “We believe it’s time to put you in Hospice Care!” They did and … He passed the next day! Just let that sink in for a few seconds…. When that happened to someone that I knew very well, it was kind of like a shock to my system. Some of you might be knew to these postings, so I’ll give a short backstory. My Oncologist, Urologist, Neurosurgeon and Pain Management Specialist decided that I should be placed in Hospice Care on 22.May 2024. So here is that “Back-Story I promised…

Here is a link to “Ray’s Buffet” No.2 It’s the information detailing when I took my first “real steps” on the Cancer Path. It tells you my thoughts and actions when it became official and I had to decide how to deal with. Take a look. Maybe it will provide some food for thought for our live sessions, or conversations you might have with others (or yourself).😬 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BtozcVCob5y48NVShnwy3eosxAEyu4iW8lfp0nTzXP4/edit?usp=drivesdkhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1BtozcVCob5y48NVShnwy3eosxAEyu4iW8lfp0nTzXP4/edit?usp=drivesdk

“Sit-Rep .. No.35” “Slight Change of Plan” I said I wouldn’t post until something happened that indicated a change. Well something has changed. Some of the change is tangible and part of it has more to do with the thought process, so I guess that’s intangible. It did however lead to some real tangible changes. Okay, enough with the “word salad”. The last two weeks have definitely been eventful. There was the cancer-related death of one of the really good people in my league. He was 44 years old and the epitome of Jimmy V’s phrase “Never Give Up!” His doctors decided it was time to put him in hospice care. He passed away 24-Hrs later. That really hit hard for so many reasons. He had done everything possible to beat cancer and… That happened while I was having some trouble with pain management. I had just had Labs done and a follow-with my Oncologist. The PSA had risen from “23.08” on 22.July to “69.42” on 22.October. It had tripled in three months. ‼️Spoiler Alert‼️ I continually advise you guys not to play “Internet Detective” but…🤷🏽‍♂️ I can’t help myself 🤡 This is what I found… not that I didn’t already know .. and not that my very capable Doctors at the VA hadn’t already told me… Quick Course in PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Indications for those who are unfamiliar with the term as it pertains to Cancer. 🤔 Cancer Borderline … When does Cancer jump to the front of the line in diagnosis? PSA above 4.0 in anyone over age 60, or above 2.5 in anyone younger than 60. 👉🏽 PSA doubling time: - A doubling time of less than three years is a strong indicator of potentially aggressive prostate cancer, even if the absolute PSA level is not yet high. For example, a PSA rising from 2 to 4 in 18 months is more concerning than a stable PSA of 6 PSA that triples in 3 months Suggests aggressive activity This pattern is something doctors treat as urgent, not something to “wait and see.” 🙄 Okay … enough of that! So, my PSA tripled in three months, which meant that it might not be a coincidence that the discomfort and various pains have been increasing.

🎙️ Live Stream Announcement – “The Cancer Journey” Hey Folks, it’s Coach Ingram, and because of a recent event, I’ve decided that one of our first community sessions will deal with something connected to, but not solely about basketball. This one hits a little closer to home. The topic is “Cancer — and the Support System.” Now before you tune out thinking, “Coach, that sounds a little deep,” — you’re right, it is. But it’s also something that touches more of us than we realize. We’re going to open the conversation around things like: 1️⃣ Do you have — or do you know someone who has — Cancer? 2️⃣ What it’s like to hear those three words… 3️⃣ Treatment or No Treatment — and why that’s not always a simple choice. 4️⃣ Becoming an “Internet Detective.” 5️⃣ How it doesn’t just affect you. 6️⃣ Maintaining your sanity and lifestyle. 7️⃣ And finally — remembering: It’s your life, so it’s your choice. The group is called “The Cancer Journey,” and the first session will be Thursday, November 13th at 6:30 PM. That gives you a little time to jot down some thoughts or questions you might want to ask — or things you’ve always wanted to say but never had the space to. We’ll start with one simple question: 👉🏽 “Do you have cancer, or know someone who does?” 👉🏽 “When you heard those three words — what went through your mind?” Tell a friend. Spread the word. Let’s talk, learn, and maybe even heal — together. See you then, Coach