Good News and some really BAD News

**Patches** · 07-01-2016 09:01

I just found out my younger brother (59yo) was just diagnosed with prostate cancer. They did a biopsy and it came back with a Gleason score of 8 (not favorable). Not much of our family is left and I needed to to say this to someone.

The good news? I got my duel pack (Sopwith/Fokker) in the mail yesterday. Seems trivial doesn't it. I haven't even opened the box.

Thanks for reading...

Dan

**Teaticket** · 07-01-2016 09:09

Sorry to hear about your brother, but at least prostate cancer is one that is highly treatable. I was diagnosed in '08 when I was 51 and went the surgery route. Flying clean today! Don't dwell on the negative, keep him living and loving life. Let him fly his choice of planes!

**fast.git** · 07-01-2016 09:12

Damn. I'm sorry.

Always here to listen, Dan.

**Flying Helmut** · 07-01-2016 09:33

Sorry to hear that, Dan.

It's been diagnosed, that's the important thing - now the quacks can have a good shot at sorting it.

You can always post news like this on here; when my father passed away in March, I went "off the grid" and when I returned everyone was really supportive; great bunch of pilots, and, above all, friends.

**Black Sheep One** · 07-01-2016 09:34

Thinking of you and your brother at this difficult time. Your family are in my prayers.

**Nightbomber** · 07-01-2016 09:39

A serious man's problem. Being 50 I voluntarily undergo PSA antigen tests once every 3 months. Good results so far. The point is to detect the enemy at the earliest stage.

**Stumptonian** · 07-01-2016 09:45

We are here for you, Dan.
You came to the right place.

As others have said, catching it is half the battle.
Hang in there.

**matt56** · 07-01-2016 10:10

Let me echo others' sentiments above - he's found out about the situation and plans to do something about it - that's a huge plus.

Positive thinking and a willingness to fight the good fight are extremely important. So keep your spirits up and help him keep his up, too - and enjoy flying little airplanes!!

Keep us posted on his progress.
All the best,
Matt

**Herkybird** · 07-01-2016 10:23

On the anniversary of the first day of the Somme, I hope your brother and you can face this news with fortitude and courage, I also hope and pray for victory in this most unfair of battles!
Cancer CAN be beaten!

**Patches** · 07-01-2016 10:45

Thank You everyone for the support. His first battle it seems is the insurance company. Something to the effect of them letting him get the next test of seeing if it has gone into or attached to the bones.

I'm not sure if I could get his interest in this. His first love is drag racing. He has a 1970 Chevy Nova SS with a big block that produces around 850 hp. Quarter mile times? I don't remember as old age has set in. Then he has several guitars he tries to play (me too). Not much more outside of work.

I have several old jeeps I work on when the weather is nice - another story. But I haven't had any luck getting him interested in going slow.

He has a positive outlook, but what he has told me is not good.

**Nightbomber** · 07-01-2016 10:50

As others said, do not give up, Dan. Crossing my fingers for both of you.

**milcoll73** · 07-01-2016 12:25

best wishes on a positive outcome!!!! i will reiterate that studies have repeatedly shown that getting indignant at the disease and staying positive and fighting it tooth and nail despite any prognosis from the medical community has yielded results that can only be called miraculous. have you or your brother ever seen the movie "galaxy quest"? if not its a loving spoof of the whole star trek phenomenon with a tagline thats appropriate here;"never give up!, never surrender!".

bravo about the duel pack. yes it may seem trivial in light of serious family issues but fun is where you find it. dont discount the little joys in life!

**milcoll73** · 07-01-2016 12:31

Originally Posted by Teaticket

Sorry to hear about your brother, but at least prostate cancer is one that is highly treatable. I was diagnosed in '08 when I was 51 and went the surgery route. Flying clean today! Don't dwell on the negative, keep him living and loving life. Let him fly his choice of planes!

bravo on being a survivor pete!!!!

(cue elton johns "im still standin")

**Archidamus** · 07-02-2016 01:00

Sorry to hear this Dan - my thoughts are with you and your brother

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 07-02-2016 01:18

I trust that the outcome will be as good as several members have suggested Dan.
Don't give up the ship.
In the meantime my prayers go with you and your brother.
Rob.

**Patches** · 07-02-2016 07:37

Thanks for the support everyone. My brother goes to a friend's place on a river on long weekends so we aren't in touch - no cellphone service there. I finally did open the duel pack and have a few questions about the game.

Do different pilots, same plane, have different playing stats?
Does the same pilot different plane have different stats?

Forgive these really noobs questions, I didn't take the time yet to read thru the booklet and I'm not sure of these things.

Dan

**OldGuy59** · 07-02-2016 08:02

Originally Posted by Patches

Thanks for the support everyone. My brother goes to a friend's place on a river on long weekends so we aren't in touch - no cellphone service there. I finally did open the duel pack and have a few questions about the game.

Do different pilots, same plane, have different playing stats?
Does the same pilot different plane have different stats?

Forgive these really noobs questions, I didn't take the time yet to read thru the booklet and I'm not sure of these things.

Dan

Even more support coming your way. All the positive vibes I can muster are heading your way for your brother and you.

To change any characteristics of the pilot, there are Pilot Skill cards. Other than that, all planes of a single type fly the same.

This album might help if you want to try Ace Skills: WGF Ace Skill Cards

To assign Ace Skills randomly in a game, I made up a table: SND - International Skype Game Invitation - Stop the Pigeon!

There are Ace Cards that give specific aces certain cards, available on Board Game Geeks: boardgamegeek.com - Wings of Glory - WW1 Ace Cards Promo Pack

**Setarius** · 07-02-2016 12:20

Dan, I am really sorry to hear about your brother. As someone who is recovering from a bout of Leukemia I can understand how you and your brother are feeling about now. I was diagnosed 6 weeks after my daughter was born and I didn't know if I would be around to see her grow up.
Doctors today can do great things with the technology and medicine we have available. Prostate cancer is treatable and since it has been found your brother has a good chance of recovery.
Keep thinking positive. We will be here for you as needed.
Best wishes, Dale.

**Dowters** · 07-02-2016 13:17

Please except my best wishes for your brother, I hope all is well very soon.

**gully_raker** · 07-02-2016 17:06

So sorry to hear of your brothers health problems.

Best wishes & prayers for the very best outcome.

A great friend of mine has recently had his Prostate removed because of Cancer (His family has a history of it including his elder brother)
It is one Cancer that folk have a very good chance of surviving!

**Naharaht** · 07-02-2016 20:15

It was sad to hear about your brother, Dan. I too know someone, who has beaten it, so there is lots of hope.

**Vindicator** · 07-02-2016 20:30

Welcome Dan - I hope you enjoy the dual pack. I don't differentiate the pilots. The planes 'fly' the same. I beat prostate cancer too a few years ago, after beginning with the same score. Wishing the same outcome for your brother!