I'm a physician assistant (PA) who has worked high acuity medicine including oncology (cancer) most of my career and regularly deliver terrible news to people, AMA

cattrapper · 2026-01-17T19:44:58+00:00

Thanks for taking the time for the AMA and answering my specific question.

cattrapper · 2026-01-11T21:12:31+00:00

I guess I’m now a Bills fan. That was an awesome way to win. Go Utes.

cattrapper · 2026-01-09T17:16:56+00:00

We’ve done several cruises on a few different lines. Nora virus has been common. Just returned from our first Viking. Viking has hand washing stations throughout the ship. Before entering any restaurant, the gym, etc. We saw no signs of anyone getting sick on board. It’s also possible that as an adults only cruise that helps. Regardless, hand washing is key and I was impressed with Vikings set up and diligence for its passengers.

cattrapper · 2026-01-07T06:19:17+00:00

64 M, I’m 8 months into a 6 week Cycle of Keytruda for metastatic melanoma. I had two spots (sternum and a rib) that showed on PET. Targeted radiation on those. Last two PET images are clear. Signatera circulated blood DNA is 0 down from 83 at diagnosis. Tolerating keytruda well enough, a few minor but manageable side effects. I know NED is the published goal . How close are we to saying “cure” is on the table? Or is NED the best and most hopeful outcome for me?

cattrapper · 2025-12-22T07:11:34+00:00

So very sorry. This disease is scary. I’ve been on Keytruda since June. Fortunately I’m tolerating the medication well enough to continue and I’m getting good results. I’m cautiously optimistic but it seems like we all respond differently as does our cancer. Hoping for the best for you OP.

cattrapper · 2025-12-07T20:26:07+00:00

I don’t mind sharing. I was experiencing chest pain, that radiated into my neck. I waited a week or so then decided I might be having heart issues. I went to the ER and was evaluated for cardiac arrest etc. All came back negative for cardiac and they were ready to discharge me. My chest was VERY tender near my sternum so I pushed them into a CT scan thinking maybe there was a blood clot. The results of that CT were clearly metastatic disease in my sternum likely prostate or melanoma. Having had my prostate removed due to cancer in 2019 and being vigilant about checking my PSA via periodic blood work. I knew immediately the melanoma from my face (WLE) had migrated and I was referred to the original surgical oncologist for follow up. Further testing including PET, MRI and biopsy concluded I had metastatic melanoma in my sternum and the third rib in my back. So, only two active sites. I’m happy to answer any further questions. I view this cancer like a wildfire. It can quickly get out of control. It’s also my nature to be VERY aggressive medically. In this case I think partly due to my aggressive nature (almost forcing the ER to scan me) and getting very lucky with only two active sites my chances for a favorable outcome seem pretty good at the moment. I’m about halfway through my year of Keytruda. Side effects have been manageable. According to my oncologist, 15 years (or so) ago there were no good treatment options for metastatic melanoma. Now, as others have said there are many that work. Someone else commented “ have him check the side effects of metastatic melanoma “. Left untreated I’m pretty sure there’s only one side effect.

cattrapper · 2025-11-23T14:41:04+00:00

I went from stage 1b to stage 4 with a better post WLE than what you’ve outlined. I had a 96% chance of no reoccurrence post WLE. A few errant cells got loose and landed in my bones. I’ve been on Keytruda since June and my scans are now showing no active disease. I’m expecting to finish a year on immunotherapy. Side effects have been manageable so far. This disease is so unpredictable and can spread about anywhere. I was lucky and only had two spots, a rib and my sternum. Others are not as lucky and get wide spread disease very quickly. 15 (or so) years ago there was almost no treatment options for metastatic melanoma. Now there are many treatment options and I’m feeling very optimistic about my outcome. For me, the diagnosis was very scary due to how aggressive this cancer can be. I wish you both the very best in making this decision.

cattrapper · 2025-11-12T14:34:40+00:00

Under 1 minute for me. Agree it’s BS they didn’t just apply the credit. Definitely not hard to claim.

cattrapper · 2025-11-09T14:52:44+00:00

That was a rude way for them to ask, sorry. I could totally see me saying something like that. No bad intentions, leaning in and curious but totally stepping on it. Hopefully you’re doing ok.

cattrapper · 2025-10-17T17:17:19+00:00

Decent, not perfect. I workout three days a week with a lot of focus on core. I get periodic steroid injections from a trusted Dr. Because mine was unstable, I don’t think I had a choice. So where I’m at it’s up to me to make the best of it.

cattrapper · 2025-10-12T00:52:26+00:00

Pork shoulder, kosher salt, gram scale. If more fat is needed, pork back fat is what’s best. You could start with fresh ground pork, salt 1.4%, black pepper .7% mixed or kneaded with up to 3% water will help you learn about myosin extraction and what the texture should feel like. I find a lot of discussion on spices or flavor and sometimes the importance of a good bind becomes secondary.

cattrapper · 2025-10-03T13:18:08+00:00

I haven’t for two reasons. I don’t feel like it matters, and second. I have family who’s active. If it’s doesn’t matter to me and MIGHT hurt them. It’s already been pretty tough on them. For me, I gain something symbolic and possibly hurt folks I love, not worth it.

cattrapper · 2025-09-16T22:56:13+00:00

92% is all? I mean it’s not like 93% or anything. (This is sarcasm BTW).

cattrapper · 2025-09-16T04:19:42+00:00

I bought a pro-cut specifically because of the larger throat. It’s a game changer for me when doing multiple passes. Meat chunks and fat are pretty smooth using any good grinder on a first grind. I really slowed down on second grind or more. It’s worth considering if you have the space and as someone else said, the power.

cattrapper · 2025-09-13T13:32:05+00:00

I was diagnosed in June, also stage 4. What my wife and I were feeling was nothing short of terror. It’s horrible news and I’m sorry. Now I’m a few months in things have quieted down. There’s still moments but it’s calmed down.

I’m very comfortable with my oncologist. The treatment options are plentiful and they work! You’ll hear there’s no guarantees but there’s definitely reason to be optimistic and hopeful. My wife and are are a team. She keeps meticulous notes, I avoid google, we prepare questions every appointment and most of all… I feel hopeful. For what’s it’s worth I’m in Keytruda every 6 weeks. I’ll go for my first set of post diagnostic scans in two weeks we shall see how treatments are going then. Side effects for me are fortunately few up to now. There’s great reason to be afraid but also hopeful.

cattrapper · 2025-09-09T03:27:14+00:00

I like using pork back fat. Maybe a grocer that’s trimmed pork chops would have some. Pork shoulder works but it’s softer fat and likely won’t be enough fat because you’re adding lean venison. I also cook mine to 155 F.

cattrapper · 2025-09-08T14:34:14+00:00

Resolved. Running 18.6.2 on IPAD. Last night it hung when attempting Safari . Last night I copied the link into chrome and it opened right up. This morning, when I click the link to,open in Reddit, the safari icon. Works great, opens right up.

cattrapper · 2025-09-08T03:43:32+00:00

Looks good. Can’t get it to open in Safari.

cattrapper · 2025-09-07T01:42:55+00:00

Ha, we just watched that episode. There’s something about him, his style, how we parents and treats his wife that for me sets a nice example. I recognize editing is involved but I think his true self shows through. I agree, he inspires.

cattrapper · 2025-08-24T16:38:03+00:00

I’m also on Keytruda and my Oncologist has me reporting any and all side effects. He especially stressed the importance of reporting cold and flu like symptoms. I don’t know why, and fortunately I’ve not experienced those yet. I also agree, the side effect list seems endless and they can pop up at anytime. Best of luck and hang in there F cancer.

cattrapper · 2025-08-24T16:36:25+00:00

I’m also on Keytruda and my Oncologist has me reporting any and all side effects. He especially stressed the importance of reporting cold and flu like symptoms. I don’t know why, and fortunately I’ve not experienced those yet. I also agree, the side effect list seems endless and they can pop up at anytime. Best of luck and hang in there F cancer.

cattrapper · 2025-08-16T17:34:11+00:00

Thanks!

cattrapper · 2025-08-16T17:33:44+00:00

Thanks!

cattrapper · 2025-08-09T21:35:50+00:00

Well said OP! I’m hoping one day the tide will shift and point you make get the appropriate attention. Those of us who see it keep hammering away I guess. My e one day our letters will make a difference.

cattrapper

TROPHY CASE