P.C. Claims a good man

   This post is about saying goodbye to a courageous prostate cancer warrior, advocate, and friend. Rob Barniskis passed away from prostate cancer late Friday Evening from his ten year battle with advanced prostate cancer. He leaves behind his wife, sons, and a Huge hole within the advocacy community. He will truly be missed.

    Rob’s battle with prostate cancer begin 10 years ago with an advanced diagnosis. The cancer was aggressive and quickly spread to his soft tissue. He fought bravely for his family himself and others within the community. The cancer was ultimately untreatable.

    I first met Rob two years ago at PCRI. He and I were both members of Share Network and co-presenters  unveiling the “My Prostate Cancer Roadmap” website sponsored by Janssen Oncology. We quickly became friends. We had shared similar paths in our journey. We had both been on Zytiga for 3 years. We both worked within the advocacy community. Due to liver metastasis he was not eligible to receive Provenge. 

   Shortly after PCRI Rob began to fail Zytiga. Due to cross-resistance Xtandi was not effective against the cancer. Rob went on Chemotherapy and other treatments as he attempted to get the upper hand on the cancer. Sadly it was not to be. He confided in me a couple months ago that his body was tiring of the fight.

   I last heard from Rob 2 weeks ago. He was transferring to home hospice care and was essentially saying goodbye. He told me he would be waiting on the other side.

   Rob is just another good man who lost his fight against this stupid disease. How many more will we lose before we finally defeat the beast. How many Grandfathers, Fathers, Sons, and Friends will we prematurely say goodbye to because of Prostate Cancer.

  I am tired of losing friends. It is time to cureProstate Cancer once and For All.