So my husband's checkup today was a bit good and a bit bad. The PSA number has gone up again, but the rate of increase has slowed dramatically, which means the medication is having a good effect. The oncologist seemed cautiously pleased with that.
But his pain continues and there is no real way of knowing if it is all due to the cancer or, especially in his left shoulder, it might also be advanced arthritis. He's likely going to have some more X-Rays, but they may be of no use as far as determining the exact source of the pain. Dr. W recommended that he take Advil rather than T3, in concert with the stronger pain meds. She also prescribed Gabapentin as promising some relief from the awful hot flashes. I asked her if menopausal women would get relief from hot flashes from Gabapentin and she said it's being studied. The hot flashes are enervating and they also disturb Chris's sleep something awful. So hopefully this will help.
We felt somewhat happier when we left the doctor's office. I had hoped that the PSA number would have maybe gone down a bit, but I'm grateful there was any improvement at all. None of this is good, of course. I suppose the truth is we are facing a steady decline here. This is hard to accept. But Chris is able to keep working, not as much as he'd like but at least he's out there where he loves to be.
I'm working this over and over in my mind, trying to figure out if I am right in thinking of going to New York. I want very much to go, but on the other hand, my poor husband shouldn't have to fend for himself because I'm off having fun somewhere. Other times, it was fine because he was perfectly fine on his own. I can work out the kids' schedules ok. I don't know. Dithering.
