Greetings all here.
I was diagnosed last September: Gleason 7 (3+4), T2, NX MX, PSA 12.6. After CT and bone scans - both clear: N0 M0 - I was offered “Watchful Waiting” or hormones and then radiotherapy; surgery was not on the menu. At 80 (now 81) and in otherwise good health, I felt that, after 5 or so years of waiting watchfully, I might not be in shape to undergo radiotherapy so I opted for the other available.
Hormone therapy began in early February with tablets to counteract the initial reaction to the injections, with the first shot of the dreaded hormone. Dreaded because of warnings of the possibility of hot flushes, night sweats and raging PMT-style fury. I toyed with the idea of buying a tee shirt printed with “Warning: Zero to Homicidal in 6 Seconds”. My PSA was recorded at 14.7.
The first 3 month, long-term hormone injection in mid March and a PSA test before an oncology consultation last week. So far no sweats or swearing at my wife, well no more than usual, and I may not need the personal fan after all. The oncologist tells me my PSA 1.0! I am truly delighted!
I’m posting this for the benefit of those recently-joined members of this exclusive club who may be planning the purchase of personal fans and similar tee shirts. Everyone reacts differently to the treatment and, to be honest, PC treatment can be not much more than a somewhat undignified inconvenience. At my age other factors are queuing up to try and do me in and I might die with, rather than from, prostate cancer. I know that this journey can be a much more difficult one for others but don’t rush your fences; don’t discount the tales of sweat and swearing but don’t worry unnecessarily. Hope for the best and buy a battery fan…
The Shellback
Hi Shellback
Thanks very much for taking the time to write about your experience with prostate cancer. I'm sure both existing and new members will find it very useful.
When you have a minute it would be great if you could add this to your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself.
Take care
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
