Advanced Prostate Cancer and the Expected Life Expectancy

Sorry to everyone for all the "Hugs" from me, it's just there were a lot of powerful posts.

Don't apologise Steve. We all need hugs at times, both physical and virtual. Go and give Tracey one just to say thanks. All the best to you both.

Just have!

Hope things are going well over in sunny Greece!

Hi, I’ve just been reading through these posts from two years ago, it seems like such a long time ago also reading my own posts and remembering how new it all was then -( my partner hadn’t even had his biopsy ) I remember that feeling of stomach churning fear at that time. It’s been quite a journey since then. I hope you are all doing well. Sending hugs to everyone that helped me get through those first weeks . 

L

I have kept a "thought diary" since I was diagnosed over 3 years ago (27 May 2021).  Still writing every day, nearly finished my 15th diary.

I sometimes pick a diary at random to read through, they bring back all of what I was going through, sometimes I chuckle, sometimes I cry.

I know exactly what you mean about the stomach churning fear, we all do.

Being told I was in Remission just over 2 years ago was harder to take than being told I had Cancer.

How are you feeling at the moment?  It must have been hard for you going through all this with your husband Barry.

It was always 'fear of the unknown ' with me.

Best of luck, both of you.

Hi Steve,

It's interesting that remission was harder for you to take than being told you had cancer? I don't know if Mr BW is officially in remission, I have asked his consultant this but he is very careful about what he says, he's good at dodging direct questions. Nearly every time we come out we look at each other and say, "what just happened there?" I don't believe we ever got an answer to remission, prognosis can be anything from 5 to 10+ years or ' You could die in the car park as you leave!!' Giving us a broad swing of the arm to represent the mystery of life and death. Or the one we both love is "You won't die from this." ...We really like that one. Last time we had "You can take Abiraterone for 15 years plus, ' just as we were leaving, really?? I asked about Chemo to catch anything that could be hiding = "saving that for later," he said, while giving us a cunning look of plan b or c?... You can never really relax can you, that is the problem.

How do I feel at the moment? I don't really know. ..Changeable like the wind I guess. I find it hard looking at my lovely brave man struggling sometimes. But lately I feel we are moving into a phase of living with cancer, acceptance, as it's impossible to keep up that level of fear and anger at the injustice of it,  it gets tiring having it in the forefront of your mind. Not giving up though, I'm firmly standing and looking forward. 

Best of luck to you and of course all the lovely brave men here and all the men and women that never say hi,  but we know you are there too.

Lx

When my Oncologist told me, he said it was 'Biochemical Remission'.  I was expecting a marching band, a fanfare or something... I couldn't even say the word "Remission".

I called it "the R word".  I even got my Oncologist to call it the R word.

I do sometimes feel really guilty about being in Remission, as there are loads of men who will never be in Remission.

Before I was diagnosed I never knew anyone with Cancer, now virtually everyone I am in contact with on a daily basis has or is married to someone with Cancer.

The whole journey has made me a better person, my empathy levels are through the roof.

I also know that if the Cancer comes back, I will be in a better state to deal with it.  Knowing much much more than I did 4 years ago.

It's all the rest of my underlying health conditions that are pulling me down now.

I hope Barry does get into Remission officially .  As you said:

BW said:

Not giving up though, I'm firmly standing and looking forward. 

Hi Steve,

"Biochemical Remission" it sounds really good! I actually think it could be worth having that put on a T-shirt. If mr BW gets told that I will print him one. 

Cracking post BarryW. 

When I got to the end of it - I thought I am going to quote that-

BW said:

Not giving up though, I'm firmly standing and looking forward. 

a statement of intent - and then realised Stevecam has already done it.

I see it from the man's point of view - I am on 3 years HT - a "curative pathway" - I have just had my last HT injection earlier this month - the big BUT is - am I done? OK initial PSA of 182 - I was told advanced Prostate Cancer even before the diagnosis and HT for life - shadows on my pelvis!! I can only watch my PSA every 6 months now once the HT loses it's strength.

I am thankful I am where I am - I am a "lucky boy" and as I have said in other posts I think I may change my strap line to Doris Day's "Que Sera Sera".

I have a positive attitude though and whatever this bastard throws at me I will fight it and I know we are the men who suffer this cancer - the wives and partners share the journey with us - I know it's hard for you all and I thank you - one and all for the fantastic support you give to us - not only on the Community but at home too - Mrs Millibob (Lorraine) doesn't come on here but her support in the last 30 months has been brilliant - she has her own issues (medical!!) but she's been at my side all the way.

BW said:

Best of luck to you and of course all the lovely brave men here and all the men and women that never say hi,  but we know you are there too.

That's another cracking statement too - If I remember from a meeting we had the other day the Community had something like 6.5 million page views last year - so not only are we helping each other - but all those who "ghost" through without contributing a post.

As I said - cracking post.

Kind Regards - Brian x

Hi Stevecam 

Stevecam said:

It's all the rest of my underlying health conditions that are pulling me down

If there's anything I (Macmillan's) can do to help Steve give me a shout - you know where I am.

Kind Regards - Brian.