It will be 2 years in April since hubby was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer Gleason 9, treatable not curable. He underwent 6 sessions of chemo which he handled so well. Only side effect for a few days after each session was a slight metallic taste. He was also put on daily daralutamide tablets and 12 weekly hormone injections. Immediately after chemo ended his Psa came down from 59.9 to less than 0.03 where it currently remains after his blood test last week. (They can't measure lower than 0.03 so class it as undetectable.)
Health wise he has been very lucky. Hot flushes a couple of times a day but hardly any now. Weight gain on his tummy which has resulted in some nice new clothes. We have been so grateful to the hospital, especially his 2 oncology nurses. Life is good, it now doesn't stop us doing anything we want to do. We are now back to cruising, albeit it now only in Europe as we can't get travel insurance for worldwide but that is a small price to pay, not the premium though (lol). We got insurance with All clear if that is helpful to anyone. We have an exciting year ahead.
So my message to anyone newly diagnosed, currently going through treatment and anyone who has come out the other side, yes cancer sucks, but we can beat this and enjoy life still. I never thought I would laugh or smile again but I do and I honestly think it was my husband who got me through this rather than the other way round. He was always so positive and just got on with it. Also a thank you to everyone on here who got me through my dark days and listened to me waffling on asking question after question. I even bored myself after awhile.You can do it. Love to you all xx
Hi Shar, I so well remember your distress when your husband received his diagnosis. It's absolutely wonderful to hear such good news now!!!! Well done to both you and hubbie for tackling this darned disease so well 
Re insurance - I do think that, whilst acknowledging the extra health care needs of anyone with cancer, I do think insurance companies are using the diagnosis as a means to making greater profits! We have just had a major issue with our bank travel insurance (not directly related to the cancer diagnosis but more to their change in policy ) so have been shopping around for new insurance. I nearly fell off my chair with one quote - £5000+. We now have a policy in place - annual, worldwid, all medical conditions covered for both of us £383. Although it covers cruising there is an upgrade available (payable) to cover cabin confinement or excursion cancellation. A big difference!!!!
Good Morning Shar
Thank you so much for sticking with us and returning to post such positive news. It's great when people post their journey and results, good or bad.
I was only posting yesterday on another thread how people join, take the help and information they need and then continue their journey and we don't see them again. So yes thank you for sticking with us and keeping us updated.
Enjoy the cruises and have many more new dresses and shoes!! (oh and handbags to match!!).
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
