I had a discussion with my Oncology Team last evening.
It was good news, so I thought I would share it.
Six months on from the last test my PSA is still undetectable.
The side effects of the Zoladex are still the same - pronounced but workable, once I had adjusted to them. Erectile workings and libido are also undetectable, the fatigue is within bounds, and the hot sweats are hot and sweaty. However, I am coping with them.
Visits to the bathroom have fallen to one per night, from a peak of 5 - 7.
The consultant's minion said that all this indicated that the combination of radiotherapy and hormone therapy are doing the job.
Plan is to continue the hormone therapy until a full 3 years have passed since the original injection - so around April 2027.
Another review with new PSA results in 6 months.
If that works out we keep that until the 5 year mark and then discharge me back to the GP, unless something else changes.
So, that strikes me as pretty good news, and an early indication that the treatment is doing what it was supposed to.
I have been wondering these last couple of weeks why I am so determined to continue, even though it could still go wrong, and something is going to get me in the end.
Thinking back I have an example which helped the way I was thinking (I was having a "why me" moment).
My granddaughter, 15 years old, really enjoys drama. I am glad about that, because she is really good on stage. I compare the much younger child, who would hide behind my legs, with the teenager who will get up on a stage and sing, alone, in front of all her peers, their parents AND teachers, and wonder where she got the confidence to do that.
On 31st March I went to watch this year's school production. It was a production of "Oliver". My granddaughter secured the role of the Artful Dodger. I thought she was brilliant. So good, in fact that I had to ask teacher, other parents, and some of her friends whether my conclusion was just an old man with a surfeit of pride, or whether she was actually as good as I thought she was. The worst comment was that she was "very good".
She sang, she danced, she spoke, and she picked pockets. Or two. At the end of the show, when she finally surfaced from the dressing room, I got a hug. She cried, I nearly did.
That's why I am continuing with all this. I want as many of those moments as I can get.
Hello Steve (mstev2 )
Brilliant post - thank you.
We all have those "why me" moments and we all wonder at the end of the day "is it all worth it?". For me the answer is yes it is.
I want as many of those moments as I can get.
I have 4 grand children - I love those moments they are priceless. We had one on holiday last week. My wife had made a coffee and walnut cake and Finley one of the grand children asks for a "piece of coffee and grandad's prostate cake please" - out came the hanky to mop up my tears.
Your continuing documentation of your journey can only help others to realise life goes on. Thank you also for your continuing support around the community - it's very much appreciated.
Kind regards - Brian.
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I've just read through this thread and had to get the Hanky out half way through.
My wife just walked in and wondered what on earth was going on.
Best wishes to all!
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