Scott Goodwin has been a guest writer on this blog. He has been sharing his experiences and feelings as he continues his journey on chemotherapy. Scott is not doing as well as we all had hoped. His final paragraph says “When does the time come when a man will stop all treatments and try to regain some quality of life?” – Joel
It has been a few months since I have updated my experiences taking chemotherapy. Since that time my PSA has been as low as 1.2 and as high as 1.79. At this time, my PSA is at 1.6. Even though these numbers don’t sound like big numbers, the doubling time is a bit of a concern.
Originally, I was scheduled for ten chemo treatments and did not really know what treatment if any I would be on after that. We did have some discussions at Duke University about possibly entering into a clinical trials. We did decided that I would stay on chemo as long as PSA stayed down.
I went back on Hormone Therapy (ADT) three months ago when my PSA started to rise. I definitely feel weaker but I am not sure if it is from the ADT, chemo or both.
I find that my life has become a three week cycle. I am sure that those of you who are also on Taxotere every three weeks understand what I mean by living your life in three-week cycles. The first few days of the treatment week I feel pretty good due to the steroid Dexamethasone which is also administered. It keeps me awake all night and sends my blood sugar through the roof. After about three days, I am pretty much confined to my bed due to weakness and the side effects I have from a shot called Nuelasta (designed to fight chemotherapy induced neutropenia
Week two starts by getting being able to get out of bed a little. I do experiences some nausea, but it is not too bad. As the week progresses I am able to be a little more active.
Week three is a time that I am feeling better. This is a good time to try to get some simple chores around the house done as well as to enjoy life a little bit. I make it a point to squeeze in as many activities with my kids as possible, I know what is coming around the corner as the whole process starts again.
Through this process, I continue to get support from family and friends. I know it is hard for them to really comprehend how I feel and at times my family finds it very hard to cope, just as I find it hard. My 10 year old son, Hunter seemingly puts his life on hold until I feel better. My kids have become very strong through this and unfortunately have to witness their once strong dad be reduced to much less of a man than he used to be. I find this particularly difficult.
Treatment thirteen is tomorrow and I am reluctant to go, although I know I will. When does the time come when a man will stop all treatments and try to regain some quality of life? That is my dilemma. For now though, I will continue to take the medicine.
Scott Goodwin
> This is the closing statement from Scott Goodwin as he
> chronicles his personal experiences taking hormonemtherapy.
> Read the complete post at: http://www.advancedprostatecancer.net
Scott’s posting is short but eloquent. At one point he says:
“My 10 year old son, Hunter seemingly puts his life on hold
until I feel better. My kids have become very strong through
this and unfortunately have to witness their once strong dad
be reduced to much less of a man than he used to be. I find
this particularly difficult.”
All I can say to Scott is that, in my opinion, he need have no
fear about being less of a man. He may be diminished in physical
strength but the strength and power of his humanity is
undiminished. It is clearly visible to us all.
Best of luck to him and to everyone in this struggle.
Alan
My husband has just started ADT and Casodex (hormone therapy) and will begin 7-8 weeks of radiation therapy in about 3 weeks. After he’s finished with the radation therapy he will have 6 rounds of Chemo.
I know that he has a lot to go through in these coming months but I’m prepared to be by his side through it all.
He has a PSA of 46 and Gleason’s of 8. Though no metastases have shown up on the CT his doctor’s feel that the cells have passed through the prostate. He is in Clinical Trials, which is why he’ll be receiving the chemo.
Scott, you’re in my prayers; that you have the strength and the courage, whatever you decide.
May God Bless all of you and your families.
Barbara
Barbara,
All of us will forever be in debt to the angels in our lives who have stood by our side through it all. God bless you and all the unsung care giving angels in the world.
Joel
Scott,
As always you are in our prayers. Keep your chin up and know that we will always think of you as Super Man because you are. You certainly are your son’s hero just like my Dad will always be mine.
Love,
Catherine