How does the song go- “Suddenly, I’m not half the man I used to be.” That is a feeling that I have experienced and that I believe we all will experience. Nevertheless, we have to continue to plow through our treatments, pills, endless doctors appointments and, of course the co-pays. I do find that it is easy to get discouraged along the way but we need to find a way, whatever it takes, to stay positive.
One of my doctors always tells me to “Fight the good fight”. I feel that when he tells me this he is actually telling me it is a matter of time. I have an excellent relationship with him and I even mentioned that at some point I intend to stop all treatment for a while until palliative care is needed. In reality, part of me thinks that taking chemo is really palliative care.
The original saying, “Fight the good fight”, goes back to Biblical times and refers to faith. I think it is important we all have our own source of faith whatever that may be.
My faith does often falter, but family and friends support me. We are not a church going family, but I do have my personal beliefs. I do not blame god, nor am I afraid. At least I am not yet afraid.
I have just finished chemo treatment # 5 and thing seem to be going pretty well. I am experiencing neuropathy in my hands and feet despite all of the icing during treatment. Happily, my PSA is down to .75 from 4.97. I celebrate it and feel this is tremendous news.
After discussions with my oncologist and urologist I have decided to stop hormone therapy. My hope is to wake up the cancer cells and then kill them. This is not typical protocol or by the book but as my oncologist said my treatment has not by the book.
I have come to believe it is important to keep an open mind as we enter the unknown realm of Advanced Prostate Cancer. Each of us is different and each of us will require different treatments. My main mantra is to keep the line of communication open with my doctors and surround myself with supportive friends and family.
Good luck in your journey,
Scott Goodwin
Glad to hear that the psa is down to 0.75. I have finished 16 chemo infusions and 2 more left and my psa is down to 0.7 at this time. It has been a long 5 months.
Hi Scott,
I hope you’re still fighting the good fight. My husband has just started hormone therapy. After 1 wk on cosadex it went from 4.8 to 3.7. He just got his first lupron shot yesterday. So we’re excited that the hormone deprivation will knock these cancer cells for a loop. I was wondering how long did hormone therapy work for you. I know every fight is different but I’m looking for as much info as I can gather. Tim’s recurrence was after 2 1/2 yrs of undetectable psa after RP and RT (gleason 10). best wishes, Laurie
Laurie, Thanks so much for your wishes, I appreciate them.
As you said in your comment, every man’s cancer is different, so remember my experience might will not be a reliable indicator of what your husband may experience.
When I had my recurrence and started ADT2 my PSA dropped from the mid 80s to undectable within the first month. I stayed on ADT for nine months before going intermittent. I had anticipated about a nine month off period, but I have been given a gift from God and have enjoyed over a two and one half year off experience.
I hope your husband shares my great fortune.
Joel