Just back from the urology clinic at the hospital and the news is not good. Prostate cancer is confirmed and what is more it has started to spread to my bones. This means that it can't be cured just controlled for a period. For those that like numbers, the PSA test from my first hospital visit was 79.9 (up from the 57) and the Gleesen number 9, with 80% of the prostate affected both sides.
My treatment starts today with hormone therapy by pills. This will last 28 days. A week or two into this treatment I will start the long term hormone treatment delivered by injections each 12 weeks. The purpose of the treatment is to knock back the testosterone produced by my body which feeds the cancer. The treatment should be effective for one or two years until the cancer adapts to lack of testosterone and starts growing and spreading again. The doctor said that there are further treatments available once this happens but didn't say what they were.
There are likely to be side effects from the hormone treatment. My libido will be reduced; I'll probably put on weight around my belly; I may get hot flushes; I may develop breasts; I'll likely easily tire.
To add to that lot there were traces of blood in the urine sample I provided at the first hospital visit. This was unexpected and may indicate problems with my bladder or kidneys but there was no evidence of this in the MRI scan. So I provided another sample today as a double check. If there is evidence of blood in my urine again I'll need to undergo an internal examination of my urinary tract including bladder and kidneys.
So what happens next? I'll peruse the various booklets provided by the nurse and see if there are any changes to my diet and life style that will help to control the cancer. I'll have a good clear out. My wife has been urging me to do that for years and it will be one less worry for her. I'll complete my "what to do when I'm dead (or very ill)" file so that my sons can support her when I'm gone. Not that I have any intention of going any time soon. I'll see if I can persuade her to learn how to use a computer - it will be of great benefit for her. Apart from these things I'll just get on with life.
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...don't know what to say now. You are being so 'matter of fact' about all this, it does you credit. Bring on the pills!
ReplyDeletehey unc, just checked the update, and really sorry to hear the news. I know you will get on with things, because you always do, but I wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you, praying for you, and hoping that you find the right medication to help you get through for as long as you can. Love to you, Julie and the boys,
ReplyDeleteJoy, Ross, Joel, David & Charis x