Today, after seven weeks of daily radiation treatments for prostate cancer re-occurence, weekends off, I completed my course of treatment. So, I got to ring that bell and let everyone know I am finished.
Not sure what I am going to do every morning as it has become a routine over these past weeks.
I was operated on for the removal of my prostate four years ago, since then I have had regular PSA checks. Most people don't realize there is a direct connevtion between Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer. So, yes this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month but it should also be Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Well those regular checks saw a pattern emerging of a slowly rising PSA, then it began doubling, and in July it had doubled again in three months. Now my doctor was concerned. So after an MRI scan which did not really show anything, I asked to see the oncologist who agreed with me, that with a sister who had died from Breast cancer which metastasized I should go ahead and get radiation treatment with a hormone therapy course as well.
The hormone therapy reduces your testosterone as cancer feeds on it. I have about another month and a half of that to go through. Ladies, I commiserate with you as I understand hot flashes and they are no fun.
For the past seven weeks I have gotten up, and had to drink about 2 litres of water before treatment. Whilst I am waiting I have pulled up Active Rain and read as many posts as I can before heading out the door. Then drive over Pennsylvania roads, with all the potholes with a full bladder, and have to wait my turn hopping from leg to leg. You get to know the people around you and you realize cancer does not care who it affects, poor or rich, whatever color, office worker or contractor, veteran or not, all are liable. So, gentlemen, please get checked regularly, the prognosis is extremely good if they can identify this early, like mine, and I read this past week the English have developed a new drug specifically for prostate cancer that is currently being released in Europe. I am sure we will see it here in due course.
I guess I can get back, slowly to my morning routine which included a daily 5 mile walk, which with the radiation treatment went by the wayside due to fatigue. Supposedly,the next few weeks will see the side effects slowly wear off, which will not be missed.
Remember go get checked, it may save your life!
Comments(14)