Long story short, Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) did not do the job.
My PSA kept rising–at an alarming rate (doubling every few weeks).
And a PET Scan showed my tumors growing and multiplying.
Not a surprise, really. Not with a Gleason Score of 10.
And so, it was time for the second line of defense: chemotherapy, the kind people think of when they hear the word “chemotherapy”.
By the way, chemotherapy does not replace ADT.
It adds to it.
And so, you get to keep all those awesome side effects that come with the complete loss of testosterone.
Continue… My Prostate Cancer, Part 6
Frank, you don’t mention a support network. Was anyone helping you through this period?
Thanks a bunch for asking, Jeff. The short answer is yes indeed–in so many wonderful ways. I would have given up all hope and trying at several make or break junctures without the support of a small circle of family, friends, neighbors, and medical professionals (all who I now consider family and friends). Once I finish this thread, I plan to share some of these beautiful stories of their compassion, courage, thoughtfulness, and generosity. Thanks for walking with me, brother.
JINX! A believe it or not story that I assure you is absolutely true. Within minutes of me responding to your comment, two of my awesome neighbors/friends just showed up with a Costco rotisserie chicken– as they have so thoughtfully and generously done so many times before. (I’m not smart enough to make such things up)
BTW, Jeff… Your interest, concern, and willingness to walk with me are all good medicine. Thanks, man.