Posted 9/28/2015 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Madagascar ~
I was in my late 40s, diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in the fall of 2013. My PSA was over 100 and the prostate cancer had already spread to both lungs by the time I was diagnosed. I had been in perfect health up to that point. In just a few weeks from now, I will celebrate my third Christmas since being diagnosed. It seems like a miracle to me to think about that compared to where my journey started with a PSA over 100 at diagnosis and not even 50 years old yet.
I've been on continuous ADT shots, Taxotere chemotherapy treatments, and now ZYTIGA pills to manage my prostate cancer. With all of these things, I have managed to keep my PSA in the low decimals, for which I am thankful beyond words. I've done everything the doctors have told me to do since I was diagnosed.
So -- you asked what I have done and I'll share my "life lessons" as best I can for you and other readers. These are based on what is working for me so far:
1. I have both an oncologist AND a urologist on my medical team. The oncologist added new perspective and additional treatment options when I added him to my medical team. They are both very proactive and so I see them every single month, without fail. They monitor my PSA, testosterone level, and other blood work so that we can make informed decisions every month, if need be. I go to the lab a couple of days in advance BEFORE my appointment and so then they have time to study my lab work BEFORE I arrive a couple of days later for an appointment. That idea might be helpful to other readers --- it gives my doctors a couple of days to assess my lab work numbers BEFORE I arrive for my appointment and then we have a much more meaningful consultation, with all my lab work numbers revealed in advance.
2. I switched to a diet of mainly vegetables, fruit, and grains. I dropped the red meat, the dairy products, the junk food, and the soda pop. I drink cold tea and water.
3. I try to walk each evening. It's good for the body AND the mind to have some physical activity in your life. I visit the gym on occasion. In the winter time, I walk in indoor locations so that I can keep my physical fitness going through the winter.
4. I've kept working full-time. Thankfully, my doctors give me late afternoon appointments, so I don't have to miss work. Keeping my career going has been a GODSEND to me, because I work with the public and that keeps me going. My career is important to me, so keeping my career going helps keep my life in balance. I am fortunate that my energy has stayed intact, so I am able to work full-time with no limits. I have a lot of gratitude for that right now.
5. I've worked hard to keep up with my friends and family. This is so important. Prostate cancer is a physical game, but it's also a mental game. Keeping connected to all my work colleagues, friends, and family has really helped me keep that balance and perspective in my life. What is that expression --- you can just try to SURVIVE, or you can try to THRIVE while you SURVIVE. I'm aiming for that THRIVE part of the expression in my life, as much as possible ... I realize I don't have any guarantees, but I'm trying my best to face forward and I've been at work every day for two full years and still facing forward somehow. Again, I have a lot of gratitude for that right now.
6. I do a fair amount of research online so that I can have informed conversations with my doctors at medical appointments. I don't research to the point of obsession, but I research new breakthrough treatments and information about prostate cancer so that I can be a full partner in making medical decisions WITH my doctors. My oncologist paid me a compliment when he stated that I was his best informed, up-to-date patient that he treats. I want to know what THEY are talking about when we discuss medical treatments and new medication ideas.
7. I've dug deeper into my faith during all of this. I think it's important for everyone to find something that brings them solace when facing a cancer diagnosis. It doesn't have to be a church --- but finding something that brings you peace and solace. I will say that it is very moving to live in a community where I know everyone and everyone I meet on the street DOES tell me that they will do anything to support me and that they are praying for me. It is their way of expressing their care and concern and compassion for me. So --- having some connection to faith (however each person defines that for themselves) can be invaluable --- it can encourage, lift depression, bolster courage, and instill hope.
8. Since being diagnosed, about five friends of mine from different chapters of my life have also been diagnosed. Ironically, we are all about the same age. I have formed tight bonds with each one of these five friends, like never before. I keep a separate connection going with each one of them. We get together, send messages, exchange E-mails, and telephone calls. I do everything I can to support them and they do the same for me. I truly feel that I now have five more brothers in my life and I feel a tight feeling of kinship with each one of them. So --- forming a bond with someone who truly UNDERSTANDS this can be invaluable for any of us facing this. Those people are out there --- a family member who understands, your old college roommate, a work colleague, a neighbor, a friend from church, or maybe even a local cancer support group. Find that person that you can talk to about anything at any time. Can you imagine having five friends that are going through the same thing that I am ? But in my case, I have formed a "band of brothers" with them and it has provided me with a tremendous network of support --- and for each of them, as well.
9. I've kept up my usual schedule and routine as much as possible. I've stayed connected with my projects and hobbies and social activities, even during all my chemo treatments. I've kept reading books, watching the news, volunteering in my community, and all of those things. It takes my mind off my own problems a lot of times and gives me goals to meet. There are a couple of children in my community who are undergoing cancer treatments --- when I'm having a rough day, I stop by a store and purchase a gift for one of these kids and deliver it to their home. Suddenly, I am thinking about THEM instead of my own problems. This has worked for me when I am having one of those tough days that we all face with this diagnosis.
10. Last of all, I think this forum has helped me and countless others. I check the messages on this forum each day. There's a wealth of information here --- but even more importantly --- there's a tremendous network of care, concern, and compassion to be found here. The people on this forum REALLY reach out to others --- and share invaluable experiences and medical information along the way. So --- this is a tremendous place to find a "band of brothers and sisters" to support each one of us in everything that we face.
I hope my answers are helpful to you and other readers out there --- I think you've started a great topic here, Madagascar !
Stay strong in the battle,
Cyclone