Posted 11/23/2022 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
It's been a while since I updated my status. On Friday, 11/18/22 I had a Urology appointment to go over my most recent PSA test and receive my next 6 month dose of Lupron. My PSA was recorded as <0.06 (Yes!). I was given my 45 mg dose of Lupron. I am scheduled for a follow-up in 6 months for my next PSA test and possibly, my last Lupron shot.
Back in June 2022 (actually I started on my birthday) I started 44 sessions of IMRT. I had 25 fractions of 180 cGy delivered to my prostate bed, then 19 fractions of 180cGy delivered to my prostate. All was going well with my radiation treatments until the last two sessions. Just before I left for my 43rd session, my wife woke up not feeling well. She tested + for Covid, just before I left. I decided to test myself, even though I was feeling fine. I tested + too! I called the clinic and they told me to still go down and sit in my car until they called me in. Once I was called, wearing a mask (of course) I was instructed to go directly to the treatment room and do not stop to speak with anyone or check in. I was treated immediately and was out in less than 15 minutes. I was given my last appointment for the end of the following day. Instructions again were to wait in the car until I was called and go directly to the treatment area. When I went into the clinic, it was empty except for my two technicians, my RN and my RO. After my treatment was completed, I was given my paperwork and allowed to ring the bell. Every day since I started my 44 sessions, while I was sitting in the waiting room, I would look at that brass bell and tell myself that I was going to ring that da** bell at the end my treatments. What helped me was watching 3-4 other patients completing their treatments and ringing that bell with their family with them. Unfortunately, because of Covid, my wife was not able to witness me ringing the bell. My RN took a picture of me ringing that bell so that I could show it to my wife and send it to my family.
After 9 months, my side effects from the Lupron have been minimal. Once in awhile, I'll have a hot flash, especially after I eat something spicey. Also, I'll get a hot flash when I need to urinate. I started to build up a little fat around the waist over the past month (approximately 8 lb. gain) Throughout the 9 weeks of radiation I played golf 3-4 times a week and workout for about 1 1/2 hours on the days I didn't play golf. I did notice that towards the end of the treatments, my clubs were starting to feel "heavy" on the back 9. about a month ago, I blew out my right shoulder working out. I'm scheduled for an MRI on 11/30. Now that I've shut down the golf and workouts, I walk about 5 miles a day to try and burn calories. Oh yeah, I couldn't believe that I was actually gaining weight while on a plant based diet. Oh well, I'm going to keep walking and keeping a positive attitude.
Well, it looks like I made up for not posting in a while...LOL
Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone that is in this fight and their family and friends.
Ron (aka: Boomer)