Posted 1/29/2017 12:14 AM (GMT -5)
Hello Cateydid,
I wanted to reach out to you with a message of encouragement, hope, and SUPPORT !
I have been on continuous ADT hormone shots, beginning with LUPRON, ever since I was diagnosed in 2013. I was diagnosed in my 40s ... my prostate cancer had already infiltrated into both of my lungs by the time I was diagnosed, so I needed to get started on treatments immediately !
I've had meaningful successes with my treatments since then. I'm a school teacher, and have continued to teach full-time since my diagnosis.
Since my diagnosis, I've also stayed active --- daily exercise, volunteer work, social events --- and staying very connected to family, friends, and faith. I believe that all of those things are important in coping with a health diagnosis such as the one all of us face here on this website. Continuing to live life to the fullest ... that's what it's all about.
I've got a saying that I've adopted since my diagnosis, that I want to share with you ... even though a cancer diagnosis is now a CHAPTER in my life's story, I'm NOT going to let a cancer diagnosis become the title of my entire BOOK OF LIFE. Words to reflect upon, words to think about, words to live by, words to encourage you along the way ...
This is a helpful and supportive website, as you've already discovered first-hand. We've got dedicated members here --- all of us sharing our first-hand experiences --- reaching out to others --- sharing new medical discoveries --- learning about new breakthrough treatments and medications --- and forming supportive bonds along the way.
We've got members here from all over this great country of ours, and we've also got loyal members contributing from across the globe, as well. Members check in here 'round the clock, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays.
Members here listen ... they care ... they support one another ... they give advice, when asked ... they show care, concern, and compassion ...
You mentioned TAXOTERE chemotherapy infusions. Want some first-hand insight that I think you will find helpful ? Here's what to do ... up in the top right-hand corner of your computer screen, you will see a SEARCH BOX ... type in this thread title, as follows: TAXOTERE SIDE EFFECTS.
You'll find that threat title immediately ... it was put together in recent times by quite a few of us here who have gone through TAXOTERE chemotherapy treatments ... in that thread, you will find helpful tips to navigate through chemo treatments ... and to ALSO mitigate side effects throughout the series of treatments. Check it out ... print it off ... and share it with your husband !
I underwent a series of TAXOTERE chemotherapy treatments over two years ago, based on the recommendation of my oncologist. I felt that the chemo treatments was an important step forward in my "battle strategy" against my cancer ... I continued to teach full-time, all during my series of chemo treatments. Many other fellows here have also continued to pursue careers, exercise, hobbies, and social events during their chemo treatments.
Several friends of mine now share in my diagnosis. Since their diagnosis, several of my friends have ALSO pursued TAXOTERE chemotherapy infusions. We have a great number of members here on this website who have pursued chemo treatments ... we have nicknamed ourselves "The Chemo Club" ... so you have found a tremendous network of support right here by checking into this website and posting !
If you need a little encouragement and support, in your role as a CAREGIVER ... then I have one more thread title for you to investigate ... go back to the SEARCH BOX and type in this thread title topic, as follows: LETTERS TO THE NEWLY DIAGNOSED. There you will find some inspirational letters that will encourage your husband ... and you, in your role as a supportive caregiver.
Check in here often ... continue to check in ... share your story, as you wish ... we're here to support you and your husband, as your treatments continue.
Our members will be here ... sharing their support ... keep stopping by for visits here with us ... we'll turn on the coffee pot and we'll leave the front porch light on for you !
Support, encouragement, and hope to share with you, from across the miles,
"Cyclone Team Fan" ~ Iowa State University