Posted 2/4/2017 2:12 AM (GMT -5)
Hello Water Under The Bridge,
Welcome to the "fraternity of fellows" here --- there's an abundance of comaraderie and support to be found here --- the members here support each other in incredible ways --- they listen --- they care --- they share first-hand treatment experiences --- they share advice, when asked --- you can't ask for a more "caring corner of the world" than you have discovered right here.
We've got members here from every corner of the country, with loyal members contributing from all over the globe, as well --- our collective goal is to support each member in whatever ways we can do so. Stay with us --- continue sharing your story over time --- keep posting --- and check in often.
As in your case, I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that is characterized by some complexities. I had enjoyed a lifetime of perfect health --- had recently attended my 30th high school class reunion, and had been teaching school for about twenty-five years when I was unexpectedly diagnosed.
I had just started a brand new school year at the time of my diagnosis. Great timing, huh ? New school year --- a room full of elementary students --- and I soon discovered that my treatments needed to start IN EARNEST.
Those first weeks following my diagnosis seem like a bit of whirlwind now, in retrospect --- I've kept teaching full-time ever since --- even during subsequent chemotherapy treatments that eventually followed my diagnosis. I'm grateful for the ongoing support of family, friends, work colleagues, church members, community members, old classmates from high school and college ... AND all my school students, as well. There's nothing more uplifting than cards and notes on your school desk from elementary school students, I have to say !
My treatment journey is revealed below. When I was initially diagnosed, my PSA stood at 138 --- in my case, the prostate cancer had already infiltrated both of my lungs. I got started on the ADT hormone shots, just as you have described in your post.
From there, I jumped on the new "early chemo plan" in the early months following my diagnosis. In my case, I had six rounds of TAXOTERE ... other friends of mine have had the JEVTANA chemotherapy regimen that you described.
A few months after my chemo treatments finished up, I then went on ZYTIGA, which is one of the newer breakthrough medications like XTANDI. I truly hope that XTANDI will work its mighty powers for you ! I have some friends who are now on XTANDI and it is truly helping them, I'm pleased to report. In my case, I've been on ZYTIGA for about 18 months now.
I can tell by your post that you need a bit of encouragement ... we've all been there. It's a tough road that we walk upon ... that's the power of this website ... you've now found comrades to walk alongside you. We're truly ALL IN THIS TOGETHER and NO COMRADE WALKS ALONE in this battle ...
We've all had some setbacks in our treatments ... but many of us here, including me, have had some very meaningful successes in our treatments. I am sending my sincere hopes and prayers that XTANDI will begin helping you immediately !
Several of us have banded together lately and formed a new thread that I'd like to share with you. Here you will find some of that hope and inspiration that you just might need from our first-hand experiences in the battle. With that in mind, go up to the top right-hand corner of your computer screen and find the SEARCH BAR. Type in this thread title, as follows: LETTERS TO THE NEWLY DIAGNOSED. Once you click on that thread title, you will find many first-hand accounts from other members here ... and I think you will find this thread worthwhile.
I think it's important to share hope along the way. Recently, I realized that I have experienced over 1,000 sunrises and sunsets since I was first diagnosed --- perhaps a goal that might have seemed remote or unattainable when I was first diagnosed. I just celebrated my fourth Christmas since being diagnosed with my family members back in my hometown ... and over New Year's, I had a reunion with my old college roommates from "back in the day" ... the everyday moments of life.
Since I was diagnosed, I believe that staying connected to family, friends, and faith, in whatever form that takes for you, is the best way to keep facing forward with the health diagnosis we both share. I set daily goals ... I exercise each day ... I keep up with my hobbies and interests ... I've kept up with my full-time career ... and I still pursue volunteer projects that help the community, church, and the school where I teach. Keeping busy --- physically and mentally --- is important.
Since I was diagnosed, other friends of mine have now also been diagnosed with prostate cancer --- friends from all chapters of my life --- hometown friends, one of my old college roommates, church friends, work colleagues, and friends from the community. We check in with each other and support each other in incredible ways, as friends and "battle brothers" ... despite the challenges that this health diagnosis brings, we're all finding ways to FACE FORWARD TOGETHER.
Since then, we have adopted a motto for living that I'd like to share with you ... I think you will find it meaningful. My "battle brothers" and I believe that although a cancer diagnosis is now a CHAPTER in our life's story, we don't EVER want a cancer diagnosis to become the title of our BOOK OF LIFE. Words to reflect upon, words to live by, words to encourage you today ...
I want to encourage you in all that you are doing, Water Under The Bridge ... your post resonated with me when I read it ... I wanted to send a few lines to you, to encourage you, and to share hope with you.
Meanwhile, stop by often ... we'll leave the front porch light on for you, Water Under The Bridge !
Handshake from across the miles, from "one brother to another brother" ~
"Cyclone Team Fan" ~ Iowa State University