TD - A Journey Through Prostate Cancer

When you get signed off for this in a couple of years, you are going to be one healthy person. Just keep it up, TD. Do not surrender. 

I received some very difficult news yesterday.  My recovery from the side effects of radiation treatment is going well.  Following that treatment I was given an abdominal CT scan. The results of that scan are that I most likely have kidney cancer in addition to the prostate cancer. I have to meet with a urologist to find out more about the diagnosis and possible treatment.

Oh, no! This is heart-breaking.

Yes, heartbreaking TD. You are in our hearts,  thoughts and prayers. 

Oh, TD, I am so sorry for what you're going through. Hoping for the best possible outcome when you see the urologist.

TD,

Please take heart!

I have a female cousin who is battling kidney cancer, and so far successfully.  A I understand it, she's been getting injections of TB bacteria periodically.  She's still working, too.  I think those treatments are quite uncomfortable, but it's better than the alternative.

My next-door neighbor had a similar situation, and for a while there, things looked grim.  Although I don't have any details of his treatment, he's much improved, gets around, drives, etc.

Know I'm sending healing thoughts your way...

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  I am in need of encouragement.  Taking it one day at a time.  Can't believe that just over three months ago I felt that I was in excellent health then boom.  Sometimes wonder if it would have been better not to know and avoid the treatments and their side effects. Thankfully so far the side effect have been manageable. 

On a positive note, Mrs TD and I had a bake off this morning. I made plant based fudgy brownies and she made traditional brownies.  Mine ended up being the winner (albeit she made a mistake in her recipe).

TD, I am super solid about your situation.  I am a huge supporter.  Keep doing what you’re doing.  Stay the course, that is what you can do!  

Any more updates, TD?

countrynaturals wrote:Any more updates, TD?

Still waiting to see a urologist about the kidney cancer. Don't expect that to happen until the new year. On a positive note the short term side effects of radiation treatment appear to be over. Now I am dealing with the side effects of hormone therapy, visibly mild hot flashes but who knows what is happening to muscle and bone loss. I will get another  3 month painful injection of hormone therapy on January 2 (good way to start the new year).  I continue to stay active, do cardio exercise daily and strength exercises about three times per week. Thankful for my faith, my loving wife, praying and supportive family and friends

Thanks for the update, TD. Sounds manageable, at least. They must not be too worried about the kidneys, if they're putting it off that long.

Love your avatar.

CN,

Please don't forget that TD is in Canada, where health care issues are given different priorities and time frames.  Not to mention the holidays.

donnainzone5 wrote:CN,

Please don't forget that TD is in Canada, where health care issues are given different priorities and time frames.  Not to mention the holidays.

The system in Canada can move quickly. I started radiation treatment less than six weeks after being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. That time was taken up by meetings with urologist and radiation oncologist, bone scan, CT scan, start of hormone therapy and my own indecision on whether to have surgery or radiation treatment.

I had my second Androgen Deprivation Therapy (hormone therapy) injection on January 2nd. It was nowhere near as painful as the first one. Different nurse this time.

I have a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, Jan. 21st, with a urologist to discuss my kidney cancer situation.  I checked the online patient reviews for this doctor and he gets 5 out 5 across the board. He is part of a team of urologists at the teaching and research hospital (hopefully I will not become an experiment   ).  He specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery.  Praying for some good news at this meeting.

I had a blood test last week. I am now mildly anemic from the radiation and hormone therapy.  On a positive note all of my triglycerides and cholesterol readings are now in the normal range. For example my LDL Cholesterol (bad cholesterol) has improved by 42% since July of last year. I attribute the improvement to the Whole Food Plant Based eating (started in September) and the exercise.  Speaking of exercise I walk most weekdays at the the nearby indoor sportsdome.  As well, Mrs TD and I attend a Seniors Strength and Balance course twice per week.

trolleydriver wrote:I had my second Androgen Deprivation Therapy (hormone therapy) injection on January 2nd. It was nowhere near as painful as the first one. Different nurse this time.

No nurse Rachett this time?

. . . this doctor . . .  gets 5 out 5 across the board. He is part of a team of urologists at the teaching and research hospital (hopefully I will not become an experiment   ).  He specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery.  Praying for some good news at this meeting.

Good

I had a blood test last week. I am now mildly anemic from the radiation and hormone therapy.  On a positive note all of my triglycerides and cholesterol readings are now in the normal range. For example my LDL Cholesterol (bad cholesterol) has improved by 42% since July of last year. I attribute the improvement to the Whole Food Plant Based eating (started in September) and the exercise.  Speaking of exercise I walk most weekdays at the the nearby indoor sportsdome.  As well, Mrs TD and I attend a Seniors Strength and Balance course twice per week.

excellent

Yesterday I walked 5 kilometres (3 miles) in 47 minutes at our indoor superdome. I was only doing 3+ km before so this is a nice step forward.  I'll set my next goal as 6 km in 60 minutes.

TD, Keep the good news coming but on the speed walking, I will need a 2 km head start.

TrolleyDriver, 

I missed most of your recent posts. I'm sorry to hear that you have yet more to deal with. 

Glad that you have such a Supportive Spouse and Health Care Team. 

And for someone who has gone through so much of late, you certainly are putting the rest of us to shame with your exercise regimen! 

Sending Healing Thoughts and Prayers for Your Full Recovery. 

Wendy

I have a BIG medical appointment coming up on the afternoon of Tuesday Jan 21.  At that time I meet with a urologist for a consultation concerning my "likely" renal cell carcinoma (a 2 cm tumor on my left kidney) plus some other troubling areas on both my kidneys.

Best of Luck on Tuesday. Praying that your Doctors have a Positive Plan for Recovery.

Sending good vibes....!

My thoughts and prayers, TD, You stay strong- you got to catch a break!