TD - A Journey Through Prostate Cancer

Thinking of you daily, TD.

Same here, TD.  And wishing you full healing and the best, always.

TD, you are in my mind and heart.  Love from Kelejan

Patiently waiting for good news.

Thank you for your support and prayers.

This afternoon we met with a urology team at the Ottawa Hospital. The team included the urologist (specialist in kidney cancer and surgery), a resident doctor and two young men training to be doctors. The conclusion was that the mass on my left kidney is small and probably slow growing. The probability it is malignant is 80 to 90%. There is a relatively small chance it is aggressive and can spread. We went over several treatment options some of which are not available to me due to the position of the tumor close to the pancreas and major blood vessels. Due to the small size of the mass and because I am being treated for prostate cancer the decision was made not to do surgery at this time. Instead I will be under active surveillance which means watching to see if the tumor changes. I will have a CT Scan in August and follow up with the specialist in September.

I guess that sounds like pretty good news? How do you feel?

countrynaturals wrote:I guess that sounds like pretty good news? How do you feel?

Physically I feel great. Today's decision eased my mind somewhat. But the kidney cancer is still there so it will play on my mind especially when I get the results of the next scan.

trolleydriver wrote:

countrynaturals wrote:I guess that sounds like pretty good news? How do you feel?

Physically I feel great. Today's decision eased my mind somewhat. But the kidney cancer is still there so it will play on my mind especially when I get the results of the next scan.

I know what you mean. I had an ovarian tumor a few years ago, and all I wanted was to get it out of there. Luckily, mine was in an organ I didn't need anymore. Thank goodness you have options, good general health, and excellent health care.

Scorpio Rising wrote:Seems prudent.  Will you be done with the prostate cancer treatment by then, TD?

I'm scheduled for another 20 months of Androgen Deprivation Therapy which suppresses testosterone. In fact my testosterone level is now almost undetectable.

There's no question that having cancer and being treated for cancer cause a lot of anxiety. My new stress relieving hobby is painting.  Just finished my fourth watercolour painting. It's based on the scene outside our second floor bedroom window this morning. The sun was painting the sky and the leafless trees on the snowy grassy berm were a stark contrast.

TD, The contrasts are truly artistic!

Congratulations on discovering such a hobby.

I admire those who can draw or paint, since I've never been able to do either.  

How are you feeling?

trolleydriver wrote:There's no question that having cancer and being treated for cancer cause a lot of anxiety. My new stress relieving hobby is painting.  Just finished my fourth watercolour painting. It's based on the scene outside our second floor bedroom window this morning. The sun was painting the sky and the leafless trees on the snowy grassy berm were a stark contrast.

WOW! Absolutely gorgeous!

donnainzone5 wrote:TD, The contrasts are truly artistic!

...

How are you feeling?

I'm actually feeling pretty good physically. Have a bit of a cold at the moment. I am doing lots of exercise (way more than before the cancer diagnosis). I'm eating much better on a whole food plant based diet. I do have some symptoms from the therapy including depression like feelings at times. I have been invited to write some articles for a Christian magazine. That is a good thing since my preaching ministry is on hold. Life is different but life is good.

That's good news, TD!

A SFG gardener, an artist, a preacher, and now an author!

sanderson wrote:A SFG gardener, an artist, a preacher, and now an author!

I do a lot of things but none of them really well.

trolleydriver wrote:

sanderson wrote:A SFG gardener, an artist, a preacher, and now an author!

I do a lot of things but none of them really well.

I don't know about the rest of it, but I'd buy that painting and hang it where it would get noticed, and I've seen a lot of very famous, expensive "art" I wouldn't have in my house.

trolleydriver wrote:

sanderson wrote:A SFG gardener, an artist, a preacher, and now an author!

I do a lot of things but none of them really well.

You beat me on four of them. 

You are all so kind.  Thank you for your support.

Beautiful, TD!!