Staying the Course

Celebrating my 4 1/2-year anniversary since being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer with extensive bone metastasis Stage IV, I pen this article with heartfelt thanks having survived two years and counting longer than anticipated by my oncologists.

My main medical oncologist had predicted a three-year lifespan for me, while my urological oncologist believed I could survive from 2 1/2 to maybe 3 years. However you look at my current situation, I am extremely pleased to still be in the fight and walking the Earth.

How I'm feeling now

Describing my current health, I would report that I feel and behave much the same as I did at the 2 1/2-year mark. My PSA numbers are running steady over the last two years near the 0.12 range. I continue to follow much the same treatment plan put in place around two years ago. Precious little has changed in terms of my medications or treatment path.

The prayers of my community continue to sustain my family and myself. My physical body and my emotional being perseveres within the blessings of my fellow man and those of my personal savior, The Lord Jesus Christ. Each time I face a serious challenge to my well-being, I put great effort into remaining as positive as I can maintain.

Don’t get me wrong, there have been many times I have struggled to stay positive and look to the future. I have suffered a few serious set-backs along the path of my treatment plan. However, I must confess, those are the times I turn to my family, friends, doctors, nurses, community, church, and The Lord.

My treatment plan

Let me take a brief moment to share my treatment plan in its current form with all of you. First, let’s look at my prescription medications that have stood the test of time within my treatment. Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) has been my primary medication utilized in my battle with prostate cancer. Zytiga is considered one type of hormone therapy. A companion medication taken along with the Zytiga, is prednisone. Prednisone is a medication in the corticosteroid category. This boosts steroid production.

One critical point to put forth: Zytiga is only used to treat prostate cancer that has metastasized (moved to other parts of the body outside the prostate).

The remaining medications utilized within my treatment path include the following: a daily low-dose aspirin; lisinopril daily to regulate my blood pressure; and dilaudid with bupivacaine in my pain pump. I do take a few items that are not prescribed. CBD has proved a major factor in my maintaining my health, in my opinion. Along with a daily dose of calcium and D3. And finally, green tea. Many may laugh at the consumption of green tea, however I attest it has aided me significantly in my cancer battle.

The path we choose

In closing, I testify that it is certainly a daily battle to combat prostate cancer, and in no way do I claim it is an easy road to travel. However, remain positive at all costs and never doubt the path you have chosen in your own cancer battle.