Stage IV What a surprise

By fredschneeman

1 min read

First signs of prostate cancer

I had just had my second knee replacement in October 2017 and during the night I had a burning in my rectum which I thought might be hemorrhoids. I went to our family doctor and had a DRE, my prostate was enlarged and I asked to be sent to a urologist.

Choosing the right doctors

I am a Christian with a strong faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ. My wife and I prayed to be sent to the correct urologist and our prayers were answered. He performed a DRE and recommended a biopsy. We were at home when we found out I had stage IV cancer. We also prayed to be sent to the correct oncologist. Again our prayers were answered. In my opinion, he is the best. He talked to us about my cancer and had a book that listed the causes of prostate cancer. I am a Vietnam veteran and one of the causes of prostate cancer is exposure to "Agent Orange" and I had been exposed to that chemical.

Clinical trials for prostate cancer medication

I give all the glory to my God for all the right people He sent me to. I also qualified for a clinical trial (and received the experimental drug, not the placebo). I received six treatments of chemo and am currently on ADT Lupron injections every six months(with only minor side effects) along with my clinical trial drug. Through my cancer journey, my wife has been by my side as a strong and faithful supporter.

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Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="fredschneeman" user-id="3261113"/>. First, let me say that it is good to hear that you are happy with your doctors and treatment and that your wife has been such a great source of support. Second, I want to ask if you are aware that prostate cancer is a presumptive service connected condition in relation to Agent Orange exposure. This article from our editorial team discusses the connection further: <a href='https://prostatecancer.net/living-coping/veterans' target='_blank'>https://prostatecancer.net/living-coping/veterans</a>. Please know that this community is here for you and feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
1. fredschneeman Member
 <inline-mention username="Richard Faust" user-id="3268931"/> Thank you for your reply . I am 100% disabled and the VA has taken great care of me . I'll look at the article that you sent . Thank you again
Sue Franke Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="fredschneeman" user-id="3261113"/> That's a wonderful place to be - confidence in your doctors and treatment, a supportive spouse and faith. Stage 4 can be a scary thing to hear, but as an encouragement, my husband was also diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer 14 years ago and he's still living a great life, active, enjoying the things he likes to do. We just celebrated our 49th anniversary. I wish you and your wife the best. 
1. fredschneeman Member
 <inline-mention username="Sue Franke" user-id="4506969"/> Thank you so very much . I'ts all ways so good to hear some great news about stage IV prostate cancer . So glad that you and your husband are still very much active . My wife and I have been married for 55 years and she has been my greatest supporter . Thank you again for your response . May you and your husband have many more great years together.

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