metastatic prostate cancer

[snuffy]

Recent problems with my lower spine led me to get a MRI of that region. It showed several spots where metastatic bone cancer had started to grow. It interfered with my natural ability to control my bowel.

Metastatic prostate cancer is what happens when the prostate cancer morphs around it's need for testosterone to grow. The hormone therapy I've been on since 2010 is called Eligard. It sweeps testosterone from the blood, robbing the prostate cancer of what it needs to grow. Sometimes called chemical castration.

It's basically a death sentence, I may have a year left, possibly a bit more.

Two chemotherapy drugs in pill form will be used to fight it. One is prednisone, a steroid the other is Zytiga, abiraterone acetate, a targeted drug that has shown promise in slowing the growth of the cancer. Some studies say it doubles the life expectancy of some men.

I guess what I'm asking for is prayers and well wishes, but most importantly to ask all of you over 55 YO to go get the fickle finger test!!!! Along with a blood test to check your PSA! The earlier you catch it the longer you'll live.

BTW this is all being handled by my VA doctors at the VA clinic up in Green Bay WI. They're very good oncologists, and have all the modern knowledge and drugs to treat it. I'm in good hands!

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Sad news, snuffy. I offer my sincerest sympathy, best wishes, and I will pray for you. What would happen, I wonder, if you took supplemental testosterone?

[lightman]

I hate to hear that! Will be praying for you and your family. Also glad to hear that the VA is taking good care of you.

[jmort]

Praying for you brother
Praying for the medication to have full effect

[3584ELK]

This is sad news. I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but you seem to have the heart of a fighter. I am confident a strong spirit positive attitude, and aggressive therapy can extend your life significantly. You have my prayers and my faith in a cure. Godspeed, sir.

[375supermag]

Hi...
Most importantly do not give up.
I have been diagnosed as terminal with cancer twice and I am still here.
And...cancer free.
Maintain a positive attitude and fight.
I know receiving that kind of medical diagnosis is scary but you may be able to win this fight.
I know... I am living proof.

[Tom W.]

I hate to hear that. I just got back this week from my prostate exam, as after having two colon surgeries, and the prostate being swollen for the last 20 years the Dr. wanted to see for himself. Psa was very low, and no trace of the colon cancer spreading. Hang in there, It can be beat. Like 375supermag said, It can get scary. My wife was taken into a private room to sigh some papers because I was in such shape that they thought I'd probably come out in a body bag. The first time my pulse rate was almost into the stroke range and I had a lung collapse. However, I'm still kicking and heading to the range tomorrow....

[tommag]

Prayers sent.

[osteodoc08]

Prayers sent brother.

[jcren]

Prayers sent

[buckwheatpaul]

Snuffy, I am sorry to hear about your diagnose. Brother, I will be praying for comfort and remission of that evil condition. Your Cast Boolits family is here for you and all you need to do is ask.

[xs11jack]

Yes, Prayers sent for you and your family.
Ole Jack

[rl69]

Godspeed! your spirit is refreshing

[Char-Gar]

I will pray for you daily and those prayers will be your companion every step of the way. If you would PM me your first name, so I can pray with a real name and not a screen name.

[lightload]

You are in my prayers.

[SP5315]

Prayers sent

[fecmech]

Snuffy-You will be in my prayers.

[Bzcraig]

May the peace that surpasses all understanding be the constant companion of you and your family as you walk through this valley.

[curdog]

I am praying for you now. God bless and cure you.

[snuffy]

Thanks so much for the caring and especially the prayers. I accepted the lord into my heart back in '83, I couldn't imagine going through this without his amazing grace and promise of everlasting life. As always, his will be done. If that means I go on to eternal life soon, then so be it. If however he decides to heal this then to him be the praise.

I'm going to see my oncologist on Tuesday to talk about diagnosis treatment regimen, and possibly his best guess about a prognosis. I self diagnosed this, but it's the only thing it could be. According to online sights like web MD, Zytiga has a good track record since it was first used back in 2011. It basically removes ALL the testosterone in my blood, even that which the Adrenal gland produces. Some patients have lived for 5 years.

Thanks again I'll update after seeing the Doctor.