Newbie

[C-RI]

Hi, had two recent PSA tests, 79 and 83. I get biopsy results and bone scan results next week. (Yes, doc already ordered bone scan before the biopsy results based on what he saw on sonogram). Assuming it is aggressive, and treatment includes hormone therapy and radiation or chemo, how does that affect the day to day?

I am 56, in great health and asymptomatic. No signs of problems in recent DRAs. However, I am pretty sure it’s metastasized. I know things will change.

Will I miss a lot work in next 6 months, be travel restricted? Be in moderate pain, or limiting pain? Or does it all really depend on the individual and the treatment plan?

Thanks all.

[Tall_Allen]

It's natural to be anxious and to have lots of questions about the future, but you have to take it one step at a time and deal with what you actually know. Don't make assumptions - you will know soon enough. Fretting about the future will only increase your anxiety. For now, all you know for certain is that your PSA is high.

When I got my cancer diagnosis, I went into psychotherapy where I learned to practice mindfulness. This helped me stay in the present moment and deal with what is instead of what I imagine. Sleep is also restorative - if you are not sleeping enough at night, talk to your doctor about short-term sleeping pills.

[C-RI in reply to Tall_Allen]

That makes a lot of sense and is helpful. Thank you.

[Magnus1964]

Everyone responds differently to treatments. I worked while getting radiation and ADT. Others become wipd out. It's a wait and see situation.

[C-RI in reply to Magnus1964]

Thanks

[MarkBC]

Hi C-RI. Sorry to hear that you are joining our club. I am 55 and was diagnosed in July. Like you, my scans were done before the biopsy result came in. The doctors were already quite certain I was stage 4. PSA 103. Gleason 9.

I worried about how this would impact my life and work too. I am a high school teacher. I was put on ADT and started six rounds of chemo in August. I am fortunate that I had good benefits and went on paid sick leave for the fall semester. Both the ADT and chemo caused a lot of fatigue for me. I couldn't have gone to work then although I know some men do. There is no way I had the energy to deal with 30 teenagers all day long.

I finished chemo in December. I still have fatigue from the ADT and the doctor says I will be on that for the rest of my life. After a lot of reflection, I decided to retire early after 26 years. Fortunately I have access to a disability pension. My income has dropped somewhat but I can live on what I am getting. I miss my job and the students but I don't regret my decision. I still don't think I have the energy to teach any more. Now I have time to focus more on my health, getting exercise, eating well, and strengthening relationships with people who mean a lot to me.

I haven't had any pain so far although I am expecting that to develop sometime in the future. The treatments have worked well up to now. My latest PSA result is down again to 0.22.

I have learned a lot from the posts here and in Facebook groups. Best of luck to you.

[C-RI in reply to MarkBC]

Thank you Mark. That is quite helpful. It’s a club I didn’t want to join, but it has lots of remarkable people.

[MarkBC in reply to C-RI]

I agree. Let us know how things work out. Make sure you take somebody with you to the first few meetings with your doctors. There will be lots of information given. It can be a bit overwhelming and you are bound to forget some things they say. If you can't take somebody with you, ask to record what the doctor says so you can listen to it again at home.

[j-o-h-n]

Greeting C-RI (first of all I don't trust anyone who's got a dash in their ID). Take a deep breath and relax. We all have been in you situation and trust me worrying doesn't help.

To answer your questions:

"Will I miss a lot work in next 6 months?", YOU MAY MISS A DAY HERE AND A DAY THERE, THAT'S IT (however you will have to cut down on the nooners)

"travel restricted?" ONLY IF YOU RUN OUT OF MONEY.

"Be in moderate pain, or limiting pain"? MAYBE 10 TO 15 YEARS FROM NOW.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor,

j-o-h-n Saturday 03/02/2019 7:18 PM EST

[C-RI in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thanks - nice dashes...