MID-COURSE TREATMENT SNAPSHOT 25Sept19

[GranPaSmurf]

Lupron injection was 29MAY19, so I'm about 4 months into a 6 month ADT cycle.

PSA - 0.8 (down from 2.14 29MAY19)

Testosterone - 3 (down from 359, 29MAY19)

Testosterone (free) - 0.5 (down from 42.7, 29MAY19)

ALT and AST both slightly above normal. Glucose a little above normal.

Alk Phos normal. LDH normal.

Today I finish the first week of Radiation Therapy. It's all pretty unremarkable so far. Except maybe, as others have reported, learning how to arrive with enough retained urine in the bladder.

I'm concerned about possible side effects towards the end.

I am Santa. (lotsof.toys)

I'm contracted with a mall to start right after Thanksgiving, only a couple of weeks after ending the RT. If I have any of the effects I have read about, I probably won't be able to fulfill my role. I'll need to sit there for at least 3 hours, a 6 hour shift with one break. Sudden bathroom breaks aren't part of the plan.

BTW, we're planning for me to make a pro-bono appearance, pass out gifts and visit with kids and parents on the morning when the Radiation department schedules the pediatric Oncology patients.

Last year, I made visits to the University Hospital pediatric medical, surgical and Oncology floors. In case anyone wondered, yes, Santa cries.

[LearnAll]

Gran Pa.....your number are very good. I don't see any reason you can not do your "santa role" Good Luck !

[GranPaSmurf in reply to LearnAll]

👍

[marlins1 in reply to GranPaSmurf]

GrandPa- I had a similar course completed and did just fine. So hope your course will be similar. Had Salvage RT-6/19- full field and local bed for 39 treatments. Started 6mo lupron in 5/19 with psa .34, began RT , finished 8/1/19. Now 4months into Lupron PSA- .02. The side effects from the RT were pretty mild. Did have some bouts of bowel irritation, more toward the end. But acceptable considering killing the Cancer. I suspect your will have the same and be fine for Xmas. Good luck!

[leo2634]

Dear Santa please don't let our beast of an illness hinder your obligations. Let the people know Santa is only human too I'm sure they will understand. The good you are doing for yourself and the children far out weigh the bathroom breaks. By the way sitting here having a good cry when I read about the children you bring hope and joy to. God Bless you Santa Grandpa Smurf.

[GranPaSmurf in reply to leo2634]

❤️

[GranPaSmurf in reply to GranPaSmurf]

Some day I'll tell you about the many kids waiting for military parents to come home... or the 2 girls whose dad died earlier in the day... or the boy that wished for his dad to be home... instead of on death row, Texas prison, Huntsville.

Believe it - Santa cries.

[leo2634 in reply to GranPaSmurf]

I agree I was Santa myself until the little girl said to me I really don't want anything for me but can you bring some school supplies for my brother and the other little girl saying I just want my Daddy back only to find out her Daddy wasn't coming back. Oh yes and I sent my wife to the store that day the little Brother has enough school supplies until college.

[GranPaSmurf in reply to leo2634]

❤️❤️

[j-o-h-n in reply to GranPaSmurf]

I used to play Santa Claus.... those damn costumes are HOT.... But I loved it.... watching kids (and grownups) smile .... Best of all driving my small two seater Fiat spyder convertible with the top down (mild Christmas) dressed as Santa Claus.....

"OH what fun it is to ride.... and etc."

Keep on sledding GranPa.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 09/28/2019 11:13 AM DST

[GranPaSmurf in reply to j-o-h-n]

👍

[Garbonzeaux]

Smurf/Santa,

You're a hero and a patriot. Here's wishing you continued success with your treatment and a very special Christmas this year!

[GranPaSmurf in reply to Garbonzeaux]

👍

[Collarpurple]

I love what you do and how much you love it

Prayers that you can do it🎅🏻

[monte1111]

I just have to admire You GranPaSmurf, Sky King (grounded), all the care givers, the doctors, nurses, interns, and anyone who ever jabbed me with a needle. To All of you First Responders, I give you a sincere thanks and a deep bow. Merry Christmas to All.