Worn Out Wings

[Scar3crow]

Greetings all, First time Wading into the deep waters here from a newbie on site. The information and conversations here are the best Ive ever read and I wish I had known of this blessing when I first started on this journey 9 months ago with that copilot that likes to appear in your head from time to time known as Dread. With the Eligard/Zytiga regimen I'm on, the tears come easy reading of all the suffering,frustrations and the gauntlets we must run. It all comes down to asking yourself, What do I have to live for? I am doing nicely with PSA going from 18.8 down to 1.2 the first month on Eligard. (6 month shot...I'm bringing a bullet to bite on for my next one tomorrow). Now down to undetectable after one month on 240 mg of Zytiga with 5%Predisone. My OC looked me in the eye and said, No Meat,Sugar orAlcohol for the rest of your life and if you don't work out, say goodbye to 80% of your muscle mass. Enter the 100% Plant based Spinach/Arugula/ SaladDiet with my own home sprouted Broccoli sprouts, Black Garlic and lots of tree nuts...Walnuts,Almonds and Pecans. I row every day 45 minutes and at my 6 month mark, am down 30 pounds from the day I was diagnosed. (225-195). My wife spoils me with the salad making and doesn't give a rats ass about my Hot flashes. Ive fallen head over heels in love with her and more deeply now than when we were married almost 40 years ago. I feel I have been blessed with the best Family, grand kids and friends and pray the Rosary by imagining the beads with faces of family and others that need a break. Giving Thanks for the Blessings we have enjoyed along the way in life make the future fight endurable.

I'm a hobby Beekeeper and watch my bees flying today in the 90 degree weather of August only dedicated to the survival of their hive. They gather pollen and nectar for 6 weeks until their wings wear out at which time they try to hang out unobserved until their fellow bees see that that they are no longer useful and carry them out as trash dumped unceremoniously out of the hive . Everyone here keep flying till your wings fall off. Nature doesn't care, but your family and friends do.

Stare Back at the monster and don't blink.

[Tall_Allen]

"No meat, sugar or alcohol for the rest of your life" sounds like torture and has no scientific backing, but if you don't mind it, it won't harm you. What's an OC?

[Scar3crow in reply to Tall_Allen]

Apologies TA...oncologist. I took his recommendations seriously to heart and a have drastically curtailed in the most part hence the weight loss. But the spirit is willing, and the flesh is weak. I do cheat a little. Thanks

[Poowater]

You are on the right path. I would suggest you also walk or run to stress your bones on your feet.

[Scar3crow]

Still working everyday so 8000 steps goes by quick. Wish I had my balance back like I had in my younger days.

[Brians1020]

I am 3+ years from Dx of G8. I was on Eligard for 15 mos. It's been one hell of a ride. I am 2 yrs. post Eligard now. I changed a lot of what I put in my body. I am Doing well, PC wise., learned a lot about my self and life is good now. Some things things have changed, but it's all good. Positive thoughts sent your way as you continue to navigate your journey.

[Scar3crow in reply to Brians1020]

Thanks for the reply Brians1020, just got my 2nd 6 month Eligard shot today and I hope I've acclimated to the effects. Worst is the 8 times I wake up from the heat. Took my Oncologist's advice and just started acupuncture treatments. 1st one cut the number and duration of flashes dramatically. My next one is Wednesday. My favorite treatment ever!

[Hidden in reply to Scar3crow]

👍👏🏼👏🏼

[Hidden]

There are so many adjustments to make when on ADT. But instead of giving up the pleasures of life, consume in moderation. For me, that's drinking an ice cold Hazy IPA after a hard workout or mowing the lawn....this past Saturday. Rode 30 miles on my mountain bike...1700 cals burned... 2.5 hours duration, avg bpm 158 ....boy did that cold Hazy IPA taste good...

Good luck regardless of your lifestyle choices.

[Scar3crow in reply to Hidden]

Thanks TomTom1111, Great work out. I aspire to that level of fitness and as I get closer to retirement, will definitely dedicate that kind of effort to partake in a hazy IPA. That's the best kind of reward to work towards, body and soul

[MateoBeach in reply to Hidden]

Earned your IPA. Cheers! 🍺

[StayPositive1]

🎵Take these broken wings & learn to fly again🎵

youtu.be/nKhN1t_7PEY(Not working as expected?)

[Scar3crow in reply to StayPositive1]

That is a great song, at first I thought you were referring to the Beatles blackbird song. Now it's in my head. Music should be relied on as therapy for positive effect. Many Thanks Stay Positive.

[Apisdorsata]

Greetings from a fellow beekeeper . I don't agree with your diet but more power to you. I certainly agree, though, that a thankful attitude makes the fight endurable. May your wings endure!

[Scar3crow in reply to Apisdorsata]

Thanks for your kind words, best to you and hope you are having a good year with your bees!

[ARIES29]

Very inspiring post Scar3crow. My psa went from 19 to 3 in one month on firmagon recently so now will try to keep it down by eating right.All the best in your journey!

[Scar3crow in reply to ARIES29]

Thanks. My new kick is broccoli sprouts. My grandson hates the smell and gave me hell for stinking up the room. Nothing better for Apoptosis.

[Hidden in reply to Scar3crow]

Sprout out brother. Putting good in is never bad. Cutting the junk can extend your life. I’ve been on whole food no junk since dx six yrs ago. Once in awhile it’s ok to cheat ! We are still human … 👍

[Scar3crow in reply to Hidden]

It's funny, now I feel I'm cheating with my 20 dried tart cherrys from Costco and my sister in laws yummy granola with yogurt in the morning. That's my breakfast after I down my Zytiga and Prednisone.

[MateoBeach]

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝. Rx: A hormone-free grass fed cowboy steak once a month. To keep the wings on. If you would like. 🍯

[Scar3crow in reply to MateoBeach]

I'll get there Mateobeach , I'll celebrate with good numbers from my Oncologist in September. My friend raises Black Angus grass fed on the high plains of Warren, Connecticut.Best

[MateoBeach in reply to Scar3crow]

Wonderful. 🐂🥩 suits my keto diet just fine. Best regards

[Hidden]

You are a fantastic addition to our herd ! Welcome . Great attitude is everything with this beast on us . Thanks for saving the bees. If they go, so does mankind! 👏🏼👏🏼👍

[Cooolone]

Very nice post! Keep on Truckin!

I'll agree though that once we have the cancer, let alone advanced, I'm not sure what eliminating anything will do as we are already having been arrived at our destination!

For a 20 something, who might want to change their future, sure! We could advocate a healthier lifestyle that might make a difference. But I'm sure each and every one of those 75mg Docetaxel infusions I've had, were worth a year's worth of wonderful Kansas City Cut Aged Ribeyes! Lol... Something I just haven't found the heart to move away from.

Wishing you the best of luck and regards!

[Scar3crow in reply to Cooolone]

Damn Cooolone, you made me laugh. I was always a 80 percent meat eater my whole life. Freezer was full of Duck, Deer and Bear meat...just think my excessive grilling contributed in a big way to where I am now. (Along with too much alcohol)Don't regret like you but till I get a bead on it, everything I put in me now has got to knock back the C. Then I'll reward myself with a rare prime cut!

[Boywonder56 in reply to Cooolone]

Im with you.....i was living b4 apc....not going to stop living to TRY not to die....its a paradox i think they call it....but all we are promised is today....

[Wings-of-Eagles]

From a fellow "winged" one to a one sensitive to the tiny wings, your post makes me feel good. I've secretly desired to bee beekeeper, maybe when I retire in a few months. Awesome post man. Keep us posted. Keep doin what you are doing with your great attitude and outlook.

I have not given up red meat, but cut back substantially, have not given up on sugar, but certainly do not add any to my meals or drinks and cut back on soda. I was told (by an Oncologist) that muscles do need some sugar to flourish, along with exercise. I love to swim as much as I can. As far as the treatments, I tolerate the hot flashes and been taking Zytiga for 6 years now. I am undetectable PSA for 6 years now! Planning on keeping the Monster at bay for a while. As always keep the faith!

[Scar3crow]

God Bless you Wings of Eagles, I am blown away by the support I feel from you all on this site. Feels like being part of a very super supportive and protective clan that you can and will bare your soul to ...to make everyone feel like there are many others that have blazed the trail and look back and offer a hand to those yet to experience their test.

[Spyder54]

Attitude is everything Brother! You have it! Appreciation of your wife will make life worth living. You are on the right track. Your wings will keep working for many years. There will be a cure by then. We had a Man on here yesterday celebrating 21 years on Lupron. It can happen. Write down and post 10 things on your bucket list. Start this month checking them off. Best of Luck,

Mike

St Pete