My appointment with my oncologist today was not what one might hope, but what I knew was coming. She has done all she can for me (please don't try telling me of alternatives; we discussed them at length and came up blank with each one).
So, with all anti-cancer medication removed, I have nothing but palliative treatment left.
She thinks I will make it to 2024, but will not see much of it,
I would like to thank the group here for their support, especially through my struggle to express my feelings in painting. That has meant much to me -- otherwise I wouldn't have kept on posting, ent?
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BrentW
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I am so very sorry to hear. We are the same age, I was diagnosed 1 year later than you in 2005. This disease takes a lot from all of us. But, it cannot take away your creativity. So, pick up that brush and keep on painting and sharing your work with us.
Brent, I have so enjoyed your QoL posts with your paintings. I haven't posted much but read almost daily (for my husband). You and others have been extremely helpful and kind. I am so sorry to hear your news. My heart goes out to your and your family. -Deb
Peace and Love Brent. Your art work has been an inspiration to me. As soon as I finish my current project I plan to get my brushes out and paint again.
a friend told me just yesterday that the doctors don’t have a crystal ball to know how long we have here on earth . That being said, I hope you are not in a lot of pain. Will be thinking of you my fellow warrior 🙏🙏🙏
Say it ain't so ???? Anyway, if you don't feel you will be worse off with ADT, even though it has "failed", are you considering a continuation of ADT. Several guys here seem to have far outlived their life expectancy while maintaining "failed "ADT?
your art has been inspirational and appreciated by many here on the group. I hope that in your transition to life without treatment , you keep doing the art and things you love for your remaining time that you are able . I know your hospice crew can keep you pain free and support both you and your family if you need it. Keep checking back in with us along the way if you feel like it. We are still your brothers …. We’d like to hear from you and we’re here if you need to vent or have some likeminded company along the way.
So sad to hear that. I am new to this page but I had the chance to see some of your work and I love it.
I do not want to spread false hope (I have been diagnosed one month ago, and hope is all I have for now) but there is this fresh announcement from yesterday, maybe your doctor could look into it even if it looks like a US/Canada trial?
Prayers for your journey. My husband recently switched to palliative care as well as nothing sensible was working. All else offered came with worse SEs while we knew the dreaded disease had won the war, sending its big guns to thwart the best laid plans of defense. Based on the results yesterday of his blood work it appears his kidney function has started to suffer and if it continues its downward trending he'll transfer to hospice next month....if not sooner. We fought many battles and gave it our best shot since dx in 2014, 1st relapse in 2018 and 2nd this Spring. He had me make the call yesterday to have his defibrillator deactivated. We're determined to see each day left as a gift and try to make the most of them. I wish the same for you. His care team is filled with wonderful people and I now pray for them as well since I know it can't be easy to see all of their patients to the other side...it must be a special calling. Peace.
Thank you! We've celebrated many times and occasions during our 58 years and, yes, we are incredibly blessed. My heart and soul are filled with many wonderful memories!
Hi, Sorry to hear this. My husband got to this stage and it was not what we wanted to hear but he was given excellent care from the local hospice outpatient team who had the time and compassion that the oncology team could not give. Pain relief was managed more timely than with the oncologist. There are people on this website who defeated the oncology prognosis. Your art is pretty amazing and I hope that you can continue to enjoy it and focus on the life you are living.
Nobody ever wants to hear the news that you have received, I think that you did well to even tell us.
I too like to splash the paint around, I find that I can get lost in there, it can portray my mood. Don't put those brushes down BrentW and take them with you when you go, who knows there might be a few chapel ceilings that need a new more inventive eye.
I pray that you receive the best care possible, try to keep us up to date as best you can, we all send our love to you and your family our Brother.
Thank you for sharing your art with us. I look forwards to those beautiful colors and imagery. Hope your palliative care team is full of good people who help you on this part of your journey. My 85 year old mom now has a great team, and she is happy and well cared for. We are stardust and eternal souls. Peace.
Hard news. I wish there was some way to send you actual energy through the internet, because I would pour it out into your heart. Your heart is big enough to take a lot!!
Wishing you optimism, and hoping that you're "always thinking of something to look forward to" as my father said during his 17 years of dealing with cancer.
Sending peaceful thoughts - and that you use your creativity during your journey.
My father was an architect, that was still working and consulting at 88.
On bad days he drew.
Here is a picture of our dog he drew in May.
Nothing can take your passions away. I will pray for you with love.
Dawn
Black ink sketch on white paper of Rigby the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Brent, Through your posts and replies I have come to respect you tremendously. Your academic work and teaching must have impacted many people's lives. Most of whom probably haven't reached out to let you know about the influence you have been.
And now, you've trasitioned into an artist, touching those of us with whom you've shared your finished works. Thank you for sharing your work with us, it has been a gift that helps anchor your legacy. More importantly you have given a lovely gift to your wife and family.
I hope that you can find the grace and the strength to face the challenges ahead.
It can be difficult when you reach this juncture on your cancer journey. Surround yourself with the people you love. May you experience peace, joy, and love.
Very sorry to hear this news.... I'm on palliative care as well, but also continue with Lupron / Xtandi to slow the progression so I can have time to visit with family, friends and loved ones. 🙏
Your watercolors are very good and the colors are striking. I have gotten back to drawing and hope to take more classes and at some point start painting again. For me, it is a great way to express my emotions and let go of some of them.
Can you shed a little light on how your disease progressed and where the metastases have spread? I think it's helpful to understand how things may go for other members who may be looking ahead to this.
As hard as it must be, I wish you calm, and a painfree transition. Every moment is important and the ability to spend it doing something you love and spending time with people you love.
All the best to you and your family on your journey.
Remember you drive on the left, I drive on the right (turns are a bitch)..... I'm not a full fledged fan of your paintings and you of my humor. But we're in this sinking ship together and I do admire you for bailing out as much water as you have. Keep hope alive they say!!!
Doctor's priDICKtions are exactly what they're worth (nuttin)......if you have a chance show her what I mean by looking up the key word above in her DICKtionary,,,
Keep Well, Keep Posting and Keep Painting (I'll Keep on trying my humor)..... God Bless and miracles do happen............ my ex-wife leaving me was one..........
I am new here and very saddened by your post. I really feel I missed out by not having read your posts sooner. I have no idea if you are a person of faith but I always have the attitude that when God wants me my doctors can’t add one minute to my life and until he wants me I am going to enjoy what time I have left. Prayers and God Bless.
Brent, not the news we wish to hear for any brother. Thank you for sharing it with us. Like many others here, I have been touched by your art. I hope you will feel like continuing with it. You have certainly added beauty in the world.
19 years survival - I really hope I have this time - I hope also that you suffer none and know we will all be there at one point or another unless a real breakthrough is made - You have been very kind to share your story - I,m sure we all thank you for that - Thank you kindest Raoul
I wish you only the best - I guess that we all have limits on the number of days we have left. I am fighting both brain and prostate cancer so I have no idea of how much time I have - but I am surrounding myself with the things that I love and wholeheartedly recommend it - And to run as hard as I possibly can as long as I can - I am cleared by the Dr for another month so run I will
In case you were unaware, ADT drugs (aboraterone, xtandi, Lupron, etc, are all palliative care. There is no cure for Pca. I can't tell from your bio but other than aboraterone it doesn't look like you have been on any other ADT drugs. Just because you failed one ADT drug does not mean you will fail others.
I have been on the “journey” from my first cryosurgery in 2004…….had a Docetaxel infusion today…….attitude extends life and good feelings…..you inspire me.
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Palliative Care 
4th line palliative systemic options?
Augmenting Standard of Care.
Lepto meningeal involvement. No further treatment. Palliative radiation?
Supplements and self-care
