We all started at different times but the ending seems the same - just a few years or dozens. We all know that day we were told you have cancer.
Well October is the five year anniversary of his diagnosis… Halloween day to be exact
But actually the journey started in 1997. That’s when he had is first colonoscopy and the polyps were removed. So every three years he had another colonoscopy and again polyps. Then the allergies- food, animals, insects and plants. Meanwhile his father died of blood cancer. A few years later his older brother was diagnosed with ALS. Shortly thereafter neurological problems started for him- falling down flights of stairs head first backwards was the worst. Extreme pain and other problems. Since his brother was slowly dying from the ALS, we had him tested for ALS. Then on top of that his mom was diagnosed with cancer in her leg that returned after 30 years in remission. Well not ALS but his spine was slowly disintegrating collapsed disc had pinched the spine column. So his mental health deteriorated due to the pain. Pain management put him on OxyContin and back braces.
Meanwhile his job was trying to get him fired. He had been in the hospital several times because of these problems. During this period his brother passed away and shortly thereafter his mother developed liver cancer. About 6 months later she too passed away. Long story short we were able to get him a medical retirement after 6 months of hassles and 10 inches thick of paperwork from doctors saying he was not able to continue with his job. So no job no house… the bank took it. Fortunately we were able to buy another home in another state before the banks took the house- a great real estate lawyer told us how to do it.
So he got lucky with a good back surgery and we got him off the OxyContin. Still had the polyps problem (truly were expecting colon cancer) and neurological issues and permanent pain in his joints. Regular therapy with a psychologist and psychiatrist. Then his kidneys started to act up. Had a hernia surgery in between all that too.
Then in 2018 his internal medicine doctor ordered a routine PSA. Same time his VA doctor also ordered a routine PSA. Yeah both were outside the normal range. So he was referred to the urologist. More PSAs and the dreaded bend over and cough. Digital found nothing but the PSA was still elevated. So biopsy were done. Five spots were sampled. Results were back on Halloween day. Three were fully cancerous and two were reactive. Gleason number - Primary 4 Secondary 4 Total 8. Histological grade group 4. Robot assisted surgery was performed in January 2019. We waited for the pathology results for about a week and then found out it was outside the prostate. So we were sent to the radiologist… first time it was the prostate area. Trying to catch the little sucker that got out. They got away and moved on to another lymph node. Meanwhile our urologist left the hospital and we were left with a radiologist running the show. After five different radiation treatments he referred hubby to the oncologist. And of course you all know the SOC to be done and then onto Pluvicto. He’s getting the fourth dose on 18 October.
Ever since the second dose of pluvicto he’s has nauseous stomach, dry mouth and extreme edema. He barely eats ( I feel like Mrs Claus going “eat poppa eat”) he’s not even getting over 1,000 calories. I’m nagging him to drink at least 3 high calorie boost every day. They gave him two types of anti nausea medications and raised his wate pills from 20 mg to 80mg. Also gave him potassium tablets. I guess this is his Kobayashi Maru and there’s no reprogramming the outcome.
A side note… last year after asking politely from his doctors to write Nexus letters showing the chemicals he was exposed to in the Air Force may have caused his cancer. We were at bases that are on the EPA contamination list. Two were national priority listed- same chemicals as Camp Lejuene. The VA gave him a temporary 100% disability to be reevaluate each year. The good part from that is he can get home medical care for routine needs. Plus they provide the depends and other devices like the grab bars and ramps.
Making each day count is the goal after treatments.
My son’s PSA rose a bit today. 
Dad diagnosed with advanced PC, Gleason 4+5. Feeling helpless
Jevtana
Pluvicto and PSA 
