18 months on this journey... - Prostate Cancer A...

Prostate Cancer And Gay Men

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18 months on this journey...

DeanNL profile image
7 Replies

Hi,

I am Dean, a gay man diagnosed in May 17' with prostate cancer at 51.

Married to my partner for 21 years.

My PSA was 150 and I was told to expect Mets. Within a week I had a biopsy and my Gleason score came back as a 4+5 (9). I was put on HT and paliative care.

I was put on Firmagon for 3 months, then moved on to Zoladex, which I have been on since. After several scans (MRI, CAT, Nano-MRI, etc.) no definate Mets. were found.

In February I began 7 weeks of radiation therapy, with a total of 28 sessions. Thsi was a difficult time... put on a lot of weight.

My PSA continues to fall, last test was at 0.90.

I am working 22 hours a week, lost 20kg while on HT. and walk a great deal.

I am struggling with all this, I am so changed by the HT, emotional and often angry.

I am also so worried that the next test will comeback with bad news...

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DeanNL profile image
DeanNL
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7 Replies
NashTim profile image
NashTim

Hey DeanNL…… I just wanted to say hi and wish you all the best

DeanNL profile image
DeanNL in reply toNashTim

Thank you! How are you doing?

NashTim profile image
NashTim in reply toDeanNL

all good here, haven't been around much since the holidays and am kinda getting back in the swing of things....hope this group works for you, I am a member of a couple facebook groups but none that are gay so when I found this one I was like YAY.....

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen

I hope the radiation+HT was curative

DeanNL profile image
DeanNL in reply toTall_Allen

Thank you!

Dreamweaverman profile image
Dreamweaverman

Hey Dean, Thanks for the post. You are not alone. I am glad that things are going in the right direction for healing. If possible try to stay in the present when you can. I often struggle with what may come and find when I let myself stay there too long I am not in optimal decision making mode. I am about to embark on the HT possible radiation path, and find just staying with today, and taking the steps in front of me towards treatments are manageable. Hope this helps. Sending lots of healing energy your way.

DeanNL profile image
DeanNL

Thank you!

Being on HT has caused me a lot of issues with my moods... I am positive about the way I am healing but at times the hormones "kick in" BIG time. I am 19 months in and possibly have been at my lowest in the last 2 months.

I had a good talk with my GP and specialist this week, getting an extra PSA test done Monday, just to put my worries to rest for now. My last result was 0.91.

Also hoping to start an ACT therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) soon.

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