Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Some Progress is Better than No Progress

Having incurable cancer has led me to regularly adjust my definition of "quality of life."

Three chemo treatments down, seven to go. In the past month my PSA has gone from a high of 54 (way too high) to 22 this week--still high but much improved. My goal is zero or thereabouts.

I still have some hair but it is thinning fast. And I am eating better, walking better, and being more alert more often (don't hold me to that one). I gained three pounds in a month. First time I've actually gained weight in six months. I lost about 50 pounds in those six months--none of it on purpose. I bottomed out at about 132--my 12-year-old weight. Gives new meaning to second childhood.

I keep hearing about all the nasty side effects I can expect from the chemo infusions, but my side effects have been minor, so far. But then there are seven sessions to go. I'm optimistic but not fanatically so. Stuff (this is PG rated) happens.

Just so you don't think I'm living in la la land, I know I still have stage four prostate cancer that has metastasized to all sorts of places in my body, including my lungs, bones, and bladder. I can't run marathons any more, my wife won't let me climb on the roof to clean gutters (hmmmm, maybe not so bad), I need a nap or two every day, I can't stay awake through a movie, and just about no body part works as well as it used to.

I can't see or feel those internal problem areas so when my other outer symptoms/conditions are addressed I feel pretty good. "Good" as in my new definition of Quality of Life. Nothing hurts much, I get around (rather) slowly, I can still write blogs and draw cartoons, and I can spend time with family and friends. In summary, I have a pretty Good Quality of Life!

axman