I can’t believe it has been over three years since I was first diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer, it has been a fairly tough time with lots of up’s and down’s. I think the main thing that has kept me going is a positive attitude and the support of my wife and family and to them I say a big thank you.
The diagnosis I was initially given was.
- Carcinoma of the Prostate T3b N1 M1 PSA 226 Gleason 9
Since then my PSA has been as low as 1.6 and as high as 1585.
In summary here is a list of the main cancer treatments I have been through. Alongside these there have been a number of other treatments to treat the side effects of the main treatment, Steroids for example. Side effects have been tough at times and diverse, from minor to visits to A&E.
- Hormone Therapy – Prostap Ongoing
- Chemotherapy – Docetaxel
- Radiotherapy – On Spine and Shoulder 3 times
- Enzalutimide
- Immunotherapy – Nivolumab and Ipilimumab
- Chemotherapy – Cabazitaxel
- Dexamethasone
- Lutetium 177 – Current Treatment
Below is a list of the different scans and tests I have had over the past 3 years. For the blood tests I have written 42 at least, this is how many blood tests I have had at UCLH, on top of this I have had loads at PAH and with the GP, I would estimate that this figure is closer to 70 blood tests.
I believe to rest to be more accurate.
- Blood Test 42 at least
- Bone Scan 10
- CT Scan 7
- MRI 1
- Ultrasound 1
- Radiotherapy 12/3
- Prostap Injection 10
- PET Scan 1
And of course on top of this there have been the regular outpatients appointments and other trips to the hospital. At times I have been to the hospital everyday for a week and at other times just a monthly visit.
Perhaps the worst trip was when I was hospitalised earlier this year with concerns around spinal cord compression.
I am really appreciative of the hospital staff and the service and support they provide, there have been hiccups but for the most part the service has been excellent and I feel lucky to be able to have this kind of service.
I am hopeful that the Lutetium is working as it should and I look forward to the future.