My Status As We Enter 2018

It’s been awhile since I posted and, as we enter 2018, it’s time for an update.

As a reminder for those who have forgotten or are new to the blog, in March 2014 I was diagnosed with Stage IV, advanced, agressive, metastatic prostate cancer. It registered a Gleason 8 (Gleason measures the aggressiveness and degree of mutation of prostate cells and ranges from 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst). After meeting with oncologists in Austin and at MD Anderson in Houston, the agreement was that if I did nothing my longevity would amount to about a year. Not being ready to die at a very healthy, fit 53, I bit the bullet and followed doctor's advice.

I went through 6 rounds of high dosage docetaxel, a very potent, very toxic chemo drug.  I also went through 8 months of hormone deprivation where I had no testosterone.  The two knocked the disease down to where I didnt have lung lesions and the tumor had been driven back into the gland.

But the treatment left me with severe peripheral neuropathy. That is my major disabling
symptom these days.

Flash forward and, after almost 4 years since diagnosis and almost 3 since treatment ended, I now live in the East Bay area of San Francisco since June of this year courtesy of very generous, loving friends of 30 years.  

Here’s where I stand:

• No evidence of cancer other than the still living tumor in the gland.
• Relatively significant increase in energy; I do something physical (i.e. walking me, walking the dogs, the gym, heavy household chores) 9 days out of 10. 
• Slight decrease in peripheral neuropathy pain.  This has allowed my to take less pain medication and also allows me to work on my feet for up to 7 hours as long as I have at least a day off in between catering/bartending gigs.
• Only negative indicator is the almost full point rise in my PSA since I’ve been here (just over 3 ng/ml) which, given my diagnosis and history, is quite likely indicative or an active tumor.

Now, all that said, my physicians, both the oncologist and the primary care guy, are confounded as they feel that the “normal” course of treatment in the case of advanced, metastatic, aggressive prostate cancer is the chemo and then a lifelong course of hormone deprivation (i.e. no testosterone).  

I chose to forego all that at the end of 2014 and I’ve not been following the usual course of treatment since then.  They disagree with this and feel I should be on it…...but they are amazed that I’m doing so well considering. So amazed that the oncologist said, “Whatever you are doing, keep on doing it.”

So what am I doing?  

• I take CBD oil twice daily under the tongue (approximately 40 mg) and I also consume THC and high CBD cannabis in varying amounts at least once a day via inhalation as well as oral routes.
• I exercise daily in some shape, form or fashion.
• I get massage regularly.
• My stress level has decreased substantially in the last 6 months.  Far less financial stress and fear of living homeless.
• I’m trying to eat a very nutrient rich diet.  I look at the label on everything and make sure it is vitamin, mineral, protein, amino acid rich.

That’s it folks!  I have another PSA test by the end of January and we’ll see where things are headed. If it’s up substantially, I’ll need to reevaluate things.  If not, we’ll stay the course…...despite what the Western docs say.

The bottom line is this.  My advanced, aggressive, metastatic cancer is back in its cubby hole

for the time being and, while it is, I will be doing all I can to continue to work through the pain caused by chemo and I will enjoy life.

One day at a time.