I had a 3T MRI (i.e. WAY high tech) before I left for Austin. Results were in right after I got back. Here’s where I stand:
I have the same, very aggressive tumor I was originally diagnosed with.
It’s growing and is outside the gland again (extracapsular).
Radiology report reads: “.........within the right mid gland involving both the transition and peripheral zones is very highly suspicious for a clinically significant neoplasm….”. It also stated that there is “involvement of the right seminal vesicle.” Finally, “There are enlarged bilateral...lymph node suspicious for regional nodal metastases.”
This means, the tumor has once again spread outside the gland and into the right seminal vesicle (google it if male reproductive anatomy isn’t your strong suit). It also means that with enlarged lymph nodes, it’s likely the cancerous cells are spreading, as was the case 4 years ago.
I spoke at length with my oncologist today and, after taking a while to draw it out of him, he stated that any treatment he could offer me would come with side effects I find unacceptable and would likely only extend my life by months…...or maybe one to two years. And I would be sick/feel poorly the whole time.
After I survived chemo and ended hormone deprivation at the end of 2014, I swore that I would not go down those roads again. I remain firm in that conviction. I will, based on the oncologist’s suggestion, speak with the researchers at UCSF to see if there are any studies with minimal side effects that make sense. Perhaps immunotherapy.
But aside from that, adjusting the medical cannabis (CBD:THC ratio and dose) and trying to keep stress to a minimum, this is where I begin to let nature take its course. A person in my shoes can spend all their time seeing doctors and being involved with the cancer industry which will likely make them quite ill and unable to enjoy life. Or one can accept the cards dealt them and enjoy life while they still feel relatively well.
I have the same, very aggressive tumor I was originally diagnosed with.
It’s growing and is outside the gland again (extracapsular).
Radiology report reads: “.........within the right mid gland involving both the transition and peripheral zones is very highly suspicious for a clinically significant neoplasm….”. It also stated that there is “involvement of the right seminal vesicle.” Finally, “There are enlarged bilateral...lymph node suspicious for regional nodal metastases.”
This means, the tumor has once again spread outside the gland and into the right seminal vesicle (google it if male reproductive anatomy isn’t your strong suit). It also means that with enlarged lymph nodes, it’s likely the cancerous cells are spreading, as was the case 4 years ago.
I spoke at length with my oncologist today and, after taking a while to draw it out of him, he stated that any treatment he could offer me would come with side effects I find unacceptable and would likely only extend my life by months…...or maybe one to two years. And I would be sick/feel poorly the whole time.
After I survived chemo and ended hormone deprivation at the end of 2014, I swore that I would not go down those roads again. I remain firm in that conviction. I will, based on the oncologist’s suggestion, speak with the researchers at UCSF to see if there are any studies with minimal side effects that make sense. Perhaps immunotherapy.
But aside from that, adjusting the medical cannabis (CBD:THC ratio and dose) and trying to keep stress to a minimum, this is where I begin to let nature take its course. A person in my shoes can spend all their time seeing doctors and being involved with the cancer industry which will likely make them quite ill and unable to enjoy life. Or one can accept the cards dealt them and enjoy life while they still feel relatively well.
