F*** You, Cancer! Catch all

Robear wrote:

I've successfully transitioned from painful Eligard shots to nice Orgovyx pills. They fight with the Erleada so I have to take a double dose, but the outcome of that is that the Orgovyx is simply metabolized more quickly, so the side effects risks are probably not increased. I'm already more comfortable and less tired most days.

Part of that has to be that the metastases are being pushed back by the ADT therapy. The more space they take up, the less the bone marrow can work, so if I'm feeling more energetic, stands to reason my red blood cell count is going up.

As a bonus, my Dexa (osteoporosis) scan came back normal and showed I'm starting the fight with strong bones, which is another great piece of news.

I am happy and content today. We ordered some sushi and unagi don ("Eel Donald", I think) and the chefs today are completely on point. They even used real wasabi, none of that evil green reconstituted horseradish. What a good celebration!

Scans to see if the cancers have spread will be in late January. I'm looking forward to them but mostly to another good month, full of holidays and gift-giving and hanging with friends. Thank you all for being here for me. I know that is a self-centered way to look at it, but you all are one of my big support groups, and you really help keep me centered when I have anxiety and questions and doubt. I appreciate everyone who has reached out to me, and... just everyone here. You're good peeps.

Good news! Way to hang in there!

So extremely happy to see the update, Robear

Good! Excellent! The way I behave online is directly because of how kind and patient you have been, Robear. I like to think that's made me a better person in day-to-day interactions.

Thanks everyone!

And Vector, remember, no one can change you. Only you can do that, so really it speaks to your character.

Awesome update at a time we desperately need that uplift too. Cheers.

So glad to hear!!

Robear wrote:

Thanks everyone!

And Vector, remember, no one can change you. Only you can do that, so really it speaks to your character.

You're parenting again, Internet Dad!

Aw, shucks.

Okay. Had my 5 month oncology update. Progress is "fantastic". Doc expects psa to be undetectable from today's draw. No serious side effects from meds, no changes needed. We will continue this path indefinitely. Everyone a bit shocked by the velocity of the psa drop, which is apparently why it's such good news.

Confirmatory bone scan in a month but judging by reduction in pain I'm hoping for good news.

Thanks for all the support folks. Just wanted to share the good news.

Where is that Guinness "Brilliant!" gif when you need it?

I know, right?

Holy snap, doesn't get much better than that, does it?!?!?

Now we get to see how long it lasts, while the drug pipeline keeps pouring out innovations.

HELL. YES.

Woohoo!

Robear wrote:

Okay. Had my 5 month oncology update. Progress is "fantastic". Doc expects psa to be undetectable from today's draw. No serious side effects from meds, no changes needed. We will continue this path indefinitely. Everyone a bit shocked by the velocity of the psa drop, which is apparently why it's such good news.

Confirmatory bone scan in a month but judging by reduction in pain I'm hoping for good news.

Thanks for all the support folks. Just wanted to share the good news.

We celebrate the Ws we get. Love to hear the good news!

So, 6 months of ADT and my second bone scan was yesterday. First one showed about a dozen metastases to bones. Yesterdays had 3, and they were smaller than before. Doctor says that’s a tremendous response. So now I have boarded what I hope is the long-haul train and I plan on riding it as far as it will take me. The damage done by the mets is already being filled in by the Xgeva. I feel better and have way more energy.

Super happy and thanks to all of you for the support over the last six months. I greatly appreciate it. This cancer will always be a threat but for now I’m in a really good place.

NOICE.

YAY!!!!

Great news, Robear!

Great news. Very happy for you.

I knew this would be coming because my pain is almost entirely gone, and my energy is up again, so I think that’s the bone marrow pumping out more red blood cells. So happy.

AHHHHHHHHH I'm just elated for you Robear, that is so awesome!!! We're still working on getting my son's factory back, still continuous platelets each day, still not hanging on to HgB either. It's just such a rut, but we continue buy time and keep beating the cancer down with immunotherapy so we can keep working toward CAR-T, which is a win we'll take by the day.

f*ck yeah, Robear!

Wizard, I wish you the best of luck with your son’s treatment! And I’m glad the immunotherapy is working, I know that’s hit and miss.

That's awesome to hear Robear!

Well, so... Cancer related. After my last PSA draw late January, I got a call. My blood sugar 2 hours after breakfast was 386. Which, I checked, and that's Not Good. At all. I was having a bunch of symptoms of diabetes, when I checked them too. And best of all, blood sugar increases can be caused by some of the meds I'm taking. I had also just given up on my diet to comfort eat and was not exercising regularly like should. All causes of metabolic syndrome at least. So early February I called my doc and got a Libre monitor script and stuck it in my arm.

First day blood sugar was 340 to over 500. Not sure how much over, as the sensor stops at five hundred.

So of course I freaked out. Called the doc the next day, he prescribed Metformin. Started gobbling that stuff like candy. Consulted with some diabetics I know, completely f*cking changed my diet, laid off the exercise for a few weeks (that's thing with high blood sugar) and kept up the monitoring while learning about carb counting.

Had my first consult with my new endocrinologist the other day. Now running between about 130 and 170 and still dropping the curve. Symptoms (which were in retrospect brutal but had come on gradually) are gone. I'm way more comfortable, not thirsty all the time, vision is back to normal, and best of all I'm perky, alert and energetic. Doctor says I'm way ahead of the curve adjusting to it and doesn't want any blood work or additional drugs.

So freaking relieved. I have the best family and friends to help me through this along with the cancer.

Had my first consult with my new endocrinologist the other day. Now running between about 130 and 170 and still dropping the curve. Symptoms (which were in retrospect brutal but had come on gradually) are gone. I'm way more comfortable, not thirsty all the time, vision is back to normal, and best of all I'm perky, alert and energetic. Doctor says I'm way ahead of the curve adjusting to it and doesn't want any blood work or additional drugs.

Well done!
Things to look out for that you can check the effects on your Libre.
hot showers, caffeine, the dawn effect

Treats like low carb (6g or less) ice cream (microwave it for 20-25 seconds first, otherwise its grainy, like frost burn)
Keto bread is typically bland but works if you want sandwiches or a hot dog bun replacement

I find it is not really reducing carbs but reducing starches. Because you will want to load up on vegetables, especially leafy greens. It is good for your whole family too.

In order to check something's effect on your sugar, check it an hour later because very few things will effect your sugar immediately (like candy or soda)

Be sure to check your eyes. High blood sugar can weaken blood vessels in the eye and cause bleeding.

Thank you Fang! All good advice, definitely part of the plan.

Well, that's some good news! Good job!