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← Return to Surgery? Radiation? Can I have an independent suggestion?
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Surgery? Radiation? Can I have an independent suggestion?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Dec 28, 2024 | Replies (67)Comment receiving replies
I am 81 years old and coming to the end of the proverbial five year life cycle of stage IV prostate cancer which has metastasized throughout my bones and lymph nodes.
I have had every oncology treatment available except for chemotherapy which was my choice to not undergo.
Cancer has a price tag. Before cancer IS the good old days. Whatever your current cancerous condition IS where are at now. There is no "cure" for cancer. There is only delay. You will have better days and worse days no matter what treatment protocol you are on . All on that downward spiral that leads to our recognition and acceptance that no one gets out of this alive.
Tough words to hear, but the sooner you can accept this the better because that allows you to make the best of your UP days and to cope with and accept your DOWN days .
Replies to "I am 81 years old and coming to the end of the proverbial five year life..."
I totally agree with you, traveler, and I stay away from the word ‘cure’ myself.
The inevitability of our own demise is something we all live with and freely banter about……until that inevitability is right before us and we know that “this is it”.
I’m not there yet (at least I hope not), but you are -and I know it cannot be easy. After all your years of treatment you probably hoped for a better result but those treatments DID get you to 81 years. We can never be sure about such things, but would you have done anything differently? Would you not have endured the gauntlet and left this earth years ago - maybe not seeing your children grow up or your grandchildren being born?
If you are in a good place in your head right now and have gotten the satisfaction you desired out of life, your choice to forego chemo is totally understandable.
Honestly, I cringe at the Pluvicto ads which triumphantly proclaim this magnificent increase in survival rates. But When I see this increase is only for FOUR MONTHS I have to scratch my head!
I know many have used it - some with better results than others - but I wonder if all the side effects justify a lousy 4 months of diminished existence… I guess you’ve decided that it does not…Peace
Actually, many people who get prostate cancer are completely cured. A higher percentage than those that Have it for the rest of their lives.
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I am only 4months post prostate surgery and just found out my PSA still .36 so I still have cancer cells . Pet Scan tomorrow and assume radiation will follow. I’m an active 78 yr old and having a hard time not being able to have sex with my younger wife of 42 yrs. Pills and pumps so far not working, everyone says be patient but waiting one to 2 yrs is a lifetime at my age