Talking Frankly about Living with Advanced Cancer

@dutchman09 Oh my, that sure might explain the differing lab numbers, then, doesn't it!? Well, we at least have that info to work with, and using a more reputable lab that your new dr suggests may show what the closer-to-truth values are, don't you think?

At the end here I linked an article from Mayo Clinic about hot flashes. Yes, it is geared towards women, but the treatments and suggestions are universal. I have long followed the idea of keeping cool water around, limiting alcohol [easy these days since I am on chemo!] and stress [not as easy these day since I am on chemo!] I also did black cohosh, keeping my body temp regulated [layers of clothes as needed], it all has become part of my routine so much i don't even think about it anymore.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795
What sounds like a workable plan for you?
Ginger

Yes that might explain the wide gap in PSA results between the two Labs. But I probably won't get another Lab result until a week before my next appointment in May and Dr. Dunshee will have to send me another Requisition. In the mean time I'll just have to take it one day at a time.

Thank you very much for the article on hot flashes. I had to laugh at the part "Estrogen is the primary hormone used to reduce hot flashes." Funny, but I don't think I qualify. Since getting the injection of Eligard last Tuesday I've really only experienced one minor what might be called a hot flash. I can only go by what I used to experience after the Lupron injection in April. I took the first tablet of Bicalutamide 50 mg at bedtime last night. I seem to remember him prescribing that to help with the hot flashes. Please forgive me if I sound too inquisitive but you mentioned you were on Chemo. I showed Dr. Dunshee a printout I copied from the Internet that Chemo may cause Peripheral Nephropathy with which I was diagnosed with four years ago. I did not have diabetes! After my heart attack on Feb. 10, 2010, (back when I still trusted the medical profession) a pill pushing Cardiologist named Brenda Peart prescribed a statin called Crestor for 8 years without ever proving to me that I had high cholesterol. It does effect my sleep at least where my left foot is concerned.

@dutchman09 I am on chemo for multiple myeloma. I also have neuropathy in my lower left leg/foot caused by the myeloma, and use a cane to help mobility, now. It is one of three health issues currently being addressed, all unrelated to the other.

Yeah for being able to grin at some of the terms used in the article! Just the other day I met a fellow from my same hometown, we were 1000 miles from there [small world, right?] who shared he was a male breast cancer survivor, so I am sure he has had the same cocked head response to articles on breast cancer!

I hope you will find some relief in the prescription you were given, along with more mundane choices of cool water and layers of clothes!
Ginger

thanks to the group it realy makes Life a little better and feel that I am somebody and This not something that Im Just going through.I see now that may have been on this Road and i appreciate those shareing their Knowledge as to how they are Battling this Infirmity May the great God who WHO knows our Needs continue this Outlet and Love of this PARTICULAR Group !

Sorry to read about your multiple melanoma. My lower left leg and especially my left foot seems to be getting worse especially when laying down if they rub against the sheet or something! I know there is no cure for PN but after reading the reviews for Neuropure (not written by the product maker) I decided to give it a try. Should come in the mail any day. I did not know melanoma could cause Nephropathy. I should use a cane because of my balance problem from PN but I'm stubborn!

It seems funny to read the phrase 'male breast cancer' when it's anything but! My breasts have enlarged somewhat because of the hormone therapy. But I guess it's just something else to live with. Fingers crossed, so far no real hot flashes incidence. As mentioned, I've taken that prescription before to try and lower my PSA but never made the connection with hot flashes.

Hi @upstairs17. How are you today? What brought a smile to your face today?

JUST PEOPLE WERE SMILING WHILE GETTING THERE MEDICIEN AT CVS, AND ALTHOUGH MOST WERE FACED WITH WITHOUT THERE MEDIECIN THEY WOULD SUFFER PAIN AND OTHERS DEATH (SILENTLTY ,UNDERSTOOD) AS I WAITED FOR MINE PEOPLE SAID HI AND THAT MADE ME SMILE . I SUSPECT THAT THIS IS WHY LIFE MEANS SO MUCH AND IT MADE ME FEEL IMPRESSED OF HOW MUCH PEOPLE LOVE AND DONT EVEN KNOW HOW MUCH A SIMPLE SMILE OR HELLOW IS LIFE GIVING TO OTHERS WHO DONT KNOW THIS SECRET.

That's so true, @upstairs17 I read this yesterday somewhere else by @rambler:
Life is like a mirror.
If we frown at it, it frowns back.
If we smile. it returns the greeting.
People respond the same way.

i think it helps to read how other people are trying to deal with the same problems. i think it makes me realize other's have the same thought and feelings and know we are not the only ones. i have had pancreatic cancer since 2015 which is a miracle i am still here to me. i was NED for almost 3 years and now have a recurrence and mets in my lungs. At first another Dr ws able to ablate 5 mets but now there are 20 small ones and about 5 are growing slowly so that makes me feel guilty. There are always people who have a harder life to live or easier one than we do so comparing is not helpful. What i think helps is that you learn from each other how to look at things differently and hear ideals that help you put it all in perspective. i am 72 and old age is when we typically get cancer. But when i hear of younger people getting it it is tragic. My oncologists said even if he had a crystal ball he couldn't say what kind of road lies ahead. It is like the blind leading the blind sort of. Take it one day at a time i guess.

@leighs2011 Yes, I agree. Each person's journey is unique, and in sharing we can reveal what works for us. So many times I will read a post, and have an "ah-ha!" moment, and be able to add another tool to my arsenal as I navigate my own path.

Do I say "congratulations" for working this many years with pancreatic cancer? It is indeed a sneaky cancer, that one! I really like your attitude, and am wishing nothing but what works best for you.
Ginger