Well, guess who has prostate cancer?
Yep, me. Short version, I have stage 3 prostate cancer. I'm about to start a 2 year hormone therapy which blocks my production of testosterone. In three months I will begin a six week daily radiation therapy.
They found definite signs of cancer on my prostate via biopsy and MRI. Other factors (primarily my super high PSA) seems to indicate it is trying to or is spreading to my lymph nodes.
The hormone I'll be taking stops my production of testosterone. This can lead to:
Lethargy.
Nausea.
Weight gain.
Hot flashes, difficulty in controlling body temperature.
(Potentially) some brain fog or memory issues.
Being more emotional.
Frequent and urgent need for "bio" breaks.
By doing hormones for three months first, it will help shrink my prostate and make the radiation more effective. However during the radiation it may amplify some of the issues I listed above. That should only last for the six weeks I'm getting blasted with radiation. Still hoping it triggers something and I turn into a super hero.
Best of all I get to enjoy the hormone effects for two [explicatives deleted] years.
On the bright side, even at Stage 3 he said I wind up with a 99 success rate by using the hormone / radiation combo.
He did say that exercise is one of the best ways to combat a lot of the symptoms, and that after 1,134 continuous days of exercise my body has become accustomed to it, which is good. However he also stated I'll have to really push myself to get through a workout. Weight lifting he said is especially good, which I do (and honestly is my favorite).
Well no need for pity or anything, I fully intend to kick cancer's ass. I'll just feel like crap for a few years.
And a reminder guys, get your prostates checked. Catching it early like I did is what leads to a good result. And ladies, breast cancer is real too so get your checkups!