Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured.
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@annecavicchi
I was tested every year (PSA) for two decades, but missed a year. Next test showed PSA had skyrocketed. Biopsy showed stage 4 prostate cancer. It happened quickly.
Scans, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy followed.
Surgeon removed the prostate and some flesh where it had spread, but there are still aftereffects.
Good side: I am in Canada, so the cost to me was about $1,000 mostly for hospital parking, travel, and some drugs not fully covered. In the USA I would have died. -
Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi Hey, I'm Stage 4 too. 20 months since first symptoms, 18 months from formal diagnosis.
I'm still here. It's inoperable, it was metastatic, but chemo got rid of the metastases and now I'm on "maintenance". Subsequently found out I also have Lynch Syndrome - genetic aberration making me susceptible to a number of different cancers incl prostate.
If you need an ear to bend, hit me up by DM. Happy to talk to you both (I'm in the UK so time difference applies!)
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@annecavicchi Hey, I'm Stage 4 too. 20 months since first symptoms, 18 months from formal diagnosis.
I'm still here. It's inoperable, it was metastatic, but chemo got rid of the metastases and now I'm on "maintenance". Subsequently found out I also have Lynch Syndrome - genetic aberration making me susceptible to a number of different cancers incl prostate.
If you need an ear to bend, hit me up by DM. Happy to talk to you both (I'm in the UK so time difference applies!)
@annecavicchi I should probably say, btw:
Symptoms, all of a sudden - blood where it shouldn't be.
PSA score: 1206.GP quote: "I'm no oncologist but that looks like advanced metastatic prostate cancer to me"
Urologist quote: "Massively enlarged prostate"
Oncologist quote: "You're looking at... well... if you're unlucky, 3 to 5 years"So far, I am not unlucky!
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
So sorry to hear that, Anne. I do hope the treatment your husband gets will be effective.
Sharing my own story in hopes that it will incentivise someone to take action
I got my prostate cancer diagnosed at 55 years old through a medical study. It was an opt-in thing and I considered skipping it. Then again, it was just a blood test so my wife insisted. The blood test showed elevated levels of PSA, so a biopsy was scheduled. All 12 samples collected showed active cancer cells. No spreading luckily.
Treatment chosen was radiation, preceded by hormones (which, wow…) Just a few weeks back I got my 5 year “all clear” test, and I have recovered fully. So amazing.
My wife has an acquaintance who’s husband got his treatment start delayed by a year. She is now a widow. Can’t stop thinking that my wife could also have been a widow today. This is serious stuff.
So yeah, guys – get the test done yearly once you pass 50.
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@annecavicchi Hey, I'm Stage 4 too. 20 months since first symptoms, 18 months from formal diagnosis.
I'm still here. It's inoperable, it was metastatic, but chemo got rid of the metastases and now I'm on "maintenance". Subsequently found out I also have Lynch Syndrome - genetic aberration making me susceptible to a number of different cancers incl prostate.
If you need an ear to bend, hit me up by DM. Happy to talk to you both (I'm in the UK so time difference applies!)
Thank you so much for sharing.
I swing back and forth from being hopeful, optimistic, and encouraged to totally fearful that treatment isn't going to work.
They started him on the hormones right away and have recommended the triple (triplet) therapy. I know he is nervous about the chemo, but I think this is what he will do. I've tried not to influence his decision as it really is his to make. I just want him to have the best chance, and from what the oncologist tells us, this is it.
He is a 'take the dog for long walks, golf 2 - 3 rounds a week' guy. In November, hr hurt his back (herniated disc) and in investigating that, the cancer was discovered. Right now, he can only walk short distances with a cane.0
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
Anne, I'm so very sorry you and your husband are facing a grim prognosis.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi big hugs
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
Triple therapy started mid February (Relugolix that started mid January, added Darolutamide and chemo with Docetaxel).
He has tolerated the treatments well and is feeling better than he was. The oncologists are pleased with what they see so far.
Two down, four to go.
He is having radiation now (between chemotherapy sessions) to deal with one of the spine metastasis).
We have some hope now - but what a horrible thing for him to be going through all of this. -
Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi OMG, Anne, I'm just now reading this and I'm so very sorry. But I'm glad to read treatment is going well so far.
And thank you for taking the time, amidst everything, to warn others about the importance of testing. You might be saving some stranger's life.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi I am so so sorry. Sending you and your husband hugs, love, and hopeful wishes.
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Triple therapy started mid February (Relugolix that started mid January, added Darolutamide and chemo with Docetaxel).
He has tolerated the treatments well and is feeling better than he was. The oncologists are pleased with what they see so far.
Two down, four to go.
He is having radiation now (between chemotherapy sessions) to deal with one of the spine metastasis).
We have some hope now - but what a horrible thing for him to be going through all of this.@annecavicchi Wishing you both healing, comfort, and peace as you traverse this chapter of your lives together.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
-
Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi I might say best of luck to both of you but it takes more than luck.
Think positive.
Don’t dwell on it all the time.
Enjoy the times you have together as much as you can.
Celebrate life.
Prostate cancer is just one of the many factors that can snuff out our wonderful lives in either minutes or years. Yes, fight it, but also live your lives as if it were not there. It hasn’t won yet.
Just my humble opinion, hopefully you are not offended. -
Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi So sorry to hear this, Anne. Thinking of you and your husband, I hope we can all be a small measure of comfort to you in this time.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi So sorry to hear it was not picked up on earlier. Sending you strength in these hard times
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Triple therapy started mid February (Relugolix that started mid January, added Darolutamide and chemo with Docetaxel).
He has tolerated the treatments well and is feeling better than he was. The oncologists are pleased with what they see so far.
Two down, four to go.
He is having radiation now (between chemotherapy sessions) to deal with one of the spine metastasis).
We have some hope now - but what a horrible thing for him to be going through all of this.@annecavicchi Glad your husband is tolerating treatments so far and his oncologists are pleased with it all. Hope it continues to go well. Stay strong and be kind to yourself. Your husband needs you to help him through this process.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
-
Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi Oh this sucks, I'm so sorry.
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Triple therapy started mid February (Relugolix that started mid January, added Darolutamide and chemo with Docetaxel).
He has tolerated the treatments well and is feeling better than he was. The oncologists are pleased with what they see so far.
Two down, four to go.
He is having radiation now (between chemotherapy sessions) to deal with one of the spine metastasis).
We have some hope now - but what a horrible thing for him to be going through all of this.@annecavicchi I had totally missed this saga. I'm glad the treatments are going OK. Sending love to you both!
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Triple therapy started mid February (Relugolix that started mid January, added Darolutamide and chemo with Docetaxel).
He has tolerated the treatments well and is feeling better than he was. The oncologists are pleased with what they see so far.
Two down, four to go.
He is having radiation now (between chemotherapy sessions) to deal with one of the spine metastasis).
We have some hope now - but what a horrible thing for him to be going through all of this.@annecavicchi rooting hard for you guys
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