Friday, March 02, 2012

PSA Level Still Dropping…

I went for a PSA test late last week… that time again… I got a call from my oncologist yesterday saying that my PSA had dropped a little...again… Fantastic news… My PSA was at 6.5 in December, down to 4.9 in October and now it’s at 3.6… not huge drops, but as long as it’s dropping or even holding steady it’s a good thing!

So, for now, I get to continue on my 4 month Eligard injections and my daily Bicalutamide pills… Testing every couple of months…

I will be posting an article by a ‘guest bloggist’ shortly… this is an article about Seasonal Affective Disorder or S A D.  Not quite on topic of prostate cancer, but it is something that affects a lot of people… I will comment more on the article when I post it.

Until next time…

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Inspiration…

I received an email about a month ago from someone I met during my cross Canada bike ride back in 2006… It was great to hear from April, and even better to hear the news she sent. 

April gave me permission to post it here:

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Hi John, its a little out of the blue for me to email you, but I have
to tell you what an impact you have had on the lives of the loved-ones
in my family. Back in I believe it was 2006 when you cycled through a
little town called Claresholm, AB, I was the new-to-the-job reporter
for the Claresholm Local Press. In an interview conducted at the
Claresholm Fire Hall, you told me your story, and well it stuck with
me. The next year I was married, my husband was then in his early 30’s
and I remember recalling the information you had shared with me to
him. Later that year we had sat around his uncle’s living room and
once again this topic seemed to come to the table. And my husband
encouraged his uncle (who was in his early 40’s) to get things checked
out. He did, and turned out he had a type of prostate cancer. He
battled it like a champion and after almost two years and multiple
surgeries, Uncle D is cancer free.
I wanted to say thank you for sharing your story, thank you for the
inspiration, and we are grateful for the awareness you helped to create.

Sincerely,
April

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It is always good to hear from those I met on my ride...it is even better when I hear news that my efforts during the ride made a difference in someones life!  Thanks April!  I am so happy for uncle D and the entire family…

Until next time....

Monday, January 16, 2012

Happy New Year…2012

A little late...but better that than not at all...LOL

The New Year has been good to us so far....  Cindy and I met with my new oncologist at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre… We both really liked him and his thoughts on where we are headed and plans for the future… Have to like a doc who is willing to plan for a future!!

I had a PSA test done on December 23rd… got the results when we met the oncologist… a little mix up at first (expected when your care is transferred from one doctor to another and then on to a third even without seeing the second...Not sure what happened to the second one!) but the results are good… My PSA levels actually fell slightly… so the Bicalutamide is still working… Great news to get going into the New Year… We discussed what the future probably holds and talked about new medications (not yet available here) and current Clinical Trials… so far I still qualify for a couple of trials...but hopefully we won’t have to worry about those for a little while yet… I will now be getting PSA tests every 2 months...previously it’s been every 3-4 months… The doctor is also willing to do as much as possible without me having to travel to Calgary and back… so testing will be done here, and we will connect through phone calls...if/when my PSA levels warrant further treatment then I will travel to Calgary to meet the doc and discuss the current options.

Hopefully the New Year brings great things to everyone! 

Happiness and Good Health!

Until next time....

Friday, December 09, 2011

Questioning The Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients

As promised yesterday… here is the article from David Haas…

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Questioning The Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients

Cancer treatments have changed a lot over the decades, and another change is now recommended for all cancer treatment centers. Based off recent studies, cancer specialists have called for physical therapists, trained in creating safe exercise programs for cancer patients, be included in treatment teams. As a result, growing number of personal trainers are receiving certification, and patients are demanding that their doctors and insurance companies make personal fitness part of standard, treatment protocol.

Is Exercise Appropriate During Every Stage of Cancer Treatment?

The simple answer is yes. Every cancer patient should be getting the same amount of exercise suggested for the general public, which is about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobics a week. Of course, some people with cancer are not fit enough to handle this even when well, and some forms of cancer and treatment may leave the patient unable to move around much. This is where a personal trainer can help out the most. Just as they help design and monitor cardiovascular workouts for heart attack patients, a fitness expert can help ensure even severely ill mesothelioma patients receive the benefits of exercise.

What are the Benefits of Aerobic Exercise for Patients?

The primary benefit to be identified for all patients is increased quality of life. Many of the symptoms of cancer, such as weight change, pain, appetite loss and fatigue, can be moderated or relieved through regular exercise. Following a surgery, exercise is recommended for returning proper blood flow to the effected area and speeding recovery. One of the benefits, discovered directly through clinical trials, is that breast and colon cancer patients increased survival rates and reduced recurrence through the use of exercise.

When is the Best Time to Start a Fitness Program?

As numerous studies and recommendations from national cancer organizations have shown, the best time to start an exercise program is before diagnosis. Lack of exercise is a major risk factor for most types of cancer, and being physically fit makes successful treatment far more possible. In other words, whether you have been just diagnosed, are currently in treatment, or are a cancer survivor, the best time to begin moving toward the 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week is now.

Though the primary goal is aerobic exercise, this says little about the type. Type of exercise should be determined by your preferences and the suggestions of a trainer working with the treatment team.

David Haas
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I do believe in exercise...at every stage… of course, it has to be appropriate for each individual.  I exercise every week… sometimes 2 or 3 times a week… sometimes only once...and sometimes only a part of my regular workout.  It all depends on how I am feeling.  Over doing it only makes me feel more tired and makes me less functional for the rest of my day or week… So I adjust to how I’m feeling or what I’m capable of… But regardless, exercise is great for everyone who can do some.

Thanks David for taking the time to write this and allow me to post it here…

Until next time....

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Another Guest Blogger…

Tomorrow I will be posting an article written by David Haas.  David is a cancer patient advocate for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. He writes and researches for the betterment of cancer patients around the United States.

David has written an article commenting on the Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients… It is only a short article, but a great read… I hope you come back soon to check it out....

Until next time....