Community Member
7 hours agoI’m new here. Looking for a community that offers some support and understanding as to what we are all going through. I’m also looking for suggestions. I was diagnosed in 2022 with stage four metastatic prostate cancer. It had metastasized to my lower pelvic bone. I started on abiratone acetate with prednisone. I went through four weeks worth of radiation treatment. Cancer is currently in remission. I had to be taken off of the abiratone because of the side effects. The side effects aggravated my arthritis and it also caused me to have mental problems. My first oncologist would not believe me on any of this, so I went to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. I had severe chronic osteoarthritis in most of my joints prior to the cancer diagnosis, I had several hand surgeries to deal with, loss of cartilage in my left wrist and right hand. I was deemed unable to work because I did physical labor as an electrician and wound up retiring sooner than I expected. This caused my first breakdown. I am on Lupron injections since pretty much the beginning. This all seems to be working and keeping the cancer in remission. The Lupron injections will stop at the end of this year. I’m three years into this journey, and I am having emotional problems dealing with the fact that I’m gonna be taken off of the Lou prawn which is keeping everything under control. I recently talked to my oncologist over the phone and we had a productive conversation, but I’m still scared. I’m 68 years old. I do know that I’m at the end of my life, but I really don’t wanna go this way. from what I can tell research Wise from reliable sources like Mayo Clinic and Moffitt Cancer Center, which I am going to on a regular basis I probably have another 3 to 5 years left. I’ve had three nervous breakdowns and it’s just overwhelming. I’m probably doing better than most of you physically. I do still go to the gym twice a week with a trainer for half an hour, and to the YMCA swimming pool for at least 45 minutes three times a week when my schedule permits. I don’t sleep well anymore and I’m just incredibly tired. I just really am afraid of the pain that it’s gonna be involved as the disease progresses and I’ve had severe pain with the osteoarthritis most of my life from at least my mid late 30s. I’ve consulted with my pastor, and I’m on my second Counsler, who seems to be very supportive. I am trying to advocate for myself on tests with my oncologist and also my other doctors as well. I currently have seven doctors and I take 10 prescriptions per day. I know that this will eventually catch up with me and it’s just very depressing. I’m just tired of it all.
Community Member
2 hours agoThe decision to stop treatment that's been working brings up completely understandable fears and emotions that many in this community have faced. Having open conversations with your oncologist about your concerns, working with counselors, and staying physically active through swimming and gym sessions shows incredible strength in managing both the physical and emotional challenges. This community understands the weight of these decisions and the complex feelings that come with treatment changes - you're not alone in feeling scared and overwhelmed by what lies ahead.
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