My last oncologist appointment back in May went extremely well (see "High Fives"). So much so, I went with four month intervals on check ups. Of course, I had an ace in the hole - I was due a routine check up with my general physician in July which normally involves a full blood panel and an extra PSA test that I could hedge the bet with - so to speak.
Over the past few months, I have been really ramping up my work towards a healthy life style and trying to take full advantage of being off the Lupron treatments. There are no words to explain what it feels like to watch and feel my body return to normal as my testosterone continues to return. Strength, vitality, mental clarity, and armpit hair. Yes, pit hair. Something that had disappeared along with chest hair, leg hair and even back hair at the expense of hormone therapy. You may think that I make too much of something like that, but it is just a visual indicator of the completeness that I am beginning to feel and enjoy.
As I said, I have been mostly adhering to a healthy diet consisting of ample vegetables and greens, minimal red meat products relying mainly on fish and fowl - and tofu. Whole grain bread and brown rice, minimal processed carbs and sugars. I have also minimized my alcohol consumption - relying mainly on nonalcoholic beers when I desire a malty beverage.
On the exercise front, I run a couple of times a week, continue to walk most days at lunch, and also increased my strength training - both at home with a Bowflex and dumbbells, and also at a local gym.
I am also trying to be outside as much as I can to get ample sunlight. Either by doing yard work, or going to the beach or camping/hiking.
So, today was my July GP appointment. All of my efforts payed out in some ways, as there was a significant drop in my cholesterol - so much so that I am now going to half my statin dose and see how it goes. Unfortunately, the hand I was dealt wasn't a full house. It seems that my PSA has gone from completely undetectable to barely detectable. It is a very small number (0.06 ng/ml), but it has possibly reared it's ugly head once again. The fact that it returned is no real surprise, I was just hoping it took more time. I have already consulted with my Oncologists' office. They did not seem too concerned and mentioned the accuracy difference between a screening test and diagnostic test. That they would run a diagnostic on my September 16th visit and see where my levels are at that time. Seems reasonable to me. Almost two months.
So now what? After all that effort, there is a strong possibility that my cancer is returning. So do I through caution to the wind and fold on my attempts at a healthy approach. Well, I will admit that the thought briefly crossed my mind. Resigning myself to just get back on the Lupron and let the chips fall where they may. But at the end of the day, I still feel better than I have in years. And just where would my cancer be right now had I not been proactive with my health?
The way I see it, I have just shy of two months before the next time my hand is called. It is time to really refine and fine tune my game and wear my best poker face. I might be playing against a stacked deck and long shot odds, but I'll be damned if I will flinch. The moment I back off, the house wins the pot.
So you thinking I'm folding my hand any time soon? Fuck you, cancer. I ain't folding shit. I'm doubling down on your ass.
Peace out.
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