Sunday, December 4
I have been struggling over the last few days to fully comprehend that MY cancer has now progressed to what is called metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. I think, this means the androgen deprivation therapy has simply stopped working. Intellectually, I know that almost all patients do progress to this situation, but something about this stark reality continues to drag me down. I wrestle with this, but marvel at how things seem to be coming together all around me…………..
– I have been accepted into a clinical trial at UCSF which involves a fancy imaging device know as a PMSA PET Scan. Apparently it can ‘see’ much more of my cancer than traditional devices (I’ll leave the rest to the experts). The folks at UCSF have been wonderfully accommodating and all-around delightful. I look forward to seeing them soon.
– Dr. Beer talks about the prospect of an OHSU immunotherapy trial expanding in about two months, for which I may be eligible. The initial results are very promising for patients with liver metastases (just like me). He’s excited, so, needless to say, so am I!
– My climbing buddy, good friend and research doctor, Chris, tells me he will speak with Dr. Beer about my case. He then will assist me in making the best decision for my next course of treatment.
– I receive a call from my most staunch medical advocates, Susan and Manfred, while vacationing in Maui. They wanted to know exactly how the appointment went last Wednesday. They confer with each other and offer much appreciated advice and support.
– Snow piles high in the mountains and Laurie, Paul, Yvonne and I enjoy our first back country ski of the season. Gorgeous!
– BEST OF ALL is how the magnanimous Laurie continues to shine and bring love and light to me under all conditions and circumstance. She stands by me as strong and solid as a granite boulder – truly stable and relentlessly unwavering!
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How fortunate I am as things come together for me!
I continue to marvel at how well both you and Laurie are dealing with your ongoing “adventure”. Your spirit, openness and courage amaze me, thank you for all the sharing. And thanks for the fine dinner we had with you when we were in Eugene at Thanksgiving; good food, good friends, good times… Thinking of you both, and envious that you’ve already gotten some skiing in.
Hi Michael,
I’ve been following your fight against cancer from the beginning. I’m sorry to hear that it can become resistant to the current treatment protocols. But it sounds like your doctors have come up with some new trails that sound promising.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers always!
God Bless you and Laurie,
Bill