Recap

Sunday, February 5

Your wonderful feedback after ‘A Big Eraser’ post brought me many smiles. It also seems like the post rekindled warm youthful memories for some of you. Bravo!

I shall use this post to recap my journey in the broadest of strokes. After all, when I return to my very first post, I realize it is dated this week a full year ago. It starts:

“It is an uncharacteristically sunny Eugene winter day. I casually stroll to my biyearly physical.  I exit knowing all is well. Feeling great and smug. I note that doctor requested a lipid panel in  the near future.”

I vividly recall the walk of that day.

Since then my first phase of treatment, from April to August, was a very successful chemotherapy, anti-androgen and steroid regime. This was coupled with excellent acupuncture treatments and the paleo diet. The emotional swings were tremendous but the body responded well –  a stunning decrease in PSA from a high of 70 down to 1.77. Thankfully, the liver held up exceedingly well to this drug assault.

The doctors moved me to a second phase of treatment – a significantly less invasive drug. The idea was to allow my body to recover and also increase the quality of my everyday life. My hope was this would keep those pesky cancer cells at bay for two years. Alas, as we all know, it did not work – almost immediately the PSA started its slow, incedious uptick!

By December, after many hurdles, I started my third phase of treatment, namely, a daily dose of Enazlutamide coupled with injections of Lupron every 4 months. Recall “Laurie’s excitement as the UPS driver skidded to a halt on the icy street in the front of our house and bounded up to the door with my first month’s supply of medication”.   We will get an indication of the efficacy of this third phase treatment as we venture up to a Dr. Beer appointment at OHSU this Tuesday.

Now here I am, one year later – Still Standing!

Except for a nagging fatigue, some joint pain, decreasing muscular strength and occasional hot flashes, I feel exceedingly good! I have fully accepted my illness and am able to deal with the emotional swings. I enjoy daily life immensely. I ski regularly, live large, eat well, sleep snugly and plan extended climbing, hiking, cycling and family vacations. I’ve learned to tremendously appreciate the small things in life.  Most importantly, I value, beyond words, family and friends and especially the most extraordinary person in my life –——- Laurie!

!La Pura Vida!