My newly acquired and rapidly increasing knowledge of prostate cancer tells me that the disease is quite wide spread in men. It is heterogenous and varies greatly in severity – from very slow growing, requiring little to no treatment, all the way to large volume, aggressive cells attacking other organs and bones in the body. Currently, there seems to be four basic treatment options: surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Research is moving along extremely rapidly to not only improve on these therapies, but advance promising newer therapies like immunotherapy, virotherapy and advanced genetic techniques.
My actual diagnosis is high grade, high risk metastatic prostate cancer following a rapid rise in PSA. This diagnosis was determined from a biopsy which revealed 11 out of 12 cancerous cores (Gleasons grade 4 + 5). Imaging (Bone and CT scan) shows skeletal, lymph node and liver metastases. In particular the bone scan found a focus of intense activity localizing to superior aspect of left pubic body. The CT scan revealed numerous masses in liver. The largest is in inferior right hepatic lobe measures 2.5 x 2.4 cm. These are suspicious for metastases.
The initial physical exam by the medical oncologist reveled no external symptoms (eg. swellings, rashes, numbing etc.). Initial blood tests indicated that all was order – especially significant is healthy liver function. A chest x-ray had indicated that my lungs seem fine.
My western medical treatment plan consists of hormone therapy in combination with chemotherapy. I will receive at least 2 doses, 4 weeks apart, of the drug degarelix. This drug is used to decrease the amount of testosterone in my body, which the tumor cells need as sustenance. It will be injected subcutaneously around the stomach. The drug Docetaxel is my intravenous chemotherapy drug. I will receive 6 doses, spaced 3 weeks apart. In conjunction with Docetaxel, I will take the glucocorticosteriod, Dexamethasone. I take 6 (4mg) pills the day before, the day of and the day after chemotherapy treatment. Finally, I have the option of using Prochlorperazine (10mg) or Lorazepam (1mg) to ameliorate chemotherapy side effects.
My eastern medical treatment consists of: a significant diet change, supplements and acupuncture. I have committed to a paleo type diet for 30 days to help boost my immune system. It is a high protein, high fat, many vegetable, no grain and absolutely no added sugar diet. Apparently, cancer cells love sugar! I will use the recommended supplements: Qunol Ultra CoQ10 and Milk Thistle Seed, both used to promote detoxification – especially of the liver.
I will incorporate other basic strategies in my treatment plan, like minimizing stress, sufficient sleep and continued exercise (both strength training and cardiovascular fitness).
My medical team is quite positive, however, they are not willing to give a definitive prognosis at this time. They have spoken in general terms, but they await more concrete evidence through blood tests and imaging. If these test do not show effective treatment, the team has assured me that they have other tools in the box (second & third line drugs and treatments) and they are willing to use them.
My outlook is extremely positive. I continue to feel the collective healing strength of my extensive support group echoing in the cosmos. THANK YOU ALL – we feel incredibly grateful!