Entry 58
December 8, 2011
The TED Talks series is my favorite video podcast set. Here's a recent one about a treatment that may have implications for those with prostate and other types of cancer in the future.
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
An account of one man's encounter with prostate cancer
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Anniversary of Surgery
Entry 57
December 6, 2011
My prostatectomy was on December 9, 2010. One year has passed quickly. What a day that was.
Here it is... time to celebrate Christmas in 2011. Today we enjoyed the Festival of Trees in the grand halls of Manitoba Hydro.
December 6, 2011
My prostatectomy was on December 9, 2010. One year has passed quickly. What a day that was.
Here it is... time to celebrate Christmas in 2011. Today we enjoyed the Festival of Trees in the grand halls of Manitoba Hydro.
Jets Tree - Click to enlarge the image
I had my injection of Zoladex on November 29. I now begin what they call 'Intermittent Hormone Therapy' which means your medical team takes you off the hormone therapy regimen and puts you on a "drug holiday". Given that the prostate cancer escaped into my lymph nodes, they will measure the PSA number every 3 months in order to observe how quickly it begins to climb - in my case from the 0.01ng/ml baseline in November 2011. The speed with which it comes back, and then doubles, determines the aggressiveness. My doctor and his primary care nurse expect me to be on this drug holiday for 9 months to a year, at which time they will put me back on the hormone therapy again. They plan to keep doing this until the PC figures a way around the treatment, and if history is any indication, it will. Hopefully some bright group of researchers will come up with another treatment that will be additive to the hormone therapy.
My timeline
My timeline
I seem to be affected by only a few side effects of the hormone therapy; tiredness and loss of strength which I combat with the weight machines and free weights at the Reh-fit, hot flashes I have under control with a medication, weight gain ( I've held it at bay, but it's really tough to make inroads here), and the one I was particularly worried about, heart disease. I'm not so worried about this now but I will have to keep an eye the blood pressure.
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Monday, November 21, 2011
Bright Days
Entry 56
November 21, 2011
Prior to the Polar Bears International event last Thursday, Bob Williams invited me to the Winnipeg Jets vs Philadelphia Flyers hockey game on the following Saturday. Like I was going to say no! The proviso was that his wife Heather did not want to go. As it turned out Heather was willing to relinquish her seat - Thank you, Heather.
The above photo was taken there - great game - great seats - about 8 rows up from the ice immediately behind the visitors' bench. Even with my sorry eyes I could clearly see the faces of all the players. Being an avid Winnipeg Jets fan, I threatened to go down and rap on 6' 6" Chris Pronger's helmet and tell him he was ugly and his grandmother wears combat boots but Bob suggested to me I might reconsider. As it turned out the Jets didn't need me - lucky for Pronger :)
It's not until you are that close to the ice that you really begin to understand how fast the NHL game really is. I found myself mesmerized not only by the speed but also the nano second decision making and the accuracy of the passing.
The next day Tom and Dana invited Dana's dad, Menno and me to the Bombers/Ticats CFL Eastern Playoff game. Another thoroughly enjoyable occasion - well, it was a little chilly - at the last game at the old stadium. The Blue won the Eastern final and a trip to the Grey Cup in Vancouver on November 27th. GO BLUE!
Pretty magical weekend for HS. Thanks to all concerned.
---------------------------
Almost one year past my surgery I have been feeling well, although slightly fatigued at times. Splitting two cords of firewood might be the reason for that. As well, for the last nine months my blood pressure has been inconsistent, sometimes very high. My family doctor has prescribed Atenolol and Hyzaar. The late November appointment with my urologist will include my last injection of Zoladex for the next 9 -12 months as I will be on a "drug holiday". I have been receiving Zoladex every three months since March of this year.
The speaker at the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting on November 17 was urologist Dr. Ross MacMahon and the timely topic was “Understanding Hormone Therapy". I learned that osteoporosis, cardiac issues and diabetes are potential complications of the hormone treatments. For anyone who is interested, here are details for the next Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group:
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday December 13, 2011
Party Time: Entertainment by Fire and Ice
Location: Seven Oaks General Hospital
Main Floor Auditorium - Leila & McPhillips
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
November 21, 2011
Prior to the Polar Bears International event last Thursday, Bob Williams invited me to the Winnipeg Jets vs Philadelphia Flyers hockey game on the following Saturday. Like I was going to say no! The proviso was that his wife Heather did not want to go. As it turned out Heather was willing to relinquish her seat - Thank you, Heather.
Harry and Bob
The above photo was taken there - great game - great seats - about 8 rows up from the ice immediately behind the visitors' bench. Even with my sorry eyes I could clearly see the faces of all the players. Being an avid Winnipeg Jets fan, I threatened to go down and rap on 6' 6" Chris Pronger's helmet and tell him he was ugly and his grandmother wears combat boots but Bob suggested to me I might reconsider. As it turned out the Jets didn't need me - lucky for Pronger :)
It's not until you are that close to the ice that you really begin to understand how fast the NHL game really is. I found myself mesmerized not only by the speed but also the nano second decision making and the accuracy of the passing.
The next day Tom and Dana invited Dana's dad, Menno and me to the Bombers/Ticats CFL Eastern Playoff game. Another thoroughly enjoyable occasion - well, it was a little chilly - at the last game at the old stadium. The Blue won the Eastern final and a trip to the Grey Cup in Vancouver on November 27th. GO BLUE!
New friend, Dana
Pretty magical weekend for HS. Thanks to all concerned.
---------------------------
Almost one year past my surgery I have been feeling well, although slightly fatigued at times. Splitting two cords of firewood might be the reason for that. As well, for the last nine months my blood pressure has been inconsistent, sometimes very high. My family doctor has prescribed Atenolol and Hyzaar. The late November appointment with my urologist will include my last injection of Zoladex for the next 9 -12 months as I will be on a "drug holiday". I have been receiving Zoladex every three months since March of this year.
The speaker at the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting on November 17 was urologist Dr. Ross MacMahon and the timely topic was “Understanding Hormone Therapy". I learned that osteoporosis, cardiac issues and diabetes are potential complications of the hormone treatments. For anyone who is interested, here are details for the next Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group:
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday December 13, 2011
Party Time: Entertainment by Fire and Ice
Location: Seven Oaks General Hospital
Main Floor Auditorium - Leila & McPhillips
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Friday, September 23, 2011
At Least My Pills Are Lightweight
September 23, 2011
Jim and I are headed out for an end of summer canoe trip. This time we remembered all of the important cargo... canoes, paddles, pfd, maps, food, rum, even my medication. The forecast is for beautiful weather until the 28th by which time we have to be back to attend the Winnipeg Jets third pre-season at-home game.
Our route on Day 2 of the trip
And we're home after a fine trip.....
Jim with our canoes
Me in a photo taken by Jim
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Third ADT Injection Came After the Cruise
Entry 54
September 6, 2011
We are back in town safe and sound. It was a great trip. We've posted photos.
September 6, 2011
We are back in town safe and sound. It was a great trip. We've posted photos.
Margaret and I took her mom, Greta, on a cruise to Alaska that started in Vancouver and ended in San Francisco 12 days later. The Alaska part of the cruise was pretty damp and cool but we went prepared. Once we reached Prince Rupert the weather improved and the seas (even west of Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island) stayed quite moderate. We saw lots of marine mammals; Humpback, Fin, Gray, and Orca whales as well as multiple pods of porpoises. While clear skies were at a premium on the Alaskan portion of the inland passage, the blue, grey and white tone on tones were still beautiful set against the mountainous backdrop.
Very early morning on the 10th Deck as we neared the pier in San Francisco.
That's Alcatraz in the background. Click on image to enlarge.
Margaret's mom did very well managing most of the trip from her lightweight transporter wheelchair. All I can say is that if I make it to 92 and have her kind of moxy I will be very pleased. She is quite the lady.
Today I had an appointment with my urologist, Jeff Saranchuk to discuss the results of Friday's blood tests and with Gayle Nikol, the Primary Nurse at the Manitoba Prostate Centre to have my third Zoladex injection. My PSA levels remain undetectable.
The next injection in December will be followed by a "drug holiday" of up to one year. There is evidence that the antiandrogen drug that is administered intermittently is as effective as that given continuously. I will still have blood tests and assessments every three to four months for the year. Apparently it takes a while for the PSA to rise. When the PSA reaches a significant level, most likely in whole numbers, the hormone therapy will resume.
The next injection in December will be followed by a "drug holiday" of up to one year. There is evidence that the antiandrogen drug that is administered intermittently is as effective as that given continuously. I will still have blood tests and assessments every three to four months for the year. Apparently it takes a while for the PSA to rise. When the PSA reaches a significant level, most likely in whole numbers, the hormone therapy will resume.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Prostate Cancer in the News
Layton's Resolve Will Be Great, His Battle Difficult
NDP Leader Jack Layton is a "very sick man".
Coffee and Prostate Cancer
Coffee linked to lower risk of fatal prostate cancer
This news item is heartening for an appreciator of coffee like me. As with all references to dietary influences on our health, I'm initially slightly distrustful of the statistics and the process used to gather them. In any case, it would appear that the time frame and number of participants in this study are significant.
Prostate Diaries on Twitter
Urologist and PC patient Dr. John Clay McHugh tracks PC research
Colonoscopy for PC Patients - Research
Research indicates that PC patients should also monitor their colons
Kit for Men Diagnosed with PC
From Twitter: prostatediaries john clay mchugh
Kit will help men with prostate cancer: A new information kit about prostate cancer ...http://bit.ly/j9jqhS
From Twitter: prostatediaries john clay mchugh
Kit will help men with prostate cancer: A new information kit about prostate cancer ...http://bit.ly/j9jqhS
Antibiotic-Resistance & Biopsies
There is an increasing risk that drug-resistant bacteria of many types may infect patients undergoing prostate biopsies.
Omega 3 & Prostate Cancer
High levels of heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids in the blood may be associated with an increased risk for developing aggressive prostate cancer.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Jack's News Strikes Home
Entry 53
July 25
I've been enjoying the sunny and mosquito-free summer in Winnipeg. Seven months after my surgery I continue to feel fine.
Unfortunately, today the popular NDP Leader and Official Opposition in the House of Commons Canada, Jack Layton has announced that he is taking a leave to deal with a new occurrence of cancer. He began radiation treatment for prostate cancer in 2009. This news strikes home.
Here is his statement:"My battle against prostate cancer is going very well. My PSA levels remain virtually undetectable. However, these tests … also indicate that I have a new, non-prostate cancer that will require further treatment. So, on the advice of my doctors, I am going to focus on treatment and recovery."
We hope Jack Layton has a safe journey back to good health.
Update: Sadly, Jack Layton died on August 22, 2011
Links:
The Jack Layton cancer story at CBC Canada
Send Jack a Message
Public Officials Owe Full Health Disclosure
Contact: hstimson @ shaw.ca
July 25
I've been enjoying the sunny and mosquito-free summer in Winnipeg. Seven months after my surgery I continue to feel fine.
Unfortunately, today the popular NDP Leader and Official Opposition in the House of Commons Canada, Jack Layton has announced that he is taking a leave to deal with a new occurrence of cancer. He began radiation treatment for prostate cancer in 2009. This news strikes home.
Here is his statement:"My battle against prostate cancer is going very well. My PSA levels remain virtually undetectable. However, these tests … also indicate that I have a new, non-prostate cancer that will require further treatment. So, on the advice of my doctors, I am going to focus on treatment and recovery."
We hope Jack Layton has a safe journey back to good health.
Update: Sadly, Jack Layton died on August 22, 2011
Links:
The Jack Layton cancer story at CBC Canada
Send Jack a Message
Public Officials Owe Full Health Disclosure
Contact: hstimson @ shaw.ca
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