Thursday 23 March 2017

Back on track

This is my 4th month on the hormone-based cancer treatment Firmagon, and so far, so good. My PSA level has been steady around 1.0 for the 3rd straight month, which is good news for me.

March has been a great month so far. Our March break holiday week with the kids and great friends at the cottage in Prince Edward County was fantastic. How lucky we are to have such awesome friends! I'm enjoying every minute that I spend with family and friends, and I've learned how to counter some of the negative side effects of the many drugs that I'm currently on. For example, one of the problems I've had is the fact that I always wake up in the morning sad and depressed. It's difficult to wake up in the morning and get going and feel motivated. Mind you, once I get going it's fine but it's a matter of getting myself to that point that is the hard part. So, to counter this, I am starting to force myself to wake up and get outside right away first thing for a walk (and soon, hopefully bike ride as well) and so far it's worked.

Because of my recent mood swings, I saw a social worker at the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre who referred me to a psychiatrist. I was prescribed an anti-depressant, but based on my own research, side effects, and some recent conversations I've had, I'm holding off taking yet another drug and will try to get my spirits up in a more natural way. I'm seeing the psychiatrist again in two weeks and will discuss all of this further.

My back pain has been much better recently, but not sure if this is a result of new pain meds or the fact that the spinal compression fracture is actually slowly healing on it's own. It's been quite amazing to be rid of that extreme pain that was persistent for many months! I feel good!

I love spring, it's my favourite time of year. I'm looking forward to working on my backyard lawn once again, my annual thing. The big trees and lack of sunlight out back makes it quite the challenge! Each year I've been over-seeding but I may just break down this year and try sod.  I miss my good friend and next door neighbor Mel who passed away after his own cancer battle a couple of years ago. Mel used to regularly lean over the fence and jokingly give me a hard time about how much time I spend on that darn lawn!

Kathryn has decided to take a 6 month leave of absence from work starting in July which is great news. It will be nice to spend more time together and I know that she deserves this break from work as she's been going full throttle for many years now. Time to relax, chill out, and enjoy time with family and friends.

Every day I think about how lucky I am. I'm overwhelmed when I look around at the amazing friends and family I have who have been so good to me particularly since my diagnosis back in October. I'm doing my best to remain positive and fight rather than lie down, sometimes easier said than done. Recently I've immersed myself in watching and reading countless inspirational stories of Stage 4 cancer survivors who refused to give in. This is one that I particularly enjoyed by a new inspiration of mine, Stage 4 cancer survivor Beverlye Hyman Fead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HArX5_oL0g
 
I've been thinking about a return visit to Lesotho, Africa this September. Currently there is a group going through Bracelet of Hope in the first two weeks of September. If my cancer treatments continue to go well this spring and summer, and if my back pain continues to improve, then I will seriously consider going back. My previous trip there back in October 2014 was an incredibly rewarding experience.

So, many things to be happy and positive about. Thanks again to all my family and friends for your unbelievable support! Every day is a gift.

Spring is here !!!!

Leaving you with a quote from 4th Stage Cancer Survivor, artist, author, documentary filmmaker and my new inspiration, Beverlye Hyman Fead:

“When you are diagnosed, that's not the time to lie down, that's the time to stand up and fight”

from her video “Stage IV: Living with Cancer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HArX5_oL0g


 Fun at Sandbanks Provincial Park - March break 2017