Hi family and friends,
I have now completed 8 of my 10 scheduled chemotherapy sessions and to be totally honest, it is now proving to be a something of a challenge ! I am constantly exhausted and have little or no energy. Recovery times are taking longer now after each treatment and the side effects are increasing.
I had an appointment with my oncology professor last week and the bottom line is that he has advised me to stop the chemo treatment and concentrate on quality time with my family and friends. All convential treatments have now been exhausted and it is now about trying to enjoy the time I have left without the horrible side effects.
Although the chemo has resulted in a substantial reduction with my PSA count and even a slight improvement with the cancer in my bones, it is just keeping me in 'limbo' !
There is only one site where the cancer has spread and this is on my bottom left rib cage where unknowing to me, I had fractured a rib after a fall and the cancer has attached to the site !
Unfotunately when the chemo stops, the regression is usually quite aggressive !
My Prof is now talking months rather than years and has given me an estimated 50% chance of still being here in 9 months and a very small chance of lasting a year.
Not great odds, but I am in the habit of 'bucking the trend'.
The fight continues and I am certainly not throwing in the towel just yet :>)
Now it will be one day at a time and concentrating on planning for when my energy levels hopefully improve.
"I can't control what time I have left but I can choose what to do with it"
I have booked a trip for all my family ( x15 ) to go to Disneyland Paris for a few days at the end of April and only yesterday purchased a lovely static caravan overlooking the Holy Isle on the Isle of Arran. Really looking forward to spending more happy and relaxing times in Arran with my family and friends ( Marydoll and my favourite place in the world :>).
My daughter Cara is running the London Marathon on the 28th April to raise awareness and donations for Prostate Cancer research. I will share more details when I have them and hopefully cancount on your support, no matter how small.
During my long battle with this nasty disease, you have left so many lovely and uplifting messages, so please don't feel obliged to comment again. A simple 'like' on Facebook is more than enough.
Again as always, I am sure I wouldn't have lasted this long had it not been for all the incredible love and support from all my family and friends, especially my wee Marydoll who is my rock.
Take care and keep well and if you are a male of a 'certain age', get down to your local GP NOW and get yourself checked out.
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Comments (20)
Love from me and Tessa.
Grahame : Cheers John, love you guys xxx
Grahame : I remember you well Freda ( and Damien ). These universities were great, both professionally and socially, happy days. Thanks so much and hope you and your family are all well xxx
Grahame : thanks Sally, would love to see you, give me a call when you are up x
Grahame : Cheers Ped, all the best.
Sending so much love to you, Mary and all your wonderful children and grandchildren ❤️❤️
Grahame : Huge thanks for the lovely comments and support Mandy and hopefully catch up very soon xxx
Grahame : Thanks for the lovely comments Ann xx
With love, Steve
Grahame : Cheers big pal. Hopefully will be down quite soon and the next reunion is on of my wish list. Hope things are good at your end. Will give you a call in the next day or two. Take care x
Grahame : Huge thanks Georgia xxx
Grahame : Thanks so much for the lovely kind comments Lynsey and so glad Steve got checked out ok. Take care and love to you and the family x
Hugs my friend
Grahame : Cheers Kerrie and you never know, we may be neighbours soon :).
Hopefully see you very soon x
Grahame : Cheers pal. Keep well and catch up soon x
Grahame : cheers for the lovely comments guys. Keep well and enjoy the sunshine when it comes x
Grahame : Great news you checked out OK Paul, Take care and catch up soon.
Grahame : Thanks Rina and hope you are well x
Grahame : Thanks Zelna and so true. Keep well x
Grahame : Thanks so much for the lovely comments Jeannie. Not giving up the ghost just yet :>). Hopefully we will be able to catch up again sooner rather than later. Love to all the family x
You have been a great friend for the many years that I have known you and will continue to be in my thoughts & prayers.
Peace and blessings be with yo and your family at this time and always.
Your Friend, Carl Haithcox
Grahame : Thanks so much big friend. Take care, keep well and love to you and your family x
Grahame : Ah shucks, thanks fav cuz. Just purchased a small static in Lamlash. Will get you and Shaz over very soon. xxx
Grahame : cheers big pal and making it a target to get down for next BofA summer reunion. Keep well and love to all the family x
Grahame : Thanks so much Claire. If the blog helps one person, it will have been more than worthwhile x