My DH has prostate cancer

[bbbamI]

I must resist a naughty comment regarding pork. ....

Anyhoo, on Monday and Tuesday DH rode his bike to the medical center for his RT. His doc talked to him about that and felt he was being a bit naughty as riding could irritate his condition...he told her he wouldn't do it again.

After today he will have completed one week of RT. At this point he has not noticed any side effects. Of course he may go into withdrawal as he won't be able to ride his motorcycle until mid April....

 

[Meadbh]

I must resist a naughty comment regarding pork. ....

Anyhoo, on Monday and Tuesday DH rode his bike to the medical center for his RT. His doc talked to him about that and felt he was being a bit naughty as riding could irritate his condition...he told her he wouldn't do it again.

After today he will have completed one week of RT. At this point he has not noticed any side effects. Of course he may go into withdrawal as he won't be able to ride his motorcycle until mid April....

....or his horse!

 

[bbbamI]

I went to the medical center today with DH for his 12th RT. I was not aware he had noticed a side effect until today. He said it seemed he was urinating more frequently; however he has not noticed any discomfort or pain.

My ‘buddy’ Charlie was there (70 years old, PSA 5) and as always I was glad to see him. He is halfway through his RT and as of yet has not realized any side effects. He also had a hormone shot before the RT began and that did not bother him at all. I met another man today by the name of Mike (65 years old, PSA 4.3) Today was his 7th treatment and he complained of frequent urination and a bit of pain. Mike was extremely anxious…I felt sorry for him and did the best I could to calm his fears by listening to him and touching his hand.

I continue to feel a bit of anxiety in the car when we go to his appointment. I feel it creep up a little more when we walk in the building. However being able to talk to someone even though it is about cancer seems to help…I feel like I can breathe easier. At this point neither DH nor I are taking any medication for anxiety. Hopefully we won’t have to, but it’s reassuring to know it’s available if we need it.

On a couple of occasions, DH has asked if I wanted to go back and see how things work….look at the machinery and watch how it works on his body. Both times I’ve told him ‘no’. I am not squeamish at all when it comes to procedures being done to me, but seeing him on that table is a vision I do not want ingrained in my mind. If he needed me, that would be different; but just to satisfy my curiosity…no.

Now if it were a friend or a relative that was undergoing treatment I might be more inclined to see how things work and accomplish the task. But if the patient is very close to me, it would be too difficult.

So guys if you ever have to go through this and your SO doesn’t want to see all…please understand…it might just be too hard on her.

 

[Purron]

So guys if you ever have to go through this and your SO doesn’t want to see all…please understand…it might just be too hard on her.

I hope if I ever have to through something like this I have someone like you my my side.

 

[Amethyst]

It seems you know by instinct that the best way to get through your own fear and pain is by trying to make other people feel better. I bet those other fellows just brighten up when they see you walk in.

I feel for you and your DH and continue to hope for a completely uneventful outcome.

Amethyst

Mike was extremely anxious…I felt sorry for him and did the best I could to calm his fears by listening to him and touching his hand.

I continue to feel a bit of anxiety in the car when we go to his .

 

[bbbamI]

Thank you Purron and Amethyst for your kind words.

I think we're all scared while sitting in that lobby; but when we come together for a few moments we find strength in one another.

 

[TromboneAl]

Look forward to the time when this whole episode will just be a memory in your lives.

 

[bbbamI]

Look forward to the time when this whole episode will just be a memory in your lives.

You're right Al, I'm doin' my best...

I'm tryin' to look at this like he has '12 treatments done'.. and not '32 more to go'.

 

[Meadbh]

On a couple of occasions, DH has asked if I wanted to go back and see how things work….look at the machinery and watch how it works on his body. Both times I’ve told him ‘no’. I am not squeamish at all when it comes to procedures being done to me, but seeing him on that table is a vision I do not want ingrained in my mind. If he needed me, that would be different; but just to satisfy my curiosity…no.

Just wondering if DH is finding a man-acceptable way to invite you to share his experience because he needs you.....??

 

[bbbamI]

Just wondering if DH is finding a man-acceptable way to invite you to share his experience because he needs you.....??

No...I don't think so....

He thinks the stuff is 'cool' and thought I might be interested in seeing how things work. I am confident that if he needs me to do something that will help him, he will tell me point blank...and I will do it.

 

[th_01]

Not to worry. I have gone through it as many others. I decided for complete removal after discussing it with my wife.

I have had a 0 PSA since with no longterm issues. There are many links out there that will help you understand the process. The survial rate is very very high 99%+ with early detection.

Stand by your man. This is a difficult time for him.

Here is the straight poop.
1. Get rid of the cancer
2. Get rid of the incontinence ( usually last 2-4 weeks)
3. Remedy the erectil dysfunction issues. ( there are a multitude of possible soultions)

 

[bbbamI]

Not to worry. I have gone through it as many others. I decided for complete removal after discussing it with my wife.

I have had a 0 PSA since with no longterm issues. There are many links out there that will help you understand the process. The survial rate is very very high 99%+ with early detection.

Stand by your man. This is a difficult time for him.

Here is the straight poop.
1. Get rid of the cancer
2. Get rid of the incontinence ( usually last 2-4 weeks)
3. Remedy the erectil dysfunction issues. ( there are a multitude of possible soultions)

First of all I feel honored that a long time member such as yourself submitted your first post to my thread.

Thank you for sharing your experience and your advice. This is new territory for DH and me...some days are pretty good...some days not so much. We're just taking it one day at a time and are hoping for the best.

Thanks again....

 

[bbbamI]

Well tomorrow will be the halfway point in DH's RT. 22 down....22 more to go. So far, he's only had one side effect which has been minimal. I'm rather surprised that he has no rash/burn on his skin due to the radiation. I suppose I'm surprised because he has a fair complexion...I'm not sure if that matters or not.

It's gotten to the point now where the trips to the cancer center are routine. They're not a 'normal' routine by any means, but we've become accustomed to them.

I'll be glad when things get back to normal....well as normal as they can be.

 

[Avalon]

We appreciate the updates you do here. This discussion may be very helpful to other members in the future. I'm sure it's difficult for both of you. Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[bbbamI]

We appreciate the updates you do here. This discussion may be very helpful to other members in the future. I'm sure it's difficult for both of you. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Thank you Avalon....

I do hope this thread will help someone else. I know it has certainly helped me as I have received so much encouragement, information and compassion from my friends on this forum.

Some things you can put a price on....but others are priceless.

 

[vicente solano]

BBB, I hope you won´t mind that my 1000 post be dedicated to you, your husband,and to all other members that are going through similar terrible situations, and, nevertheless, showing such great courage and spirit.
God bless you all.

 

[bbbamI]

BBB, I hope you won´t mind that my 1000 post be dedicated to you, your husband,and to all other members that are going through similar terrible situations, and, nevertheless, showing such great courage and spirit.
God bless you all.

Always the gentleman....thank you Vicente....

 

[bbbamI]

I went with DH to his RT...and today was a rather emotional one.

My buddy that has been there all along completed his last treatment today. He sure did calm my fears and kept me smiling every time I saw him. I gave him a big hug, told him I would miss him and wished him well.

Then I met Ben. Ben is 32 years old and has testicular cancer. He seems confident; however I could see the worry in his eyes. His first radiation treatment is today. ....sigh....

DH is doing very well and has only 13 more treatments to go.

This has been and continues to be quite the experience.

 

[Amethyst]

Home stretch! seems like only a little while since you guys were staring 44 treatments in the face...or well, maybe not the face, exactly; but you know what I mean.

Amethyst

DH is doing very well and has only 13 more treatments to go.

 

[Rambler]

Still no serious complications, I hope?

R

 

[Moemg]

...

DH is doing very well and has only 13 more treatments to go.

This has been and continues to be quite the experience.

This experience will change how you look at things and not in a bad way . You & DH are handling this great !

 

[bbbamI]

Still no serious complications, I hope?

R

No. The only side effect he has is going to the bathroom a little more often (no diarrhea). No rash, blood, or pain so far. His doctor is a bit stunned.

 

[bbbamI]

Home stretch! seems like only a little while since you guys were staring 44 treatments in the face...or well, maybe not the face, exactly; but you know what I mean.

Amethyst

Woman...you made me laugh out loud!

Yeah....but the appts are getting a bit old for him....coz who needs a stinkin' schedule in retirement?

This experience will change how you look at things and not in a bad way . You & DH are handling this great !

Yes Moe...you're right. It's not all bad....

Thank you...

 

[Nords]

Then I met Ben. Ben is 32 years old and has testicular cancer. He seems confident; however I could see the worry in his eyes. His first radiation treatment is today. ....sigh....

When I went to my last tour on active duty I relieved a guy who'd been drydocked for testicular cancer. He'd just finished up the treatments and received a clean bill of health-- his life had been so stressful that he was actually looking forward to being a submarine XO. He went on to command and eventually retired and AFAIK has had no problems.

He got a lot more occupational exposure to ionizing radiation from the Navy's medical people than from the Navy's nuclear reactors...

 

[Ronstar]

Then I met Ben. Ben is 32 years old and has testicular cancer. He seems confident; however I could see the worry in his eyes. His first radiation treatment is today. ....sigh....

I worked with a young engineer that found out he had testicular cancer during his college graduation physical. Good thing the physical was free or he would not have gone. The cancer eventually spread, and he endured several surgeries. He kept fighting and got a clean bill of health. It was amazing to see how much he cherished life following his bout with cancer. He married a teacher and got a new job out of state. And he takes a sabbatical from work every summer to spend with his wife.