I'm Only the Trombone Player

"MAN" O' PAUSE - and Other Fun Stuff

I decided to post an update here on my blog so it won't clog the news feed. And if you don't want to read it, you can ignore it!

Well, if you don't know, let me start by saying that I have prostate cancer; fortunately, it is contained within the prostate and has not spread, which is an excellent thing. It's still cancer, but far more treatable and curable.

I am treating it via radiation mainly because it has fewer potential side effects. The treatments last about fifteen minutes; I have them for twenty-five consecutive days. They leave me a bit tired, which, coupled with our current heat wave, has knocked me for a loop. Preparing for the treatments is a topic for another blog post.

Part of the therapy includes a hormone shot. This serves a dual purpose of both shrinking the prostate, making the radiation more effective, and stopping the flow of testosterone. The cancer feeds off testosterone, so the hormone injection sends it into remission. But!! The hormone shot has a few side effects. I now experience what the Doc calls Manopause, among the symptoms are hot flashes, an enhanced emotionality, some hair loss, though it's hard to tell if I've lost hair.

All in all, things are going well, except for the occasional hot flash and feeling tired, I'm doing well!