Author: bobnroberts

So I know I mentioned that I had been told there are treatments to offset the side effects of hormone shots. Well, when it comes to the side effects that are sex related there are none that help with the loss of libido or interest. Ability to perform requires the inclusion of the mind to function and no medication does that. Oh, sure the erection shots might help with one part but no interest no real function. But think about that shot. You can imagine where the needle goes and it is not your arm.

I have chosen o stay on the oral meds. Less costly, fewer doctor visits, and only one side effect I do not like but in time that effect can be offset.

More when I build the intestinal fortitude to talk about it.

Message me with your thoughts. Also I have a discount code for my book – just ask. email me at pinkisnttheonlycancer@gmail.com

You know winter hits when there is 5 inches of snow overnight! Temp in the 20’s with wind adds the topping, icing?, to the mix.

Why do bring this up? Because it makes me remember good times and family. Family now is spread out and on their own. My siblings kids are far, far away and not routinely in contact. Oh, I message them but they are very busy with their own lives. Our son also. Our daughter and her son too. See him often and that always is a joy!

Good times are important, even if just memories. Memories tend to be smoothed over and “pleasantized” . But more importantly they help keep us balanced in this weird world we live in now.

Stay balanced and be happy. Both are your choice.

Most men do not ope up on their thoughts and fears on anything and even less so when diagnosed with Cancer.

Some, most?, doctors work with this shortcoming when giving a Cancer diagnosis to men. Honestly I do not understand this, from the doctors that is.

The only way to make an informed decision is to be fully informed on what options are, what those options include – both good and bad, and understand the issues of treatments.

Doctors by there very nature want to help and heal their patients. To do this they do try to get the patient on board with the actions they need to take to help. Along the way doctors are the experts and mostly the patient is of much lesser knowledge.

The crux of the problem is how to bring the patient to understand. The doctor has seen all this before, explained it before, and feel the patient understands. So how do they react with the next patient? They do what feels right based on the connection they have with the patient. Unfortunately some loose sight of that connection, while others redouble their efforts to connect. Physician know your patient is the mantra. And there is even a medical study, Doctor of Osteopathy, that follows that.

What I do, however is get to know my doctors. Or at least the ones that can have my life in their hands with my Cancer. So far they do the same in return. Doctors after all are human and need connections.

Well today I finally have my medical answers to how to choose between medical treatments for my reoccurring Prostate Cancer. Simply put there are side effects of the hormone shots that strongly effect quality of life, QOL.!

The present regime of medications I am on are oral and not quite as effective in fighting my Cancer as the shots but have none of the QOL issues. In fact there are two positive effects – weight loss and increased hair growth, on my head. Gee, on the surface the oral meds seem to be the right choice.

However I just was told that there are treatments available to offset the negative effects of the shots.

More info? Click Contact or via pinkisnttheonycancer@gmail.com

Yes, Cancer effects those of us stricken with it but it also effects more than you know.

Our partners of course are effected and they become our Caregivers and can feel our pains. They more often than not become record keepers and translators of what the medicals tell us. But the latter not always or fully.

Then we have extended family, mothers,fathers, siblings, siblings partners, daughters, sons, just to name a few. As we age some of these are not with us anymore but others come on board.

Close friends, neighbors, clergy, members of groups we belong to, coworkers just to name a few more. But we get surprised by people that jump into our lives and join your support system. This is a joy that cannot be anticipated.

Where we live in the great lakes part of the northeast weather is good and not so good. We are in the fall now so getting colder. Was down to upper 30’s the other night. Last few nights was in the mid 40’s. Compared to other parts of the country in the 90’s or as low as 40′ for a high we are not so bad.

Recently I have spoken to or read stories from Cancer survivors. They each have become Cancer free with No Evidence of Disease or NED. Some are early after treatment and some long term after treatment.

I personally have been on both sides of the proclamation of NED! Remember hearing “you have Cancer” is a traumatic thing. We all loose track of that is said after that. So having another person is very important. However do not let the doctor talk for a minute or so after the word Cancer. Stop them tell them to wait! You might consider asking for a nurse to sit in with you and watch you and your reactions. Some insurance might offer a Patient Advocate. Just don’t go it alone.

Now six days after knee replacement I have been home four days and am doing very well. Much better than my first knee replacement a year ago.

The Nurses and Techs in the hospital were great! Kind, understanding and supportive. Heck, even the food was good.

I did promote my book “Pink isn’t the only Cancer” and even if just to be polite, the reception was positive. Had a copy with me for them to browse and it was all good.

My suggestion for when in the hospital is to treat those that take care of you there like real people with likes and dislikes. Get to know them. You will be amazed how much they smile when you do this. You are still interacted with the same but they are just a bit happier around you.

I have been diagnosed with Cancer twice. Forty years apart. First the young mans Cancer – Testicular Cancer.

Then the old mans Cancer – Prostate Cancer.

The difference in my doctors reaction is striking. Admittedly not the same doctors but the learning curve was immense in urgency and treatments. All for the better.

The first time was a rush, rush, no options, just remove and do it quickly. The second time slower, reasoned, well explained, and options. I was told what to do, no question, just sign here.

For the old mans Cancer I took notes, including my questions. Then I did research on the internet. Resolved some questions that way, but created some more.

I have more to tell and will do soon.

Bet you never thought that a Cancer survivor would think that. But one common thread for all of us is the desire to be normal.

With a Cancer patient that desire is changed a bit to desire to return to normal. We want to go back before Cancer. That isn’t exactly possible but can be chosen by our attitudes.

We might not be able to be past our Cancer 100% of the time but we can have increasing times we don’t think about Cancer.

Writing about our lives, enjoying our families and loved ones, traveling, singing, doing our fun things and just forgetting Cancer does it.

I choose to write, travel, and enjoy family. Oh, and of course healing in other ways. In less than a week I will be having my second total knee replacement since being diagnosed and treated for my Prostate Cancer. Getting my ability to walk better means I will be a happier camper and can enjoy life more. So now I totally concentrate on healing as fast as possible with more metal parts in me.