So, last Monday I went to the lab for my monthly blood test. The results came back confirming what I was already feeling. My long lost twin, Mr. T (Testosterone) had come back. I had not seen “him” in a year or so and it was good to know he was back in action.
I have been on “intermittent” ADT for some 5 years now and this is my third experience recovering some degree of testosterone from the suppressed level of essentially “none”. Each time it has taken some 4 months or so to recover after getting off my drug regimen. It is somewhat of a yo-yo experience in some respects, but I like to think of it today more as the return of the “Prodigal Son”. A time for celebration.
I know that I am fortunate in my disease progression to be able to go on and off androgen deprivation drugs. Many with advanced disease do not have this option. Some might say that I am “playing with fire” or taking a big risk. That might be so, but each of us must take ownership and responsibility for the management of our own journey with prostate cancer, usually working closely with a knowledgeable professional who hopefully “has our back”.
For me this professional happens to be my GU (genitourinary) medical oncologist who closely monitors my “numbers” For some of you it might be your local urologist or GP. And I know for some with low and intermediate grade disease they choose to work with a naturopath or other alternative practitioners. But the bottom line is that there should be someone in a trustworthy position to bounce strategy and concerns off of so that the entire weight of managing our prostate cancer is not solely on our shoulders.
Once again this brings me to the value of our gatherings. Hearing directly from our peers about their first hand experiences is a tremendous reinforcement. We are all no doubt brave sojourners but we are often taking paths that other men have walked before us. Sharing experience is invaluable.
Peter Kafka peterk@ancan.org