Chris, I have followed your posts since I joined the forum. I had no idea about this forum when I had my surgery in July 2015. But when the cancer came knocking back on my door I found out about it and I feel since then I have gotten to know so many wonderful people.
I have followed the path of maximum intervention which has left me with side effects that I’d rather not have but I am still ok with my choices, although I sometimes wonder.....
You, on the other hand, have chosen minimal intervention. Both of us have made these choices as is our absolute right to do so and I hope people respect that.
It sounds like your GP, onco and other professionals are rightly treating you as a whole rather than dealing with the cancer alone. They sound amazing and very supportive.
Only you would ask an oncologist if he thought you were a tit! That made me lol too.
I presume your cancer is still hormone naive so HT might help at some point to relieve pain.
Enjoy your forthcoming holidays, love and best wishes to you and yours too.
Ian
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Sorry Chris but you ARE an inspiration!
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Hi Chris,
Just want to send you my good wishes.
I'd also like to extend this to your wife.
As the wife of a lovely man with advanced prostate cancer, I know that some times being strong is the only option you have got.
You are making the right decision for you and I admire that a lot.
And yes you absolutely are an inspiration!
Edited by member 04 Sep 2020 at 12:25
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Chris,
Love, respect and admiration to you and Elaine!!
Pablo
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So much admiration for you Chris. Glad you are having the RT for the pain and you are an inspiration. It’s good for people to read that at the end of the day they are in control of all decisions as your onco says for some the automatic reaction is to do as they are told without even being aware they can take control.
Have a wonderful holiday Chris
A is literally just out of theatre, you will never know how important it has been to me to hear from the few QOL proponents of which you are of course one.
Big hug
Clare
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"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
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Wonderful post Chris. I hope I never have to make the choices you have had to. Thanks to your posts if I do have to make that decision in the future, I will be able to see the arguments so much clearer. I consider myself well educated and intelligent, but your decision is about the highest decision anyone can make, even a doctor of moral philosophy would be stumped.
Congratulations on the last five years, I hope the RT does its job for a while longer, I hope you can find other treatments which can give you a good balance of QoL over the next few years. Keep posting. Big hug (I know we are big tough men, but everyone deserves a hug)
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You’ve never wavered from your decision Chris and, even though you have to deal with your mental health, you face the future with a positivity that QofL is all about. Have a great holiday
Bri
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Chris, I am a bit embarrassed that you see me as an inspiration as that is what you have been to me from day one of reading your posts. You have always seen it differently to me and been strong in your course, I have been equally strong in mine , when all is said and done the best one is the one that you or I feel in hindsight was right for you (or me).
My respect for you is immense and I hope with all my heart, soul and strength that you have the best of times now and for as long as your destiny allows. I wish we had met in person as I know you would have challenged my thought process for the better.
fingers crossed for you that the good things grow and the bad things slow.
take care my friend
kev
Dream like you have forever, live like you only have today Avatar is me doing the 600 mile Camino de Santiago May 2019 |
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Thanks so much all for your kind words and strength and wishes. I’ve tried so hard to give the same back over my years on here.
I spoke at length with a hospice councillor this evening and it was the kindest , nicest non-judgemental conversation I’ve ever had. Despite my fears it brought about a sense of peace and warmth and semi-clarity. That we are all totally unique and individual and that there is no real right or wrong , just our own way and gut instinct. It was very comforting at this time for me. I appreciate so much your support everyone x
Chris
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Hi Chris
As you know I have always admired your decision to do it your way, especially when you cannot pin down where to target the treatment. I am pleased that you have accepted RT to the bones as I know from bitter experience it is extremely painful, is it SABR or palliative? Have you contemplated trying HT such as Firmagon which you could come off if it doesn’t suit. Whichever way you decide to go you will always have our support and respect.
Take care
Roy
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Hi Chris
You absolutely deserve all the admiration and respect you get from us on this site.
You have been so helpful to so many with your frank and honest and personal thoughts and advice. You have particularly helped me with ED advice and shared your very personal experiences in such an open and honest way. You have made very difficult decisions in a very brave way. Thank you very much for the help you have given me so far. Good luck with the RT for the pain and any future decisions you have to make. I hope you and your family enjoy your holidays.
All the very best for the future.
Cheers
Bill
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You've done what's right for you throughout this journey, Chris, and I've no doubt that you'll continue to do so. Was HT not on offer, or did you decide not to go for it?
Best wishes,
Chris
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Hi Chris,
How've you been?
You've always been a consistent source of support for many, and a constant source of inspiration for many many years. You have always followed your instincts, and that's always been good for you and your family. What ever you choose to do, I wish you well.
dave
All we can do - is do all that we can. So, do all you can to help yourself, then make the best of your time. :-) I am the statistic. |
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So been at radiotherapy since 0930 and first treatment at 3.30pm.
Saw consultant who reviewed last scans and said I need 3 separate treatments instead of the one ( already outside my comfort zone ).
High back EBRT 8gy
Low back EBRT 8gy
Possible rib IMRT
Then had plan scans and tattoos ( in the club )
Then back to consultant and told things progressed quite a bit since last scans 6 weeks ago. Been given oromorph and antiemetics for tonight.
Not feeling my best if I’m honest and breathing has been laboured a bit recently. He’s gonna chat with my Onco.
Anyway still the right way to go he feels and this will help me , but I’m feeling things progressing quite rapidly.
Gulp
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Please Chris - take the option of the HT as well as the radiotherapy.
V.
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Chris
I can only offer you my thoughts and prayers.
You are doing what you can and you have been such a support to me during my journey. I only hope my support to you helps a little.
My best wishes to you.
Paul
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Always rooting for you Chris
Dream like you have forever, live like you only have today Avatar is me doing the 600 mile Camino de Santiago May 2019 |
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My thoughts are with you Chris. Such a difficult time for you and your family.
Glad that the hospice counsellor was helpful. I think we’ve both mentioned in the past what a help a good understanding counsellor is.
Take care,
Phil