I'm Energized

Okay, a lot has happened in a short time.

The last time I posted, I had been to my new doctor in Virginia, Dr. Myers. When I saw him on Nov. 17, my PSA was near 80. It was the highest it had ever been. He said there was a 70% chance my PSA would drop 80% in the next 90 days, if I followed his treatment plan. Such a drop would take my PSA down to 16.

He prescribed a pill called Ketoconazole. It is a very old, very generic, very cheap medicine. It was produced to fight fungal infections. They have learned that it kills prostate cancer cells very well. Dr. Myers uses it a lot with his patients.

First, I had to get the medicine. I have to mail-order my medications, so I sent the prescription in the week before Thanksgiving. The medicine did not come until Dec. 13. So, I haven't even been on the Ketoconazole for a month yet.

Last Wednesday, I got my blood drawn for my monthly labs. Today, I got the results. My PSA has dropped to 3.3. That is over a 95% drop in under 30-days. PRAISE THE LORD!

I am actually feeling very well right now (even before I got the lab results.) The Ketoconazole can cause severe fatigue and vomiting and even liver damage. So far, I've had none of that. My energy level is greater than it was for most of 2011. Dianne and I are trying to walk every day and I try to do water aerobics at the YMCA about 3 times weekly.

For the holidays, we traveled with my daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren to Brazil to visit the home of my son-in-law's parents. We stayed about two weeks. I did very well keeping up with everyone, even in the airports, where we had to walk for long distances.

Just a week before we left for Brazil, I went back up to Virginia to have a bone biopsy done. They biopsied the diseased bone in my spine and sent it off for genetic testing to be compared against the known genetics of prostate cancer. The results would show which medication would best treat my cancer. I got those results last week. It indicated the Ketoconazole is the best drug to fight my cancer. Dr. Myers is going to call me on January 13, and discuss the results over the phone. I may learn more then.

So, I've been busy, as you can see. But, instead of being fatigued, I'm energized.

God certainly has His hand in this. I give Him all the praise and glory. I'm thankful He led me to Dr. Myers.

For all those who have prayed for me, I thank you. You are wonderful and caring friends and I love and appreciate you all.