Hi, Kiddo
It looks like my travel plans to see you don't have to be delayed. I found out today that we can delay the cancer instead. There are some other things that will probably be delayed as well, and I'll get to that in a moment.
Here's what's up: After returning from my road trip to Colorado I had an interview with the radiologist today, and we worked out the plan. Now, I could have radiology begin almost immediately, but I can put that off and greatly slow down the progress of the cancer by blocking a chemical we all generate naturally: testosterone. This morning I got jabbed in the right hip with a shot of Lupron, and that will be followed by daily Bicalutamide pills, which won't lower my testosterone; instead they will just block the effect of the testosterone, starving the cancer into dormancy.
In technical terms, bicalutamide is a non-steroidal antiandrogen that acts as a "selective antagonist" of an androgen receptor." (Testosterone is an androgen.) It does not lower androgen levels. It just prevents androgens from mediating their effects in the body.
I will take this for four months, and then, beginning in February I will start the radiation treatments that will kill the cancer cells, and presumably eradicate the cancer. That allows me to put the cancer on hold so that I can visit you in December and go to Mazatlan in late January.
Now in some cases you'd want to get right on this disease, but based on theory and statistical outcomes, the doctor has high confidence that rushing is not necessary. Somewhat counter-intuitively (from my point of view) this process has been tested and works. There are side effects of lowering testosterone, of course--hot flashes, some depression, sweats, fatigue, bowel changes, etc.
One of the changes can be kind of poignant. When I went to family medicine at Group Health for my Lupron shot, the receptionist had to check to see whether they had any in stock. Well, she told me, I "got lucky." They had some. As I understand it, once I start taking the medications, that may be the last time I get lucky for at least several months.
Today I had a blood draw to measure my PSA, the hip shot and the pills. Packing a slumbering libido, I am about to embark on the monastic wasteland.
Now one of the questions you may have is this: If I still have cancer, can it spread? Well, cancer cells have probably already gotten into my bloodstream and moved to other parts of my body, my radiologist explained. However, virtually all these cells will land on sterile ground and die a lonely death. Every now and then there is one mutant that is particularly virulent and takes hold in places like bone marrow or lymph nodes, but that is a very unlikely event. The most certain outcome is a greatly delayed cancer and the improved ability to kiss the most stunningly beautiful and evocative women as if they were my sisters.
Anyway, I'm now trying to figure out how to visit you in December and whether to include other locations along the way. As long as I'm coming to Europe, I might as well make the most of it.
Love,
Dad
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| Cancer--The Crab |
