Yesterday, I went to the The Dimbleby Macmillan Support Centre, Guys Cancer at Queen Mary’s Hospital for a consultation with an oncologist to discuss the possibility of me having radiotherapy.
The news was very encouraging. Apparently, my recent MRI scan and the results of my PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test indicate that my prostate cancer is no longer growing and the cancer in two of my lymph glands has shrunk. The consultant thinks that a course of radiotherapy – which she described as being prophylactic – would help to ensure that the likelihood of the cancer spreading in the future is reduced. There is, however, a downside to this … I have to lose a lot (and I mean A LOT!) of weight before I begin my radiotherapy.
From now on it looks as if I will be on a strict diet and exercise programme, but if it helps me to deal with my cancer, it will be worth the effort.
Hi Bob
ReplyDeleteI was very pleased to hear your good news, I am sure it must have raised your spirits.
On the other hand it is not easy to go on a strict diet and exercise programme, particularly when it is not your decision. It is a huge step to change your life style like that, particularly over a long period.
However I also believe that reasonable exercise is great for your mental health and for dealing with life's problems. So I am sure that you will find some plus points from a rather depressing prospect.
Paul
Thistlebarrow (Paul),
DeleteCheers! The news was better than I expected, although having to lose weight might be problematic. That said, it has to be done, and I have a target to achieve, which helps. Furthermore, I have Henry Hyde’s example to emulate so I know that it is possible.
I try to do regular exercise, but my scoliosis makes it difficult sometimes. However, I’ll just have to find some sort of way to get round that problem.
Thanks for your support,
Bob
Bob, despite the severity of the situation these look like good news. My wife had cancer (breast) 6 years ago, everything was very scary but we learned that modern treatments are significantly more efficient than 15 or 20 years ago. Heep the spirits high and fight the god fight. Best
ReplyDeleteAnibal Invictus,
DeleteIt is good news, and yet again I was reminded that far more men die with prostate cancer than from it. As you comment, modern treatments are more effective and less intrusive than they were even five years ago, I the prognosis is positive.
All the best,
Bob
Good luck, Bob 👍🏼👍🏼. ‘Dodge the biscuits’ could be a new game for the Compendium, perhaps (though it’s a game I’d be unlikely to win 😊). Sounds like positive outcomes are on the horizon ✔️✔️. Good to hear.
ReplyDeleteMartin S.,
DeleteCheers!
Dodging those biscuits is going to be a big problem (I am a bit of a Digestive junkie!), but it’s a sacrifice I’m going to have to make.
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob...I can't think of a better incentive to losing weight than the one you have been offered. Good luck...you can do it ...Regards.
ReplyDeleteTony Adams,
DeleteYou are absolutely right, and I’m determined to do my best to lose the excess weight I am carrying.
All the best,
Bob
Well that's good news Bob. I'm sure we could all do with losing a bit of weight as we get older and certainly exercise more. Both tricky at this time of year but much easier as it begins to warm up. Good luck moving forward!
ReplyDeleteSteve J.,
DeleteMy thinking is that if I can lose weight during winter, it should be easier during the spring. That’s my plan, and I’m determined to be as successful in losing weight as possible.
All the best,
Bob
BOB,
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and hope that all goes well for you in the future.
Best Wishes. KEV.
Kev Robertson (Kev),
DeleteCheers! With support from my regular blog readers, I’m determined to lose the necessary weight.
All the best,
Bob
That's good news Bob, take care. Paul
ReplyDeletePDL (Paul),
DeleteCheers! It could have been much worse, and it’s encouraged me to get fit and lose weight.
All the best,
Bob
Best wishes Bob and good luck with the diet and exercise routine.
ReplyDeletePeter Douglas,
DeleteCheers! I’ve already started to eat better and take more exercise.
All the best,
Bob
Good news, and good luck! The diet And exocise progame isn't going to be any fun, but before you know it you will start to feel better. For what it's worth, I lost a total of 60#, it took me a while but I did it and I'm sure you can do it too. My thoughts and prayers are with you, good luck!
ReplyDeleteMark Cordone,
DeleteCheers! Thanks for the encouragement … and I’m determined to lose the weight so that I can have the radiotherapy.
All the best,
Bob
Wishing all the best and all the success you need, Bob. Kia kaha - be strong!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Ion
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteCheers! I’ve started my diet and exercise regime, but I don’t expect to see any significant results for some time.
All the best,
Bob
When I was able to lose 15lbs I was very happy with myself. Losing that weight can be difficult but it aure does wonders for your self image. Good luck in your endeavors and therapy, Bob.
ReplyDeleteMr. Pavone,
DeleteCheers! I have a lot of weight to lose ... but like most things in life, if its a struggle, it will have been worth it!
All the best,
Bob
Good luck with all of that! (the weight loss and treatments)
ReplyDeleteFitz-Badger,
DeleteCheers! I've started a sort of weight loss programme of my own (I'm still waiting for the NHS dietician to contact me, even though I was referred to them on 5th December by my GP) and hope that I can get down to my target weight as quickly as possible. Then I can have the radiotherapy ... and then get on with my life again.
All the best,
Bob
Very good news Bob. Get stuck into that new regime - so beneficial in lots of incidental ways too! Well done old chap...
ReplyDeleteBuzhna,
DeleteCheers! I’ve managed to lose just over a kilo already. I just hope that I can continue to lose weight at that rate!
All the best,
Bob
Best wishes going forward with the diet and the treatment
ReplyDeleteMaudlin Jack Tar,
DeleteCheers! The sooner I lose the weight, the sooner I’ll get the treatment … so I’ve got to lose the weight ASAP.
All the best,
Bob