March 08, 2010

194 More Reasons to Hate Monday

Today we saw the oncologist to review my bone scan and the updated blood tests from Friday.
The results...worse!

My PSA climbed to 194.45 which equates to about a 20% increase within one weeks time.
The radiologist report indicated the bone scan was primarily stable. There were up ticks in existing areas, but no new tumors were identified.

The rise in PSA is very troubling and reinforces our decision that a change in treatment is required. As of tonight, I have stopped taking the Ketoconazole, in preparation for our next step. Next Monday, we will either start DES or select a trial location for Provenge. Our ability to pursue a Provenge clinical trial is dependent on us finding a location that is accepting new patients and logistically reasonable.

I'm not depressed, but just kind of bummed out at this point. I have a very busy week ahead so that will provide a lot of distraction, and leave me little time to ponder what lies ahead.

I remain pain free and even played disc golf yesterday for the first time in over a month. We'll get through this, as we always do.

At the risk of being repetitive, please join me in a prayer to Saint Peregrine.

Prayer to Saint Peregrine ~ Patron Saint to cancer patients

O great St. Peregrine,
you have been called "The Mighty,"
"The Wonder-Worker,"
because of the numerous miracles
which you have obtained from God
for those who have had recourse to you.

For so many years
you bore in your own flesh
this cancerous disease
that destroys the very fiber of our being,
and who had recourse
to the source of all grace
when the power of man could do no more.

You were favored with the vision of Jesus
coming down from His Cross
to heal your affliction.

Ask of God and Our Lady,
the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)

Aided in this way by your powerful intercession,
we shall sing to God,
now and for all eternity,
a song of gratitude
for His great goodness and mercy.
Amen.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you my friend. Keep your head high.
looking forward to seeing you and the Birch-ers soon so we can catch up proper.

Stay strong! Paige

Anonymous said...

Another trial you may be interested in http://www.affirmtrial.com/about-affirm-trial.html

You are in my prayers as you consider the best treatment choice.

Your friend,
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Stay strong. God has a plan for you. He is watching over you. He was with you 5 years ago when you received the news. He was with you on 3-8-2010 when your PSA numbers were revealed. He will be with you tonight as you fall asleep and by your side when you wake. David you have been chosen. Chosen by God to do something more with your life than most others. Chosen to set an example for the rest of us. Chosen to reach out and help many.

God Bless you and yours.

Brian - Prostate Cancer IV said...

David,
You have told me and I will remind you that you are not alone. Sometimes it seems that even though you have others around, you carry this burden alone. Use our strength, hope, and love to carry you through this uncertain time. I know you keep your focus and look past the problem to the solution.
Your friend,
Brian W - Utah

Dan said...

Thank you for the beautiful prayer. Navigating through uncertainty is one huge challenge, but it seems to be our reality. You're in my prayers, David.