2012—Will THIS be the Year of the Prostate Cancer Cure?

Probably not, but...

For several years now, there has been progress in finding treatments that lengthen life and reduce side effects for guys with prostate cancer. Much of the research has focused on late-stage cancer. The improvements have been positive--but modest.

There will be an increased focus on a relatively new approach‑‑cancer vaccines‑‑in 2012. These are targeted injections that stimulate your own immune system to identify and kill specific cancer cells. The new vaccines will work much like the vaccines you have already had for smallpox, measles, and other common diseases. Some new vaccines in clinical trials have worked pretty well for some people with some cancers and a new vaccine, Provenge, has been approved to treat late-stage prostate cancer. There is a proven survival benefit—it’s not a cure.

Historically, some major treatments for prostate cancer have depressed (weakened) the immune system—radiation and chemotherapy are good examples. They are also known for their unpleasant side effects. A successful prostate cancer vaccine would do the opposite—strengthen your immune system and build antibodies that would be protective in the future. There would probably be few side effects. Sounds good, doesn’t it! Want to know more about cancer vaccines? Check out the National Cancer Institute.

But there’s a long way to go; even the successful vaccines don’t help everybody equally. I’m optimistic! Good luck to all us guys!

axman

How Much is a Long Time?

Time, it seems, is not equal for everybody

Another year is almost gone and I didn’t get it all done, again. My prostate cancer decided to ignore my hormone therapy and my new meds decided to give me more and different side effects. And I noticed somewhere along the way that I’m not 39 any more.

We start most years, the declining years that is, making at least an informal list of the things we want to do for the next 12 months. This always assumes that we’ll stay healthy, no project will take longer than planned, and nothing will cost more than budgeted. You’d think we’d learn, but we’re kind of stuck in that ‘old dog, new tricks’ thing. We’re not likely to change our plans and expectations willingly.

It’s been a great year, we’re mostly as healthy as we were at this time last year, and the projects we didn’t finish will wait a while longer—really.

But when it comes to visiting old friends there sometimes isn’t a next year. It has been the sad norm the past few years that we lose a few good friends each year. So in 2012 our number one priority is friends and everything else takes a back seat.

axman

Symptoms, Side Effects, and Winter

‘tis the season, fa la la la la, la la la la

It has now been six glorious months since I started my Lupron shots—and I’ve already complained a time or two about side effects—sorry.

So I contacted my friends John and Merle, fellow prostate cancer survivors, who have been enjoying Lupron for a year or more to check out their views. Our experiences and reactions have been as similar as if we were conjoined triplets (not a pretty fantasy).

Here are some of our rules and truisms of reality:

1.    When it’s winter you should always try to keep warm—extra layers of clothing, extra blankets, and a couple extra degrees on the thermostat, until...

2.    The hot flashes flash. Then, take off the extra layers, take off the extra blankets, and step out into the cold (if possible) and take a few deep cool breaths. It’ll help your body cool down. Once cooler, repeat steps one and two indefinitely.

3.    The trick is remembering when to do which and vice versa—really not so hard if you happen to be awake and alert (not always guaranteed). And finally...

4.    Repeat this short mantra to yourself; “The worse the side effect the more effective the medication must be.” Everybody nod in unison, close your eyes, click your heels together three times, and truly believe that this is true.

axman