Debbie M

About Debbie M

Our cancer journey began in July 2010. We were actually in Disneyworld when my husband got the call that he had prostate cancer and was Gleason score 9. We were devastated and flooded with so many emotions. My husband had his prostate removed. They removed a lymph node and a seminal vessel which both tested positive for cancer. So he started on Lupron shots every quarter and also had 36 radiation treatments focusing on the prostate bed. His cancer was quiet for about 4 years and bone scans and CT scans came back clear. After about 4 years, his PSA started to rise and the bone scan showed that the cancer had progressed to his spine. He started oral medication to try and quiet the cancer. It worked for a while and then he had to switch to another medication. He has had many treatments and has gone through all of the oral medications available at this point. The cancer has progressed more in his spine, hip and ribs. He started chemo drug docetaxel in August. He goes every 3 weeks for treatment with no plans to stop the chemo. His cancer is still progressing but it appears the chemo is slowing it down even though the psa continues to rise. This is an extremely scary time for us. We still try to do things and go places when we can. When we make plans to do things we schedule it around the chemo and also when he feels better from the side effects. It’s difficult as the side effects seem to be getting worse and lasting longer, but my husband is the most positive and upbeat person I have ever met. He actually helps me a lot of times when my emotions are getting the best of me. For us now it’s all about making good memories. We just go at his pace. When he feels good we do things. When he needs to rest or not having a good day we just stay at home and do whatever makes him feel comfortable. My husband and I are a team and are in this together. We try and enjoy and cherish every minute that we have together. It definitely makes you get your priorities straight. The saying “Don’t sweat the small stuff” really hits home with us. We continue to hope and pray that more medications become available and that they will find a cure.

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