On Monday I spent the day at M.D. Anderson getting a bone scan and a CT-scan. Yesterday I got the results. I also had a cystoscopy. You don't want one. Trust me.
But on to the results, which were mixed. My PSA count is higher than it's ever been, which isn't good; however, the doctor said it might be "reactive." My bone scan and CT-scan results were good, with reductions in both areas, so the tumor might be, to use the technical medical term that the doctor used, "pissed off" and reacting by putting out the PSA to fight the improvements. At this point, the chemo seems to be winning, so I'll be continuing with it even taking into account the PSA number. I don't know how many treatments are left, but there will be at least one, and maybe more. I'm feeling good, as those who saw me at Bouchercon can attest, and the doctor cleared me to go to my hometown this weekend to a memorial service for a high-school classmate. I'm also cleared to attend the World Fantasy Convention in San Antonio next week if I'm feeling up to it. I'm planning to feel up to it.
14 comments:
Good news. Hopefully cancer will have met its match with the Crider gene for stubbornness.
You looked good in Toronto and I'm sure San Antonio will be a piece of cake after that trip.
I like the favorable sound of much of this.
Overall, I'm encouraged with what you've shared. Please keep fighting.
(Rick Libott)
Can't wait to see you and Scott Cupp in San Antonio!
Not much to add except head down, straight ahead, hope things get better.
Bill, make sure you get an MRI from time to time. Bone scans and CTs do not always pick up tumors and/or doctors will not see them because the imaging is not always clear. I know. Bone scans and CTs missed the tumor that is now killing me. Hope you continue to hang in there. Love the blog, one of my daily check-ins.
Damn, David, I hope you and I are around for a while. I've had one MRI. Probably more are in my future.
If the PSA readings suggest that the tumor is feeling the effects, that's gotta be bad for the tumor and good for you. Keep on punching, Bill.
Sounds directionally positive -- keep it pointed that way!
Darn, it's great to hear that you are feeling good! That's the most important thing -- the ability to enjoy life.
Thanks for the update. Great to hear you're feeling good.
I take this as mighty good news. Smile, pal, you've earned it.
All I can add is that over the last few years we have met several reactive prostate cancer patients. They all had it soar for weeks before the numbers fell back off the cliff. Hang in there.
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