My prostate cancer was discovered during an upper G.I. Barium Swallow I was undergoing for a stomach problem. The radiologist noted the bone lesions. I then had CT scans of chest, abdomen and pelvis. Aside from the bone lesions no other metastases were noted.
I was started on Lupron and Casodex. The first month my PSA dropped to 120 ng/ml, by the fifth month it had dropped to 0.07 ng/ml. During the next year it went up to 14.9 ng/ml and I stopped the Casodex, which quickly brought it down to under 1.00 ng/ml.
Since then I have continued on either Lupron or Zoladex but have changed from Casodex to Ketoconazole. Since June, 2004, my PSA has been between 0.03 ng/ml and 0.06 ng/ml. I am presently going to Dr Charles "Snuffy" Myers. He individualizes his treatment for each man and I have the utmost confidence in him.
This has been a journey for myself and my wife that has had many hills and valleys. While we are both very greatful that I am healthy appearing and am able to play golf and almost do anything else I want, I am plagued with over-whelming fatigue at times and I also am on an emotional roller-coaster. I seem to be angry and resentful at inappropriate times and places. I have irrational thoughts and am not easy to get along with. My prayer is that I could be rid of this particular side effect of the Zoladex. It causes great unhappiness for my wife and for me as well. I had hoped that over time these side effects would lessen but it has been over five years and it has not happen yet.
It was reported (incorrectly I am pleased to say) that Trueman passed on December 18, 2006 from lung cancer. Here is his update.
Thank you for the opportunity to update our latest events on this journey.
First let me say, as someone has said before me, "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated." Although there have been times when I was sure my time had come. My bone mets has returned with a vengence and my PSA spiked to 594.0 ng/ml but I have done well on the DES (diethylstilbestrol) under the care of Dr. Oliver Sartor and now Dr. William Oh both of Dana Farber in Boston.
My health began to unravel upon the suicide of our youngest son, a very promising young neurologist, who got into difficulties which he thought were insurmountable. Our lives will never be the same but we make a major effort to be "normal" for our other two children who have stood by us like rocks. This organization is so wonderful and I thank you for it. I have only heard from one patient since I became a mentor. Perhaps because of the changes around here along with a couple of email address changes. I don't know how long I have but The Good Lord has blessed me this far so I will be willing to help out where I can.
Again, My Thanks to you.
Kindest regards,
Trueman L Seamans
We heard from Fran, Trueman's wife to say that Trueman wasn't doing too well now and feels a bit discouraged. He has had to stop treatment as his oncologist feels that continuing it could make his condition deteriorate more quickly. He still gets out and about now and then, but hasn't felt up to sending mails and posting on forums.
I dropped him a line and received a reply from him that says in part:
Today I received two units of blood and Monday I am going on a short fishing trip with a brother and one of my friends! So, as you can tell, I am still in there slugging! I am not lying down until the Lord says "Lie down. It's time for you to come home!" And actually I don't feel that bad. My bone pain is well controlled with Methadone and Oxycodone.
Fran, Trueman's wife, has sent this message to all his friends:
Trueman is very low. He has been through each treatment with courage and hope but now it seems that we are at the River's Edge, with the hope and faith that our Lord has given us for a better day.
Trueman has been so courageous! He went on the Memorial day fishing trip, then another in July but that trip ended abruptly when he fell from a stairway several feet and landed in gravel on his face, receiving a fractured nose and three brain bleeds. Even though these events slowed him down he was still not defeated. he still wanted to tend his garden. However, now it has come to a point where I had to have some help from Hospice and they have been very kind and supportive. Our grand-daughter is being married on the 22nd and if he is too weak from low blood they will give him blood so he'll be able to attend. We'll see how the next few days play out. I'm telling the Hospice people that we want whatever they will give us so he will have strength to go but it will depend on him, of course. Last Saturday, we were able to attend his family reunion and his nephews really went all out for him! It was a wonderful day!
All of you wonderful encouragers who have sent him emails and everyone else who reads this, please know that his message to you is:
"Do not give in! Find the very best oncologist available and fight this monster till it is defeated!"
Trueman was told that he MIGHT live two years but in two years he was playing golf, working full time and doing a lot of extra as well! It has been almost ten years!
Fran, Trueman's wife, has sent this message:
At 6:30 P.M. on Aug 17th, Trueman transitioned from a place of discouragement and pain to the Peace and Joy of the presence of the Lord. He was here at home with us, our son, Peter, his wife, Deb and our 2 grand-daughters were all holding him close.
[Daughter] Melanie was driving here from NH but he was gone when she made it here. She got on the bed with him and held him for good byes. It still seems like a bad dream and I'll wake up soon.
[Daughter] Terri got married 2 days after Trueman's service. He would have been appalled if she had postponed her wedding. He so wanted to be there. One of the things she did which really touched me was that she had the huge bouquet that the grandchildren sent to Trueman's service in the very front of the church. The wide ribbon on it said, "Papa" ( the name which all the grands called him).
If you wouldn't mind I would really appreciate it if you could put an update on YANA for me. Trueman really loved the group better than any!
