In 2014 I had got staph from a back surgery was when I first stated getting sick. Treated at home with strong antibiotic for six months to control the strain of infection I had. Got myself on my feet once again on May 2 2016 went to shore with my family. I started having urination issues, thought I had another infection from hip surgery six months earlier in the year. Doctor treated me for three weeks for kidney stones turned out no kidney stones to be found, no keep in mind I have went for yearly physicals and blood-work for previous surgeries but no PSA testing. I am 53 years old. Well this time they gave me a PSA, turned out to be 267. They told me I had prostate cancer. I was shocked along with my family. The Urologist started me on Hormone therapy shots. PSA on August 1 2016 down to PSA level of 26, I start chemo on August 5 2016.
Went for my first dose of chemo with Taxotere on August 4th 2016 second day no side effects yet to complain of understanding my blood-work levels will take a plunge soon. Will report on this at that point.
It's one day after chemo wife took children to the shore for couple days. I'm fine with it. I slept most of the night she left at 600pm. It's Saturday, I am alone depression starting to set in. I realize this is the first time I have been by myself in 20 years. I'm scared of the thoughts in my mind. I'm scared of dying. My brother in law breaks up the thought by spending time with me. Wife calls every other hour to check in with me. I get very little sleep. It's Sunday morning, I awake all I do is cry. I cant even talk to anyone with out sobbing. My wife gets children packed up and comes home to me. I feel bad. Monday doctor takes me off Wellburtion. I settle some, Tuesday wife takes all children out of house for day. When I awake to go for bloodwork, I'm running a fever. Sat in ER rest of day to find I have brhconoist now on antibiotics Z-pack. It's 530 I go to bed.
Today 08/24/2016 I will be getting my chest port in my body. On the 26th I will receive my second round of chemo.
Seven days after second chemo with taxadora, getting little strength back, no appetite for food, sick, nausea, short with my family, children, very forgettable as they call it chemo brain. My poor wife bless her she tries to do it all with home, children, and keeping me straight, looking at calendar and next chemo is September 15, 2016 cant wait. Depression is the worst can't seem to shake it but I won't take Wellbutrin, it makes me feel worse.
I'm sitting here feeling like suffer with side effects of hormones and taxotere. Is it worth it or is what's left of life be better without all of this? My stomach hurts from the shots, I feel like someone set a bomb off in my insides. I am tired but most of all, I want to know why me why the others where is the cure for all of this? I understand at stage 4 no cure, but is 18 months worth the effects of chemo? I watch my wife and children suffering with the thoughts of unknown, and I see them hurting not knowing what to do for me. I hate this! I ask my wife what to do, she breaks down. Without treatment it progresses with pain, with treatments more months are promised with pain and no quality of having a life I was used to before this hit me. I have no desire, no strength to do as I wish. I'm only 53 maybe if I was another 20 years older I could handle this but I still have 5 children under 15 to finish raising I need to be healthy to do this. My children homeschool. We were going to travel this year as they took classes, so we could hunt and fish in other parts of the US. So many plans have gone up in dust. Back in May 2016 when we were slapped in the face of 4th stage prostate cancer out of the blue, how could a healthy man who visit the doctors regular did what I needed to do as far as physicians appointments now find myself worrying every day? How much time do I have left with my family and how much sicker will I get before it's over? Makes me wonder if treatment is worth it by extending life by maybe months.
It's the day after Thanksgiving my last chemo session was on November 17, 2016 this was the last of 8 rounds, my PSA is down from 265 to 5.8 after having Xgeva and hormone therapy Trelstar every three months now. My official diagnosis on November 17 is Primary Malignant Neoplasm of Prostate Secondary malignant Neoplasm of bone, I have been blessed with Anemia, nausea, and super fatigue. I have a good doctor though Dr. Hyatt Degreen of Lancaster Cancer Center, Lancaster PA. I am gaining some weight back, do have an appetite now and then. I'm keeping the Faith that I will be here on Earth for next 10 years to see my 6 year old grow up, just now trying to make the holidays for the family at home 5 children ages 6, 7, 12, 14, and 15 keeping my fingers crossed and my wife is a great support system.
Well here I am again after the chemo break of Taxtore, I had a break from November 12, till now. Back last month I was told PSA; had risen from 5.7 to 7.9 today I was told that my PSA; is now 16.2 and that I need body scans to see where my cancer has traveled and set place at now in the body. I am depressed, scared and losing Faith all at one time. My wife is very depressed; even though she is a strong woman this has taken her down. My children and as that goes We have 10 all together are just starting to find out that the cancer is kicking back, I don't know if I am strong enough for more chemo the last wiped me out. On the 14th body scans on the 21 of the month Dr. Degreen will let me know results and how to go to war with this again hoping I got what it takes to beat this prayers to all my fellow brothers in this war and hope you may be one to overcome this disease, until the next time in two weeks after talk with my doctor
Had a break in November ans December of 2016, PSA level raised up again to 17.9 from 5.9. My cancer moved to new spots in fibs and both lungs. I have done five rounds of sequential next and last on June 12th, on June 5th I will have a new PSA level taken and blood work I go weekly for bloodwork. I also receive Concurrent, hormone shots Dexamethasone Sodium and Diphenhydram 500 mg, Aloxi 25 mcg Famotidine 20 mg.
I am tired of chemo and its effects and is it really helping me or just prolonging it. May was one year since they found the cancer who knows how long I had it before they found it that question is not known, I am diagnosed with malignant neoplasm of prostate secondary agranulocytosis now in lungs. Waiting on new results, after the last round of number two to see if I continue with chemo or try and treat myself with other solutions. If chemo is not working then trying something on my own will at least give me quality of life. Yes they have given me retalin for energy but I want quality of life too. I do not want this cancer as nobody does and I still can not believe there is a cure. I think its terrible that the government can not come up with a cure because it may hurt someones wallet. I have young children to live for.
Started again January with a PSA of 17. Jevtana over 5 months brought PSA down to 7.9, got another round of sepsis and pneumonia, ended up in the hospital six days. Took a one month break. PSA raised to 11.9. It's now July 17th, back to Jevtana every three weeks with the Nexlus patch, and hormone shots once per month. Doctor gives no time limit says could be one day to six months to three years. Don't shoot for five so prayers and talks with our God will decide in my life where I go from here. Also receive Torisel injections, was prescribed Ritalin 10 mg two times per day for a little extra energy, blood work every Monday.
Well it's July 28th. It has been 13 months since first treatment of hormone, chemo and bone strengthening shots. Told today that because of pain in stomach area, I need a cat scan on Monday. A new PSA done today, no results yet, and other blood counts are wbc 20.7, ly 5.1, Gr 14.9 RBC3.90, HGB 11.3 HCT 35.2 RDW 18.9. We will be praying for a good cat scan with no more growth.
08/9/2017 blood work good, treatments of Jevtana every three weeks, with hormone shots and bone shots of Xofigo every month, scans back chest shows thyroid unremarkable, heart not enlarged, Coronary arterial calcifications are seen. The aorta and pulmonary artery are normal, multiple sub-centimeter mediaastinal nodes are seen, although decreased in size compared to last scan, lungs show debris in right lower lobe upper lobe pulmonary are no longer identified, but emphysema is present. The overlaying soft tissue is unremarkable although diffuse sclerotic osseous (bones) disease is again identified. Abdomen is unremarkable. My right middle and basilar are subsegegmental atelectasis could be tumor or emphysema, compared to scans on 02/14/2017 my lungs normal parenchyma, liver normal, no masses. Bile ducts and gall bladder normal, Slpeen normal in size no masses, Pancrrease normal, Kidneys no evidence of hydronephrosis, mass or calculus. Adrenal glands normal, IVC and Aorta normal, Bowel normal, Bladder normal no mass, Adenopathy none, Free fluid none, Regional skeleton, no significant blastic or lytic lesion present, So to say things look good I thought maybe treatment would stop soon but Dr DeGreen says I will be in treatment every three weeks forever until it stops working then I will have to find another one so it looks like treatment the rest of my life, hopefully the next 5 to 10 years, so prayers to all other fellow members out there fighting. Good luck and keep treating. Edward Ritter, 141 Houserock Road, Pequea, PA 17565. Write to me so I can have some writing to do back. Keep the faith, and hope someday it will be cured and always believe in miracles and God he will lead this disease in all of us in different ways.
PSA went back up to 13.4 on August 7th, hoping it will go back down. Prayers to all my brothers with this thing called cancer, I understand it has to do with the immune system trying hard to get in touch with strengthening my system. Going back to drinking baking soda and water once per day. Any other suggestion I will take. Thank you.
Little concern PSA went back up from 12.79 to 17.27, on Jevtana, with hormone shots of Xgiva, Sept of 2017 has went up 5 points in a month, little discouraged.
Okay blood work done. PSA still up from 12.9 to 17.27, wbc 15.9. rbc 3.61 hgb 10.3 anything under 10 I get a iron shot. 7/10 infusion Sequential and Concurrent an injection of SQ/IM and hormonal injection. I recived Dexamethasone Sodium 1 mg along with Diphenhydram 500mg and mt Neulasta 6mg patch needle injection. I received Jevtana 1 mg. Last blood work done 9-25-17. It's now been 16 months since diagnosis and what ever time before it was found, my support system is my wife, my 10 children, the ones 15 to 6 -5 left at home yet. I go out four wheeling with my children and grandchildren I refuse to sit and let it eat me away. I will fight this and look at it as a chronic disease rather than a terminal issue. We are all terminal in one way or the other so brothers keep chin up and keep going.
Well two weeks ago doctor told us that Tatora, and other chemo did no good, and now I am to go on Zytiga to control hormones, how much more before nothing helps. My wife did get them to agree on genetic testing and to get help to get this done. Zytiga is $12,000.00 per month they got me help for that too. I just dont know how much longer this will help. I put off the start of Zytiga this week I wanted to go to the shore and take my 16 year old hunting. Treatment can wait as far as I see it now. Good luck brothers in your journey as my doctor tells me this is a marathon HAHAH, to me it's a slow death with not much hope of a cure.
Well it December 28th I made my second Christmas with family after learning in April 2016 I was stage 4 terminal prostate cancer that had already mets to the bones. I started Zytiga back in end of October 2017 after two sets of chemo infused that became Hormone resistant. I'm now currently PSA of 15.9. Tomorrow I go to the oncologist, will have next PSA test. Say a prayer for me that it has came down this time and not spreading.
Last screenings in beginning of October showed no new growth but PSA was still high. It was a good Christmas with my family. The medication plus monthly hormone shot and bone shots of Xgiva make me tired. Sickness has resided the burning and pushing to pee has subsided. Hopefully this medication along with predisone daily will do some good for a couple years. We shall see if any changes. Will update on the 29th of this month once I get all information together. Good luck and many prayers sent everyone's way tonight. God bless you all.
Well it's been three months since starting ZYTIGA. First month dropped, last two PSA went up by three points each month, so we will see where I go from here. PSA now at 22. Any suggestions or recommendations? Please email my wife. I feel like I'm running out of treatments. Thanks.
Okay so back in January 2018 after two months on Zytiga PSA was 28.9, now one month on Xtandria I'm down to 12.4. I pray to God it keeps going down, I am stage 4 in my bones I also get hormone shots and a bone shot, will write in April to see where PSA is then, God bless all of you!
Well I am back to update it's been awhile, I have a PSA that is a roller coaster one month up, one month down. Last month 14.5 this month 18.9 never seem to get under 12. I've been on Zytiga for 3 months no good, now on 4 Xtandria each day and Iam roller coasting through this last three months, I have never got down to 0 or undetectable I wish I could, Last cat scan showed some up take in the bones more than six months ago but not in any major organ yet at the present thanks to God being on my side and my wife constantly on my back to keep moving. I find myself going to bed at 5:00 or 6:00pm sleep all night till about 1:00 then back up this is after I slept for hours in a chair before bed I feel I let my wife down with the five children and grandkids when we have them and I'm so sorry for it. I just got hearing aids last week for three years I yelled cause I couldn't hear right now I scream at the children for being to loud and I am sorry for that too. So two weeks ago my oncologist says I'm sending you back to Urologist time for Provenge immunotherapy, but I get there and he say no Radium 233 first but my PSA has to rise three months in a row I don't understand this I want to live for the children, which one is the best I have no clue! I get up every day sit in my chair and unless I run for my medication or have an appointment I go no where else or do nothing else. I started doing some vaping says it kills cancer does it really? THC? I'm lost don't know which way to go in my life I told my wife that she doesn't have to worry I feel it will soon be over and I'll be out of this pain and situation I hope I am wrong but I just gotta a feeling ok at I'll keep you posted diagn May 1 2016 it now July 2018 longer then told in the beginning so I thank God for everyday I get for I know I had to have it at least a year before they found it to be stage four right away should of known it when my sex drive and life went away at least a good year before diagnosis but never ever thought cancer. Good luck my friends out there hopefully we all make it.
My last three months on this medication taking 4 pills per day and hormone shots monthly, has left me tired, my pain level is high and my PSA keeps climbing. I am about to give up. I am waiting to end of month to see what PSA is then they want me to go to urologist to start Provenge. Not sure I am going to do this or not. It's been along 26 months now I am tired of living worn out not be able to do as I once could not enjoying my life anymore. I live for my wife and 5 children but it seems I have no desire to do anything with them so I am not sure if I can make it through Provenge or not. That's where my life stands. Good luck out there mates beat this thing called cancer.
Today is October 1 2019 just finished up external radiation. I made it through two weeks straight to ease the pain in lower back and right hip. Doctor showed me the scans I have cancer spots in my sciatic, a quarter size in my lower left side and a half dollar size in my right hip. I will not know results until I see the cancer doctor tomorrow. They are talking about now going with Radium 233 but I am scared of the danger to my wife and children. I went hunting this past weekend I sat down by a tree. After an hour I could not get back up. My son had to help me up. I cried. My wife says I need to walk more and stop sitting and laying around.
It has been 27 months now since diagnosis. My family doctor says all major organs are fine. Cancer is just in bones at this time. I bless the good Lord for my last 27 months and hope the plan will be for my time with my family. At this point for I know it's the Lord who is allowing me my time now and I am so grateful for that.
After two weeks straight my PSA has risen highest its ever been in 27 months it is now at 58. They want me to do Radium 233 not real sure yet.
Today is 1/8/2019 it's now been going on 31 months since I found out. Now remember it's been longer than that since it began it was harboring how long before diagnosis. I have made Christmas and New Years with the family for 2016,2017,2018, I thank God for that for answering my prayers and my wife's.
Today is a new chapter to add. All previous chemos have failed to stop this I have seen PSA from 258 in beginning down to 14 then back up over the years. Three months ago it was 78.9 back on xtandia and hormones reset my recipticals back down to 38.5 today back up just checked to 66.9 so it is not helping. Today I go for Radium 233 treatments it will not stop or cure cancer but may help with bone pain and add a few more months with family not so sure on another Christmas only God knows that question.
Today I went for second shot of Radium 233 tires all the time PSA went up from 69.9 to 115.9 not thrilled about that been taking four Xtandi along with Radium 233 was hoping for lower PSA blood work is holding good in first month hopefully it stays good this month . Good luck to all out there it has been 32 months since diagnosis. Fingers crossed everyday and prayers to God that I survive thanks.
Febuary 5th 2019 was the last injection of Radium 233 I qot after that 3rd injection and I stopped all other treatments no more bad headaches for me no more side effect except tiredness I am now on full Hospice it has been 16 weeks since all treatments have ended, there will be no more PSA or scans for me to go by. I pray to God that time is on my side for my wife and children I am only 56 but the last 36 months have been torture through one treatment after another I just want to be happy for some time and not sick. The pain is constant but Hospice and my wife keep me comfortable I feel I will beat their 6 month plan for me wish me luck, and I want to wish all men going through the same trials that I have the best of luck I will keep in touch on how long my journey goes and how my ending is. Good Luck I am not quitting just want to be happy till the end.
My husband Edward A Ritter gained his wings on Monday June 17th 2019. His will to live was so strong but his body gave out. He was a blessed man and we are the ones in pain now but his pain has ended.
