Hi all.
Well, a great day today with the results from the latest CT scan. There has been no progression of cancer since the pre-chemo scan in February. This means that the chemo has done its job.
According to the medical oncologist this means that, statistically, the cancer should be “on hold” for 17 months. Of course, this may be shorter or longer, depending on a number of factors. Given that I have beaten the statistics many times I am confident that we can kick the cancer can well and truly down the road for a number of years. Except for quarterly PSA tests to make sure that nothing is happening.
The immediate issue is that I have not emerged yet from the chemo fog and side effects. The main problems are fatigue and depression. This may have something to do with the significant scanxiety that I have experienced in recent weeks, in the lead up to receiving today’s scan results. The medical oncologist stated that it is too early for the chemo side effects to disappear. It may take another four to six weeks for this to happen.
This great news is timely, as my wife and I will celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary this week.
There is, however, no rest for the wicked. Yet again, I will have to commit to maintaining a healthy lifestyle to make sure that the “17 months” expectation is stretched out as far as possible
So, time to put cancer aside and get on with life. Again.
Good health and happiness to all. Cheers, Phil
Things I learned while dealing with prostate cancer 
Great news, Phil. I know you will be savouring each moment.
Yes, time to get back to living
and breathing…
Such great news Phil!!!!!
Thanks Cath. Such a relief
Great news, really pleased for you. I found the chemo fog lasted a while but we are all different.
Keep going with the healthy eating 👍
Thanks Phillip. Much appreciated
What fantastic news! I’m glad the fog is your biggest problem now. Enjoy the good news.
Thanks Jim. I am looking forward to the run in to Christmas
That’s great news Phil. I’m so happy for you.
Wow – Happy 18th Wedding Anniversary. Enjoy the celebration.
Take care, Liz
Thanks Liz. Looking forward to tomorrow. Going down to the sunny coast for one night, although it looks like it will be wet. Hope you are all well.
Great news. Keep on keeping on. x
Thanks Carol
Hey Phil,
So good to hear this great news…. all the best to you and the family Phil. Vicki
Thanks Vicki, and I hope you are in good health too. Cheers, Phil
Phil, fantastic news. You are doing so well, & an inspiration with your positive attitude.
Congratulations to you both on celebrating 18 years together – well done.
Keep on enjoying every moment.
Love Lesleyxxx
Thanks Lesley. I hope you are doing OK. Cheers, Phil
Thanks for your response to my recent Blog. I was glad to hear from you and hope that I can stay subscribed to your story. You are living a miracle. glad things are going well. I think about you a lot.
Thanks for your kind words
Just now catching up with you Phil, I am so pleased that the chemo has worked. You sound much more positive about the future and it is good that the side effects are improving. You have certainly influenced my feelings about chemo. Praying that you continue to beat the odds! Cheers, Les.
Thanks Les. It was explained to me that the anti nausea meds have improved and they certainly micro managed the process and were prepared to change or stop things if it did not work out for me. Cheers, Phil
Wow,great news for you and your family! Keep on keeping on.
Hi Phil
It’s been years since we communicated. I’ve been following your blog for a few months now. When i read all the earlier posts i didn’t know how to go about reaching out after all these years. i can’t imagine what this journey must be like for you. I just read your recent post…congratulations, you are a fighter and an inspiration to us all.
Keep up the fight and all the best
Steve Ryan
Hello Steve Ryan. Thanks heaps for reading and commenting. It means a lot to me to find out that my posts mean something to others. I (sort of) keep up with what’s happening with people in the insurance industry via contact mainly with Dave Roddis, David Stanborough, Steve Smyth and others. The whole cancer thing has been a roller coaster ride. Weirdly, I am a better person and we have a better life in many ways despite the big C. A hell of a way to get out of insurance! Life is good. I cannot remember when our paths separated, but I would like to find out where you are and what you are doing. Maybe off line via falloon2015@gmail.com? Thanks again. Cheers, Phil
Wonderful result Phil for you and the family just in time for Christmas and for a great start to the New Year. Best wishes, Vicki
Thanks Vicki, I hope everything is Ok with you
That’s great news Phil. Enjoy your celebrations, and obviously a great start for 2019. Well done.
Love to you all, and all the very best for the festive season.
Hi Lesley, thanks again for your support. Best wishes for Christmas and the new year. Cheers, Phil
Hi Phil,
You are more than welcome, and thank you. Looking forward to the next week and 2019.
xx