Good news arrived yesterday; five plus weeks after stopping hormone therapy, I just received blood test results and had a general physical exam. Both suggest that the cancer is not resurgent in any way that is detectable at this time. My PSA score is still zero (flat-line since January), my prostate is no longer hard (though it is still enlarged which is not unusual at age 62), and there are no new indications relating to any of the areas of concern (prostate, lungs, bones).
There is a cautionary aspect in that my testosterone level is still extremely low, so the full experiment will apparently require a longer time. At least I am off to a good start. Testosterone is thought to be a fuel for this kind of cancer. The great curiosity is, what does the cancer activity do when normal levels of testosterone are reached? It is not known how long it takes to get back to normal.
It is a great relief to get these results. None of my medical and health counselors was making an guesses as to what would happen, post-hormone therapy. I am feeling well with normal energy levels and there is grounds for optimism.
Heading into the fall, I will be continuing with my program while also maybe loosening up a little. I will also continue the recent focus on exercise, to hopefully rebuild some muscle mass lost in the hormone therapy. I will be having periodic doctor appointments and blood tests as well.
I am receiving contacts and inquiries from many people who are in some proximity to advanced prostate cancer, and I am happy to respond in support of those who want to try some of the same strategies. What I hear most often is that the program is impossible, and my response is that one probably does not need to do the whole thing. My case was extreme; others could easily pick some of the strategies and not try to do all of them.
I feeling feeling a wave of gratitude for all the support that I have received, and continue to receive, in every form. Logistical help, donations of supplements, well wishes, financial support, all continue to flow in and help us stay afloat. To all who are helping us in any way, thank you!