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Posted by in alternative cancer treatment, prostate cancer, transurethral hyperthermia

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When we started this blog in Sept. 2015, it was our intention to share Paul’s experiences with alternative prostate cancer treatment (specifically transurethral hyperthermia.)  When initially researching the procedure, we were frustrated with the limited information we could find on the treatment results. If this treatment was helping (or possibly curing prostate cancer), where were the success stories?  We were determined to share our experience openly so that they next person considering this treatment would have the full benefit of what we learned.

Three years later, having determined that the alternative treatment was not curative, Paul will be undergoing traditional treatment in the U.S.

This blog continues to get traffic and we often hear from men who are struggling with treatment decisions. Many of the questions we receive were answered in earlier posts, but we certainly don’t expect anyone to read ALL of our previous posts (despite how riveting they are – lol.)

So, here’s a shortcut to the highlights of the past three years:

  1. About us. Here’s the background on the two of us and why we decided to undertake this project.
  2. Initial Diagnosis. How Paul’s cancer was discovered, initial PSA and biopsy results. Our research on how transurethral hyperthermia works and the various clinics in Germany where it is offered.
  3. Treatment in Germany. There is a daily recap of the five days we spent at the Marinus Clinic in Germany starting HERE and ending HERE. There is also a page of photos of the transurethral hyperthermia equipment as well as tips for anyone considering visiting the Marinus Clinic.
  4. Updates at 30 days, six months, and one year after treatment.
  5. Results of Sept. 2016 MRI.
  6. Our move to Denver, CO and decision to get a mapping biopsy to determine if the cancer had gotten worse. This post also includes our (differing) conclusions about the ultimate results of the treatment in Germany.
  7. The mapping biopsy results showing that Paul’s Gleason score was higher than originally reported, as well the fact that the cancer has spread to his seminal vesicle. His cancer was re-classified as stage 3 and we began looking at both surgical and radiation treatment options.
  8. The results of a February 2018 CT and bone scan that confirmed the cancer had not spread to other organs.
  9. Treatment Plan. Paul’s decision to proceed with radiation combined with hormone deprivation (beginning July 2018).
  10. Treatment is underway. ADT hormone blocker therapy and pre-radiation testing.
  11. Prepped and ready. After four months of ADT therapy, Paul’s radiation treatments will start in October.
  12. 3 Down, 2 To Go. Half way through EBRT.
  13. Radiation completed. And now we wait.
  14. Almost three years post-treatment, here are the latest updates.

September 2021 – (Almost) Three Years After Prostate Cancer Treatment

18 Saturday Sep 2021

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This is a long overdue update. Honestly, I forget about this blog until the annual WordPress renewal fee comes due. The blog traffic numbers are low, but if it helps even a few people navigate the stress and uncertainties of a prostate cancer diagnosis, it’s worth it. And, to those of you who have commented … THANK YOU! We love hearing from you and it makes us feel like we aren’t just talking into a void.

This Thanksgiving it’ll be three years since Paul finished radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Post treatment, he gets regular blood work to see if his PSA is staying low. (The good news is that it is!) If it were to rise suddenly, or even start to rise, that would be a warning sign that the cancer was returning. But, so far so great. Here’s a graph of his latest PSA test (taken in Sept. 2021). His PSA was .5 and we’re very hopeful that he’s cancer free.

In addition to monitoring his PSA, Paul regularly gets his testosterone checked. He was on a testosterone blocker for a full year following radiation, and it took nearly another year for the medication to process through his body. Those two years were tough as he felt sluggish, gained weight and lost his libido. These were all side effects we expected, but when it happens, and it’s out of your control, it’s no fun. Today his testosterone has rebounded (woo hoo!) and it’s higher than it was pre-radation.

It took a while, but Paul lost the 30+ pounds he gained while he was on the testosterone block and he’s feeling (and looking) really good. We truly believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle (limiting processed foods, lots of exercise, getting good sleep, time in nature) and having a positive attitude helped him navigate the difficult post-treatment year.

As for other updates, we are ending our fourth year living in Denver and continue to love it here. We made it through the COVID pandemic (so far) without getting sick and are now both vaccinated. Almost three years ago we got a Cavapoo puppy (you can see her at #ruththecavapoo).

Paul changed jobs in December 2020 and is working full time as EVP of Operations for a consumer products company. I’m continuing to work as a marketing consultant, while I build my blog following and visiting the grandkids as often as I can. We’re starting to dream about what retirement (or semi-retirement) might look like and are looking forward to traveling, spending time with family, and going on lots of adventures.

We hope that you’re also doing well and thriving during these unprecedented times. Thanks for following our journey and for your support.

Jill & Paul

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