September Update

Changes:

• The fatigue continues but has eased somewhat. This is to be expected as the distance (in time) from the last implant increases. But of course, this means I'm getting closer to the next implant; and so the cycle continues.

• The hot flushes continue but with less frequency and duration. Shortness of breath continues and has eased somewhat - see point 1 above.

• Night urinations have decreased to 1 or 2 per night!!

• Sleeplessness is now almost a thing of the past! I sleep very well now - between ‘pit stops’

• Tiredness has also decreased – see point 1 above!

• Hair loss - chest, stomach, under the armpits - continues but is not a problem. Less shaving required now

• Cognitive Impairment continues to improve; largely because I am forcing my brain to remember even small details - the old adage applies here - use it or lose it!!

• Confusion only rarely becomes a problem, because of the above strategy.

• Memory loss has eased considerably - again because of the above strategy!

• My 'High protein' energy drink (a breakfast supplement) has been added again along with:

Propolis - a product of honey, which has proven results for empowering the immune system; Sage – improves memory; improved, well-balanced diet; and, a milk substitute with added calcium and vitamin D – to prevent bone thinning.


Unchanged:

• My attitude remains (mostly) positive!

• Bowel movements remain good.

• I have put on weight (all over) but it looks good - so I'm told. However I'm still trying to beat the 'bubble in the middle'!


I exercise (walk) most days to stave off bone thinning and muscle atrophy and have sufficient 'down days' to allow my body time to recover. I also get plenty of 'resistence training' (strengthening various muscle groups) by wrestling with my grandchildren!

I have had to ‘work’ at balancing these two; it was only when I considered just how much my body was damaged during the Radiation Therapy that I was able to fully understand the importance of maintaining this balance!

A Further Update

I thought it was time, once again, that I offered the following update. I can now report the following changes.


Negative:

• The fatigue continues ... but is no worse.
• The hot flushes continue.
• Shortness of breath continues.
• Head and Chest cold for two weeks - just beginning to clear.
• Cognitive Impairment conitunes to plague me!
• Confusion loves to play with 'cognitive impairment' - at my expense!
• Memory loss has continued - enjoying frolicking with the above two!

Positive:

• Night-time urinations have finally reached acceptable numbers [1-2 per night].
• Sleep has improved as a result of the decrease in night-time 'pitstops'.
• Bowel movements are returning to normal.
• Sinus has finally abated.
• I have finally begun to lose weight - 2.5 kgs!

Now apart from the above, I can also report that I have been experimenting with a number of products that [if correctly used] can help to increase strength and well-being; albeit temporarily.

• I have recently tried Berocca - available without a prescription.

I have noticed some general improvement in strength levels as a result. Berocca aids in releasing the maximum amount of energy available from the food you eat. Therefore it is very important to follow a well balanced and nutritious diet.

• I have also been taking a commercially available 'high protein' energy drink as a breakfast supplement.

This I have noticed considerably boosts my energy level for a good start to the day!

• I also chomp on 3 or more Glucodin tablets daily.

The addition of these products, I should add here, has not only given me more energy [at times] but has also improved my diet.

I should also add, that I have been careful NOT to overdo ... just because I was feeling a little more 'normal'. I use these products, more for an improve sense of well-being; rather than an aid to 'doing more'.

While it is important to exercise sufficiently each day to stave off bone thinning and muscle atrophy; it is also important to allow your body sufficient rest each in regard to the Radiation Therapy.

Radiation Therapy Commences

Well as noted in the most recent post, my Radiation Therapy commenced a couple of days late. Well ... today was the day! And so off I went, ready for my first experience of Radiation Therapy; flanked by my wife, my daughter AND her two children both under two years of age!

We actually caused quite a stir amongst the nursing staff as both of our grandchildren are (I must admit) quite adorable!

Then it was off to the 'loo' to empty my bladder and then to refill it again with at least '500 mls' of water.

Having taken care of the bowel and rectum situation earlier in the day (with a trusty suppository) I was quite confident that there would be no unnecessary interruptions this time!

Next it was time to undress and put on my specially selected gown - see photo below.

Banjo wanted to give grandad a hug before he headed off! Not sure if the hug was for me, or whether he wanted to see all the brightly coloured, smiley faces.




Then it was to the treatment room for the procedure, with my own doctor (my daughter Lauren) present to oversee the whole event; both in the treatment room and later at the monitoring station. See below:

Now, I'm sure that someone is asking: "Was it uncomfortable?" Well ... yes ... but not in the way you might think! The ONLY discomfort I felt ... was looking at the photos afterwards!

I have never been overweight in my life; but look what 'Hormone Therapy (LHRH implants) does for you! I have gained (for me) a whopping 9 kgs!

More to follow...

Looking for a Role Model

"I am woman hear me roar..."

Since my last post, that line from a Helen Reddy song (of yesteryear); keeps reverberating in my mind, as if to taunt me!

It's not enough, that I'm somewhat 'gender-confused' as a result of being 'chemically castrated' some months ago ... no ... now I'm becoming obsessed about my weight! My weight has now ballooned out to 91 kgs and I'm 'not happy Jan'.

To make it worse, all those (extra, unwanted) NINE kgs have decided to congregate around my mid section! I would have been happier if they had 'spread themselves out'; but nooo...! Now I've had to go out and buy a whole new lot of jeans, trousers, shorts and shirts! (Ah ... I just realised . .. there's hope for me yet ... I still don't enjoy shopping!!)

At work ... well its rather pathetic really. Whenever the women ask me if I've 'put on a bit of weight'; I find myself cowering behind: ... "it's the medication, its upset my body's ability to metabolise correctly".

Now, before you jump in with: "...have you considered diet and exercise"? Let me explain; I continue to enjoy an almost exclusively vegetarian diet. The only meat I have is the occasional chicken or fish. And so ... no carbs, no fat, no cholesterol, no sugars etc. But still the weight defies me!

I have been exercising (lightly) and my job is one that requires a considerable amount of walking; but still the weight mocks me!

I know, I could defeat this latest enemy with a regular program of vigorous cardio workouts; to 'burn off the fat'. But, and here's the rub, the HT (Hormone Therapy) that I'm on causes considerable fatigue and I literally don't have anything left over after work.

And so there you have it ...

My decision? I have decided to try to ignore the weight gain, enjoy the new clothes and trust that the current 'exercise and diet' regime will, over time, win out in the 'battle of the bulge'!