So sorry to hear this news.Hang in there and know we are all here for you.On a
good note, Stephanie was allowed to come home yesterday after a 5 day hospital
stay and is doing good.Bill and Stephanie Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy
smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Rick Littrell <rickl@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: 8/14/21 1:27 PM (GMT-05:00) To: GTD <gtd-net@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject:
[gtd-net] Gentlemen, Round 4 has begun... I have been diagnosed (AGAIN) with
prostate cancer, but this time it is more wide spread and aggressive. I have 8+
lesions on my spine and pelvis (which is causing me a low level of pain in the
neck and lower back. The lesion on my lower back is 3.8cm, which is the
largest.), at least what we know of now. My PSA jumped up from 13.90 on 7/29 to
20.06 on 8/12…that’s when the alarm bells went off. I had an Axumin Pet scan on
8/10 that verified “we have a problem, Houston!”.Having a follow up total body
bone scan on Aug. 18th. The Pet scan only covered the area of my body around
the spine. The bone scan will go from tip of toes to top of head to find out if
it has spread to any areas not covered by the PET scan.I will start my chemo on
Aug. 19th, which I will be treated every 3 weeks, for a total of 6 treatments,
till Dec. 2nd. The week after each chemo treatment, I have to get labs done so
they can track progress (or lack there of). Each treatment will last about 4
hours, except the 1st which will be 6 hours. They start slowly to verify I can
tolerate it and don’t have any severe adverse side effects. I’m sure I will
have some during the treatment period, how many and how severe are undetermined
now. More details to follow…If you want to hear them?I will also get an
estrogen shot (to slow the growth down…which has its own side effects, like
crying when those damn ASPC commercials come on for donations, while my breasts
grow and I gain weight!) and a shot of some medicine to strengthen my bones.
None have cracked yet…I will lose my hair within 6 weeks. Anybody need extra?
You pay for shipping. Will probably shave it off when it starts falling out in
chunks. Supposed to come back after beating this beast and could be a different
color (red?) and/or curly. Maybe I should get a tattoo on my head once the hair
is gone???? Any ideas? This should be interesting.I have to have someone drive
me to and from the treatments because it has alcohol in it. Should be an
interesting buzz???? Wondering if I should bring some of my “extra” potion
(Angel’s Envy?) to enhance the treatment?Additionally, I can expect to be
weaker and tired a lot more. I am already experiencing that now. It’s a bone
cancer and is attacking the bone marrow, which makes the red blood cells.It
seems that I am one of the lucky 5% of prostate patients that have these type
of issues from the original diagnosis. Lucky Me?I have a GREAT set of doctors
along with the entire Norton Cancer Institue organization. I feel very
confident that if there is a way to beat this beast, they will find it!While my
support network from family and friends has been great. I will need to lean on
you all to help me get thru this and to help keep my spirits up. I don’t think
it will be easy. It's hardest challenge I have ever had! I have had a gifted
life so far…details to follow.BTW…During the interview with the nurse about
what’s going to happen, she asked me “Can I tolerate alcohol?”, which is in the
chemo, I told her of “Yes I can, I’m very practiced in tolerating
alcohol!”Thanks for your continued support during these difficult times!❤️Love
You all,
Rick “Fat Bastard” LittrellCell: 502.694.0557 |
RickL@littrell.bizhttp://www.twitter.com/RickLittrell
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklittrell
