Fighting Back: How To Tune Up Our Attitude And Outlook

Paul_Cancer_Survivor

I am a Stage 4 prostate cancer survivor, Gleason Score 9, with the BRCA 1 Gene. I've had surgery, chemo, and radiation.

Also…3 PSMA PET scans.

What helps me plow through this battle is a focused and determined outlook.

If you would like a few tips on how to stay mentally strong as you confront these challenges, please send me a message. I'll send you a link so you can download a copy of my free eBook: Think And Fight Cancer: The Essential Mental Techniques.

I want to respect the rules of the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network, so I will not post the link here, but invite you to send me a message if this short eBook interests you.

…

I have been on a combination of Orgovyx and Xtandi for 15 months now, and the meds are working well. My PSA is at an undetectable level. Side effects are minimal although it would sure be nice to be done with all the hot flashes.

But that's me. (Age: 72, Gleason Score 9, BRCA1 Gene, Prostate removed in 2017.)

We all know our individual situations differ. Some of us may be handed a "Medical Vacation" by our oncologist and some of us may be at a risk level that precludes this.

In any event, onward we go.

In the face of all the uncertainties we confront, let's be mentally strong and push back against the anxieties and fears cancer attempts to create.

Whatever your situation, best wishes, and have a terrific day.

jko

Just starting the fight and I'd like to receive the link to read

Think And Fight Cancer: The Essential Mental Techniques.

Helmster

Same here - 73 yr old in excellent shape but laid low by this diagnosis - Gleason 4 + 5, cancer spread to Lymph nodes and bones in hip. On Relugolix for three weeks now, started Nubeqa two days ago, and opting for a six course round of chemo infusions starting in a couple of weeks. Would appreciate any help in keeping a positive attitude.

Gracie07

same here, feeling very depressed and anxious. Definitely having trouble keeping positive attitude some days.

WesyPhillyGuy

i;m on this journey and I'd like the link to your ebook. Thanks

Josephg

I'm also a PCa survivor, 13 years and counting.

Attitude is extremely important to mental wellness, and particularly for PCa and other cancer survivors. Having access to content on this topic is certainly helpful to get folks pointed in the right direction.

But, I do want to be clear, though, at the end of the day, we, and only we ourselves, are responsible for managing our mental wellness and attitudes, so view this discussed content as another tool for your mental wellness toolkit, but not as a quick end all to managing your own attitudes.

swl1956

Yes, we are basically alone in how we manage our mental wellness, I believe a difficult task for those experiencing cancer and other serious maladies. Dealing with a life threatening disease can humble the strongest among us. My biggest worry is not of dying, but the possible degradation of quality of life and how I may become a burden to my loved ones going forward. I struggle with the uncertainty of it all. Prostate cancer keeps reminding me of my mortality, something I gave only glancing consideration prior to this disease. It's like a roller coaster ride with some days of deep depression and others more hopeful. One doesn't have to look very far to realize there are many that have it much worse than our personal journeys. I try to keep reminding myself of this which seems to help somewhat. Currently battling stage 4a Pca I'm due for my three month psa test in a couple of weeks. My last psa was .04 but I've been noticing some slight lower pelvic pain this last couple of weeks and as hard as I try to stay reserved, it's driving me crazy with worry. I'm hopeful it's something other than my worst fears.

Josephg

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724777#Comment_1724777

Very true words for sure. We DO need to be aware that others have it much worse than us, and while that knowledge in itself does not automatically make us feel better or fully contribute to mental wellness, it does instill a true sense of relativity in our overall outlook.

I've been concerned about my mental wellness during my 13 year PCa journey, but 4 months ago, my wife of 50 years was diagnosed with terminal bile duct cancer, and she passed away this past Saturday. Suddenly, my PCa, and all that it has taken from me over the 13 years, seems so trivial now.

swl1956

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724782#Comment_1724782

My condolences to you Josephg. So sorry for your loss. You are clearly more vulnerable to struggling with mental wellness. Hope you have some support. We never know what life may throw at us. We get caught up in our own issues and when something out of the blue smacks us it can change our perspective on everything. I unfortunately know. I lost one of my twin sons a few years ago. I will never be the same.