[Leica] Health

[Bryk Oliver]

Cancer surely changes one's priorities and those of one's life companion. My wife became a well informed case manager and  patient advocate. We recorded every consultation on our iPhones.

I began prostate cancer treatment about a year ago. I won't go into the gory details of the numerous diagnostic procedures that became necessary because of euphemistically called "side effects" of the 45 radiation treatment sessions, among them lymphedema; I wear compression stockings.

The effects of the hormone therapy (quarterly injections of Lupron, a drug that suppresses the production of testosterone to near zero PSA) are profound and include a condition often referred to as "post-menopausal" for want of a term that applies to men.

Gone are the days when I could backpack for a week in the High Sierra at altitudes above 10,000' with tripod, MF cameras and magazines, etc. etc. Now I can barely walk a mile at sea level before running out of energy. 

With the assistance of several well placed relatives and acquaintances I was fortunate to be referred to one of the top urological oncologists in town. My condition is currently stable and requires periodic follow-up.

I salute my fellow cancer patients and wish you less pain and suffering in 2015!

Oliver (born 1928)