Slowing Down and Finding Strength — Lonnie’s Prostate Cancer Journey
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to share stories that shine a light on this disease and the people living with it. One of those stories belongs to Lonnie Van Horn, a 54-year-old from Indianapolis who was diagnosed with stage four metastatic prostate cancer in 2017.
Lonnie’s journey has been filled with challenges—delayed diagnosis, painful symptoms, difficult treatment decisions, and the heavy weight of uncertainty. Yet through it all, he has found ways to keep moving forward and to use his experience to help others.
Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lonnie’s first signs were common—urination problems and body pain. At first, his doctors thought it was a urinary tract infection or prostatitis. Antibiotics gave him temporary relief, but the pain kept coming back. Finally, after a prostate exam and biopsy, Lonnie received life-changing news: prostate cancer, stage four.
His PSA, a blood test used to help detect prostate cancer, came back at 685. For reference, a healthy PSA level is usually 4 or below. Lonnie describes that day as the moment his entire world shifted.
Taking Control of Treatment Decisions
Lonnie’s oncology team wanted him to start chemotherapy right away. But Lonnie pushed pause. “I needed to slow down and think,” he recalls. Instead of rushing, he took time to research his diagnosis, read studies, watch videos, and talk with family.
He eventually joined a clinical trial combining several medications, including olaparib and abiraterone. The side effects were challenging, but the treatment worked well for more than three years—helping stabilize his cancer and lower his PSA.
Mental Health: The Hidden Battle
The physical side of cancer was only part of Lonnie’s fight. “It’s like someone standing behind you with a trigger, and you never know when it’s going to be pulled,” he says, describing the anxiety of living with advanced cancer.
A year into his clinical trial, Lonnie reached out for therapy. It was one of the best decisions he made. Therapy gave him tools to manage the fear, grief, and anger that often come with a cancer diagnosis.
Choosing Quality of Life
After six years of continuous treatment, Lonnie did something few expected—he asked his oncologist for a treatment break. He was exhausted, mentally and physically. To his surprise, his doctor supported his decision, reminding him that quality of life is an essential part of care.
Although new scans later showed more cancer activity and he restarted treatment, Lonnie doesn’t regret taking that time to breathe, rest, and restore.
His Message for Patients and Caregivers
Lonnie says one lesson stands out: slow down.
When you first hear “cancer,” the rush of fear and urgency can make it hard to think clearly. Lonnie urges patients to pause, care for their mental health, and give themselves space to process emotions like grief, sadness, and anger.
“Slow down and take care of your mental health before diving into treatment decisions,” he says. “The fight is exhausting, but your emotional health matters just as much as the physical side.”
Why His Story Matters This September
Lonnie’s story is a powerful reminder that prostate cancer is not just a medical journey—it’s an emotional one, too. For patients and caregivers, it’s important to listen, learn, and advocate, but also to rest and process the experience.
As we recognize Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let’s carry Lonnie’s advice forward: slow down, seek support, and remember that caring for the mind is just as vital as caring for the body.
About the Patient Story
The Patient Story shares authentic patient experiences with compassion and scientific rigor. Starting with cancer and expanding to other conditions, the platform combines patient narratives with medically vetted information on symptoms, clinical trials, insurance, and support—presented in a human-centered way.
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This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
