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Should I have radiation therapy?
I am stage 4, diagnosed August 2024. Metastasis to right pelvic lymph node and both sides of pelvis. Had minimum symptoms prior: some random pain in my hips and weight loss. Annual blood test showed a PSA of 62. Biopsy confirmed cancer, Gleason 4+5, genetic test positive for BRCA 2 gene. ADT since September 2024, last PSA less than 0.1 (1 week ago). I have no symptoms now.
My question; my doc suggests I also have radiation now. He thinks my cancer has shrunk down and thinks I should have radiation on the main prostate tumor while continuing ADT.
I am concerned about radiation side effects and wondering if it will extend my life significantly. I know this cancer will most likely become ADT resistant in 2 years or so, but I can be put on PARP inhibitors at that point. I am now 72. My gut tells me to not have the radiation, the ADT side effects are bad, but manageable with exercise and weight lifting, not sure if I need radiation side effects thrown into the mix. Thoughts?
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What type of radiation caused these bad side effects? I have read the side effects occur about 15% of the time.
At age 70, --12-13 years ago --I had cyber knife radiation for prostate cancer. The radiation never quits affecting you. The long term effects never quit but get worse after years. Anybody that has prostate cancer I strongly urge you to look into other options. Talk to men that have had their prostate removed. The ones I have talked too have less problems than I am having.
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3 ReactionsMy husband just finished 28 rounds of Radiation for Stage 3 advanced Prostate cancer...Aside from being more tired than usual, having hot flashes and being a bit sore in the rectum (which they gave him cream for) he has done well with the Radiation...I belong to many message boards and I have not found anyone that is has any debilitating issues....Hot flashes are the most common complaint..
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3 ReactionsI had 25 sessions of external beam radiation and then seeds implanted in my prostate. It was probably too much radiation and it created scar tissue in my urethra.
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2 ReactionsYesterday Did thoracic spine, Left hip and rear blade took 40 minutes at CVH OK easy
On pain killers for a few days
My radiations to T 4 to T 7 included margins
They did this to ease any pain and stop the future growth Still on Abiraterone and Prednisone
In 2018 had prostrater radiated out L4 in 2020
Praise God Thank you all for your prayers
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3 ReactionsDefinitely let us know if this worked for you. Did it relieve your pain? I know this can take a few days (or more) to resolve.
Not yet as they did not do left scapula my main concern Calling them back Monday
Other sits fine On Tylenol
I can see benefits for you with EBRT / Salvage radiation. Your Dr is planning to do spot or Salvage radiation? Both may be beneficial . The ADT has weakened the PC cells . Pedal to the metal ! Go after the bad cells while on ADT - I think your Dr is correct . What about getting another opinion from a radiation Oncologist or similar ? May prove interesting . God Bless Sir ! James on Vancouver Island .
Gleason score of 8 - Cancer outside of the prostate and in L. Nodes - I had
25 radiation treatments outside the prostate and the last 20 in the prostate
Still of Aberaterone and Lupron - during radiation I lost my appetite and
lost 20 Lbs, had Both bowel problems night sweats, hot flashes, sore, weak,
and took about six weeks to recover, now Gained back the weight, still on ADT
I exercise 3 days a week I feel good not back to what I was though.
I would do Radiation again based on my Dr. recommendations.
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