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Newly diagnosed with prostate cancer and still gathering information
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Apr 22 2:46pm | Replies (115)Comment receiving replies
Hey Lou, I had 25 treatments instead of the older 35-39 protocol. Same amount of radiation, just a little more per session. Side effects after 6 months are even for both protocols.
It’s probably much lower than stereotactic, which is usually 5 session Cyberknife or MRIdian; that beam is very focused in a smaller area so they can give high dose radiation to a precise area. Salvage radiation is more like carpet bombing over a much wider area to kill whatever is there - foe or friend, unfortunately.
And yes, PSMA PET is pretty standard before therapy but they usually are clear until you get to the .5-.7 range PSA. Some men have much higher values and the scan is still clear so don’t put too much emphasis on it.
Are you going on ADT? If so, insist on Orgovyx; it’s oral and it does the same job as old fashioned Lupron but with less side effects ( in my case anyway).
Phil
Replies to "Hey Lou, I had 25 treatments instead of the older 35-39 protocol. Same amount of radiation,..."
Hi Phil,
Just curious about your decision to go forward with salvage radiation. Did you consider your age and doubling time?
I’m thinking that at my age of 75 (today is my birthday) and my doubling time of about 16 months, I’m wondering if it’s worthwhile going forward with the salvage therapy, especially with the possible long-lasting side effects.
So, is it better to live another 5-7 years before things become a problem or to live a little longer with the unpleasant side effects? This is my dilemma. It seems like I’m between a rock and a hard place. I could have regrets no matter which direction I go, treatment or no treatment. And I could have side effects from a treatment that did not help.
So, here are my possible outcomes.
1. PSA becomes undetectable again, no or minimal side effects.
2. PSA becomes undetectable and unpleasant side effects.
3. PSA does not change or increases with no or minimal side effects.
4. PSA does not change or increases with unpleasant side effects.
Each one of these outcomes is possible. 1 and 2 I could tolerate without regrets.. Not 3 and 4.
I guess, I’m wondering, how did you decide?
Any comments?
Lou
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Thanks Phil. That’s the most clarity I have had. I’m not sure about ADT but I will bring your suggestion up at my meeting with the doctor on Monday.
You’ve been a big help.
Thank you,
Lou