After failed radiation and Lupron what comes next?

Scans while on Lupron are not very effective. It shrinks the cancer making it almost impossible to find even with the better scans. You need the scans while off Lupron and you need the C11Choline or PSMA scans which are much more precise. That’s why I switched my care to Mayo who were able to find my cancer that the other scans missed. I suggest going to a specialist who deals with salvage radical prostatectomies. Don’t panic,if the Lupron is working as it usually does on most people it buys you time.

My husband was diagnoised with metastatic prostate cancer in December 2020. The following month, he had an appointment at Mayo Clinic for a second opinion. The C11- choline PET scan confirmed the diagnosis. Mayo gave him a shot of Firmagon. In February 2021, he started his six chemo treatments every three weeks. In between all of this & still to this day, he gets a shot of Lupron every three months. When I asked the doctor about his prognosis, I was told things are at bay. This past summer, he was diagnosised with a pulmonay embolism. In both lungs. He now takes Eliquis twice a day. All of this is buying him more time. It's hard, for me, being his caretaker. He's a narcissist. And a narcissist with cancer is even worse!

I recommend going to Mayo Clinic for any serious illiness/second opinion. Thanks to them, I'm a 29 year brain tumor survivor!!

Here's a llnk to the first treatment you asked about., net yet approved by FDA here in the US though I understand it may be this year. - https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2021/prostate-cancer-psma-radiopharmaceutical-vision

Thanks for your input. I guess basically thats all i am doing, buying time. Just gets me they can't stop a tumor thats so small. I have been reading about mayo clinic. Considering going there for second opinion. Thing is doctors are so sensitive and get upset when you seek treatment elsewhere. Thats another story.

Thank you for your comments. After talking to my doctor today. Thinking of trying Mayo clinic. Just wondering if they take medicare.

Hi Seabiscuit, Mayo Clinic does take Medicare. You can find out more about insurances accepted here:
- Insurance types accepted at Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance/accepted-insurance

To request an appointment and to ask about insurance etc., here are the contact numbers for all 3 locations as well as the online submission form: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

There are several members in the prostate cancer group who doctor at Mayo Clinic oncology. They can answer any questions you may have.

Just my thought, the doctor's sensitivity about you seeking treatment elsewhere is their problem, not your....

After surgery in 2014, I had BCR in Sep 15. I followed my surgeon's recommendation and did SRT. AT that time, combining short term ADT, say six months, with the SRT was starting to emerge in various studies as a way to increase the effectiveness of SRT, Mayo had data that indicated more often than not, the spread of PCa was not confined to the prostate bed but included the pelvic lymph nodes.

When I asked my surgeon and radiologist about including ADT and radiating the PLNS too, they dismissed the data as not having long term results, therefore not ready for use in clinical practice. When the SRT failed I decided then and there that my needs were first, their egos 2nd.

I did my research, went to Mayo, agreed on a plan and my medical team here in Kansas City carried out that plan locally.

I did consult for a 2nd opinion here in KC before going to Mayo. The individual was head of the urology department, had an impressive resume and is now head of a major national urology organization. When I laid out my clinical history, cited various studies and sked what he thought, he dismissed my thoughts and said he would only do the standard of care.

Well, I thanked him and said we are not compatible, you are not interested in joint medical decision making, so you're not the right guy for my medical team. I shudder to think where I would be today had I worried about his feelings.

Kevin

Caregiving takes a village. Do you have help?