Continuing progress report 2 year mark

Posted by eldorado80 @eldorado80, 5 days ago

4th and final 6 month post.

Background review
Original diagnosis was 14.7 PSA and 8 Gleason score or "intermediate high risk". My radiologist extended the radiation treatment to include the nearby lymph nodes. Reason being that microscopic cancer may have spread from the prostate that was not detectable.

Treatment was 20 sessions radiation preceded by 45mg Lupron Depot hormone therapy one time injection that reduced testosterone from 800's (normal) down to < 20. Testosterone feeds cancer. Testosterone is now back to 700-800 range. Side effects from injection included temporary loss of libido, genital shrinkage and more. Still present are reduced body hair, man boobs and bradycardia (pulse in low 30's). Much to my doc's chagrin I declined a pacemaker to correct the Bradycardia. My body has tolerated the low pulse rate well with no dizziness or fainting. I declined further scheduled injections.

One side effect probably attributed to the radiation is what I have previously referred to as "back door plumbing" issues. As a result social life has been somewhat curtailed but very doable if you plan right. "Depends" so far not needed.

My advice to those not under treatment yet is to do your own research and go with what makes the most sense. Your case is unique to you. Your decision will depend on several factors including life style, family and current health.
As you move forward... always remember to maintain your sense of humor and positive attitude. It really helps!

About the author:
82 yr single male, 6' 200# . Exercise is 3.3 mi brisk walk almost daily. Eat pretty much what I want with some emphasis on organic, limited prepared food and no fast food. Have been known to consume my fair share of junk food and chocolate. I've earned the right. ha ha.

Lesson learned: Since I started eating healthier a few years ago there are two foods I can no longer eat because I overdid it. They are matcha green tea powder and watermelon. After overeating both for 6 months my body rejected them and has zero tolerance for either now. As my dear 94 year old mother always said "everything in moderation". She was right!

My best to all and thanks for stopping by.

Warm regards,
Dave

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

brianjarvis | @brianjarvis | 5 days ago

Hopefully, things will settle out for you.

Curiosity questions:

> RT treatment for Gleason 8 (i.e., high risk) is typically RT + 12-36 months of ADT. Curious as to why only 6 months of ADT?

> With the cardiac issues, did they consider using Orgovyx rather than Lupron? Much less risk of cardiac side-effects.

> Regarding the “back door plumbing" issues, is that due to intestinal damage or rectal damage? What is the diagnosis? What treatments are you getting?

Good advice: research and make the final call.

(At 65y, with a localized, 7(4+3), PSA of 7.976, I had 28 sessions of proton radiation (70 Grays total) + 6 months Eligard. Lost libido (but everything still worked) and muscle atrophy. That was it. No lingering adverse side-effects.)

ozelli | @ozelli | 4 days ago

PSA still 0.2?

ecurb | @ecurb | 4 days ago

Hmmmm… you were born when your mom was twelve. Interesting?

VancouverIslandHiker | @vancouverislandhiker | 4 days ago

Thanks for the update Dave . Whats your PSA now ? What do the Dr's want to do to ensure you live a happy full life ? Why only one mode ADT , there are many types and methods. Any other health issues ? God Bless Sir - James on Vancouver Island.

eldorado80 | @eldorado80 | 4 days ago

In reply to @ecurb "Hmmmm… you were born when your mom was twelve. Interesting?" + (show)

@ecurb

The clue was "She WAS right!" Passed away 2012.

I do agree it would have been big news in Boston 1943 😉

eldorado80 | @eldorado80 | 4 days ago

In reply to @ozelli "PSA still 0.2?" + (show)

@ozelli Yes stable @ 0.2.

eldorado80 | @eldorado80 | 4 days ago

In reply to @brianjarvis "Hopefully, things will settle out for you. Curiosity questions: > RT treatment for Gleason 8 (i.e.,..." + (show)

@brianjarvis
ADT was one max dosage of 45mg. I opted not to continue due to side effects. Doc concurred. Turns out it was enough.
Orgovyx was never mentioned.
Rectal damage. No treatment. Very manageable. I am quite regular. In AM 2 or 3
trips and usually good for rest of day. Only thing I do now is provide a PSA to radiologist every 6 months.

eldorado80 | @eldorado80 | 4 days ago

In reply to @vancouverislandhiker "Thanks for the update Dave . Whats your PSA now ? What do the Dr's want..." + (show)

@vancouverislandhiker
PSA steady at 0.2. No ongoing treatment other than PSA every 6 mo to radiologist.
Docs always push meds and procedures. 😉
The one ADT injection was max 45mg. I opted not to continue because of side effects. Doc concurred. Turns out it was enough.