PSA levels down to a level that would give most a heart attack

Posted by hanscasteels @hanscasteels, 13 hours ago

My PSA levels, after two Firmagon injections, have dropped from a rather enthusiastic 26.8 to a still-polite-but-not-quite-polite-enough 6.7. Is this a cause for celebration? Perhaps—if we're in the business of moderate success. But when one hopes for an absolute victory, the reduction seems like a lukewarm handshake rather than a triumphant hug. The 6.7 remains a respectable number, certainly, but it’s not exactly the clean slateI had wished for. The question now lingers: Should I pop the champagne, or take another sip of caution? After all, it didn’t drop to zero, did it? It’s a 73% reduction in PSA, granted… tomorrow onwards to be seeded. I’ll be undergoing HDR brachytherapy—because apparently, "relaxing day at the spa" was too mainstream. I’m also hoping this HDR brachytherapy will take care of those cribriform cells—because as my wife says, “why don’t you do a little extra tidying up while they’re at it”?

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

jeffMar | @jeffmarc | 11 hours ago

You’ve been on Firmagon2 months, after three or four months, it should bring you the way below 6.7. If it doesn’t, then you probably have a pretty aggressive cancer that your brachytherapy will hopefully disintegrate.

Since Cribriform is in your prostate itself, it will be destroyed along with the rest of the tissue.

If I were you, I would ask to get off Firmagon immediately, It is the most annoying way to get ADT. You can get a Lupron shot that’ll last three or six months and won’t have the issues with your stomach that Firmagon causes. Even better would be to get the Orgovyx pill, which you take daily?

Have they given you a PSMA pet scan? That really is essential to find out if you have prostate cancer anywhere else in your body. If you do, that is as important to address as your prostate.

hanscasteels | @hanscasteels | 10 hours ago

In reply to @jeffmarc "You’ve been on Firmagon2 months, after three or four months, it should bring you the way..." + (show)

I did have a PSMA scan that didn’t detect any metastasis. At least not observable. It’s the cribriform shit that worries me most. Had a CT as well as a bone scan, but was wondering why bother with those anyway? I don’t mind the monthly injection regimen. I hear it’s also “gentler” on one’s cardio system, and since I had CABG 12!years ago… why invite that back?

gently | @gently | 10 hours ago

Never put salt in champaign. I'd finish the bottle celebrating the wife. I like her thoughts.

hanscasteels | @hanscasteels | 8 hours ago

In reply to @gently "Never put salt in champaign. I'd finish the bottle celebrating the wife. I like her thoughts." + (show)

my wife is a psychiatrist, so I was ale to blame this cancer on my father. All's good. She's been amazingly supportive.

jc76 | @jc76 | 4 hours ago

In reply to @hanscasteels "I did have a PSMA scan that didn’t detect any metastasis. At least not observable. It’s..." + (show)

@hanscasteels
Need to do what is best for you and what your medical professionals are recommending for you specifically. They have your full medical history and can best advise you what is best for you. We are all different and every cancer is different and everyone treatments should be specific to the individual. All react to treatments differently.

I only give my personal expereinces on MCC not medical advice. The only time I give advice outside of what my personal experiences have been is if your are unhappy with your doctors or do not feel comfortable with their experience or knowledge get a second opinion.

Wow having a wife that is psychiatrist. That has really got to be an experience. I have a Master Degree in Psychology and considered getting my PHD but I got burned out trying to go to graduate school and working full time at night.
Good luck!