THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2017 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.
I was just recently diagnosed, actually on 20th of December. I have had a consultation with the oncologist. I have chosen radiation as the treatment. I also have had a Lupron shot. My biopsy was on the 9th of Dec. 12 samples 4 at 3+4=7 and one at 3+3=6. I am scheduled for a cat scan and a bone scan on Thursday. They then will grade it. My PSA has always been around 1.5 and then in Nov. of 2012 it was 2.3 and six months later it was 2.8. It was still 2.8 in Aug of this year and when I had my annual appointment with urologist I mentioned to him that I had 2 cousins that had PC and the fact that I am a VietNam vet he suggested a biopsy. Just curious if anyone else has had the radiation treatment and how it worked out. I know each individual is different in how they are affected but, would just like to know. Oh! by the way I have had an enlarged prostate for probably 15 or more years and have had prostatitis 3 times.
Had my gold marker seeds inserted about 2 weeks ago and have now had 4 EBRT treatments. I'm also on Lupron for a year. The markers seeds being inserted was not very pleasant, but an essential part of the treatment process. At least I'm worth a little money now. I'll keep you updated as I get more treatments.
Well it has been a year since I started the EBRT and I am no longer on Lupron. I do have some residuals one of which is some urinary leakage and having to pee a lot. Also, my gastro doc tells me I have lost some control of the sphincter muscle which is being controlled by Cholestyramine which is working well so far. When I get the urge to have a bowel movement I need to be headed to the bathroom. If I am away from the house for more than an hour I wear the depends underwear. Also, I believe that I have low testosterone I am going to ask my urologist about it at my next appt in two weeks. Recommend anyone out there that is having fatigue, depression and low sex drive ask their doc about it. Also, just wandering if anyone else has had this issue?
It has been a year since ending the radiation treatment. My residuals from that are frequent urination, some leakage, loss of control of the sphincter muscle. Also, I just had my testosterone levels checked and my total is 158 and my free is 31.6. My urologist told me he does not recommend testosterone treatment. I disagree and will be speaking with my PCP at the VA on Tuesday about it. I am only 70 and I am supposed to have no sex, no energy, be depressed, be irritable have no hair any where on my body and risk breaking bones easily. I don't think so. I know that if you get a recurrence of the cancer you can be treated with ADT. I am willing to take the chance. If there is anyone else out there in a similar situation please reply.
No updates at this time.
Here is my current update. It has been a year and half since my diagnosis and a little over a year since my last radiation treatment. I was on Finistaride and Megastrol until March of this year. My current residuals are some leakage and loss of bowel control due to the radiation. Also, I have lost size in my penis which I can't figure out how that happened I know it happens to some people with surgery. If there is anyone out there is knowledgeable about this condition I would like some info/advice about it.
It has been awhile since my last update. Here is a list of the side effects, loss of sphincter control, urinary incontinence, loss of penis size, no ejaculation. I also have a new urologist, the reason for that is my last one and the one that treated me for the PC thought it was no big deal that about the side effects and said that I was pretty much chemically castrated with the Lupron. I will be getting an updated testosterone check and a free testosterone in Sept. My last PSA was 0.00 which is good. I just don't like the side effects. For those that newly diagnosed make sure you ask your Doc. about the side effects of the Lupron. I myself would not have taken it had known the possible side effects. I also took Finisteride and Megastrol. I would also try and stay away from the Finisteride if possible. Do your research before starting any treatment and also get a second opinion. I have read that they doing studies with the polio germ for treatment of various cancers with PC being one of them. Give some thought too volunteering for study group you could very well get the latest and greatest in treatment methods.
Rick's e-mail address is: rickjr AT bellsouth.net (replace "AT" with "@")
NOTE: Rick has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.
